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I've signed up for a beekeeping course in May. I'm thrilled and can't wait. but I wonder what is the best time to get started with bees? I thought it was earlier in the spring, but this course doesn't finish until 27th may. Should I wait until I have the know how and then get some bees even though it's not the ideal time of year? Or should I jump in the deep end and learn what to do as I go along?

Hi Chickpea, It's aways a good time to start keeping Bees!

Will it be the practical part of a course your doing, as many clubs are doing begginers courses now,a good time to learn some of the theory, before the start of the active season.
Before buying loads of equipment it's a good idea to see how you react to stings as they are inevitable. Many people buy all the gear and bees and then find they don't like being stung and pack it in.
May would be a good time to buy a Nucleus hive (5 or 6 frames of bees in small hive) as many Beekeepers have them for sale about this time.It's a good way to start because a Nuc has fewer Bees and by the time its built up in strength you sould be more confident in handlig Bees, Its quite daunting opening up a full Hive of 50/60000 Bees when just begining.
You could maybe buy some secondhand equipment from your local association members to get you started, but make sure it's been scorched inside with a blowlamp to kill off any nasties.
A book to be reading in the meantime is "A Guide to Bees and Honey" by Ted Hooper It's a very good book by a very good beekeeper, and is a good read.

Hope this is of use, and you you start this facinating pastime. If i can be of anymore help just ask Regards beekeeper

Oooooooooops

oooh, i'd love to keep bees.
Keep us informed about how it goes!

me and a friend are starting a course in March too, it runs for a season and the hives are kept at a single location where the course is run and they loan you everything for the duration of the season, so apart from the £6 a week there is no other financial commitment. If you like it they can then point you in the right direction to get your stuff- I'm really looking forward to it! I'm reading everything I can about bees but I don't want to appear a swot! It run buy the local beekeepers association so they should know their stuff. Hope you enjoy the course too Chickpea-maybe we can help each other with homework!

kind thoughts
Deb

Ina and I were supposed to start a beekeeping course last week as well .. Ina made it, my car broke down, but I shall be going this week.

The book I mentioned by Ted Hooper, two copies are up for aucion at the moment on ebay if anyones interested, item numbers 220070994942, and 140076778235.

regards Beekeeper

Hi Beekeeper,

As you can tell from my nick, I'm in Lincs, too, and am very interested in starting beekeeping in the next couple of years.

Is there anywhere in this county that does courses you know of?

I was pretty impossible to kick out of the apiarists' marquee at the Lincs. Show last year, and between that and the Chicken Marquee, I was a lost cause. This year is Chicken Year, but once I'm confident with big livestock, I'd love to look at beekeeping.

Of course, I've never actually been stung by a bee (wasps, yes, bees, no) so I could be one of those wussy people you mention

Lincolnshirelass wrote:Is there anywhere in this county that does courses you know of?

I happened to see this one run by Lili the other day, but I know nothing about bees, so other people may be able to recommend others.

Hi Lincolnshirelass, Yes there are starter courses run by LBKA, you could give Thornes at Wragby a ring they will have details of where and when.Tel.01673 858555. There is also the annual beekeeping equipment auction on March 31st at the Lincs Show Ground. This is a good chance to meet other 'keepers and buy either live Bees or equipment.

Hope this is of help, bit short of time at the mo, must dash to work.Let me know if you need anymore info.
Regards Beekeeper