Wednesday, March 18, 2009

My First Step: Join a Club

I went to my first club meeting in March. The Knox County Beekeepers Assochttp://www.kcbaoftn.org/ was my first step in learning about beekeeping hands on. They offered a class in Beekeeping showing the parts of a hive and how the different tools work. They also had a honey tasting table set-up with different types of honey. It was a great place to meet other beekeepers and ask questions. I am looking forward to the next meeting. I also joined the Anderson County Beekeepers Club. Its amazing how many nice folks you can meet at these meetings.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Kits Or Buy-By-The Piece




I have look at a number of beginner kits from various catalogs. They seem to range in prices from less then a hundred dollars to over three-hundred dollars. Also the kits vary in items that are included. To me its rather confusing if one had to choose. Do you start your hive with a deep body or medium, screened bottom board or solid, etc...? I have heard it said that if you asked three beekeepers a question on such you would get four answers. I guess its like everything else you have to learn on your own and then decide. I must say though since joining the Knoxville Beekeepers Club its members have been very helpful. When I ask a number of members a question I always come away with a good answer, something I can take back and think about.


As for buying items a piece at a time you have the choice of what brands and specifics of that item. I would like to have input on what your preference is.

Monday, March 16, 2009

First Things First:

I guess when getting into beekeeping the first thing to consider is location. This is a problem for me. I live on a very small lot, with homes close on each side. Lots of room in the rear but property is on a hill. Size of area for bees would be 22x38. I also would have to build a fence. I have asked around and found a number of people with summer gardens who would love a hive on there property. For me things would be much easier if I had a hive at my location. Have yet to make a decision.