Homestead How-To The Basics of Beekeeping
Starting A Backyard Beekeeping Adventure
Why Small-Scale Beekeeping is Rewarding For Your Garden & Soul
By Kristina Guidroz, Guidroz Family Farm LLC
We did several years of research before getting into beekeeping. While I’ m a big believer in research before jumping in, I’ m also here to give you some beginner guidance on your journey! I’ ll give you tips, tricks and resources to get you started with these amazing insects.
Not only are bees one of the most well-known pollinators on the planet, but the benefits that they bring to your gardens and orchards are unmatched. That doesn ' t even begin to touch on the liquid gold that those tiny little bees provide us with; the health benefits of honey alone are enough of a reason to give these gals( and a few guys) a place on your farm or homestead.
Collecting Research
We’ ve had bees on our property for four years now, and it’ s been an adventure from the start. In doing your research, you’ ll find a lot of information about mentors and acquiring your first bees. If you can find a mentor or a local beekeeping club, then they will be a fantastic resource. Don’ t be discouraged if you can’ t; we ' re completely self-taught beekeepers!
The information is available in books and online. Since you might be in the research stage, I’ ll share some of our personal favorite educational materials. As someone who loves to hold a printed book in hand, I enjoyed“ Beekeeping for Dummies” by Howland Blackiston and“ The Beekeeper’ s Bible” by Richard Jones and Sharon Sweeney-Lynch.
Another valuable free resource is YouTube. There is a wealth of amazing beekeepers who share their knowledge with the rest of us! We spent hours watching creators teaching everything from set-up and general
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