Hello

[Clatters]

Hello from sunny Buckinghamshire.

I've recently taken the plunge and signed myself up to a beekeeping course, having wanted to keep bees since childhood, which was a long time ago. I've been doing some reading but don't have the confidence to start until I have had some formal instruction. Some of it seems difficult but I enjoy a challenge and the advice offered here looks pretty extensive.

I'm looking forward to learning.

 

[B+.]

I'm looking forward to learning.

That's the best attitude to have because, no matter how much you learn, there is always something new just around the corner.

 

[For want of a better word]

That's the best attitude to have because, no matter how much you learn, there is always something new just around the corner.

And an "EXPERT" telling you that you are wrong....

Good luck

Yeghes da

 

[enrico]

Welcome, please feel free to ask questions before you make mistakes!!! Tis easier for all concerned. Look forward to hearing how you progress.
E

 

[colinc]

And an "EXPERT" telling you that you are wrong....



Good luck



Yeghes da

Or 3 experts, 1 who agrees, one who disagrees and 1 who can’t decide.


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[Clatters]

Thank you for your wonderful welcome. Let the learning begin.

 

[Swarm]

When does the course begin, Clatters?
I would add, go to all the apiary practical sessions and get a good feel for the bees. Be patient and try to obtain a nucleus of local bees, possibly from a mentor/ association member.
An enjoyable, fascinating path you are about to set out on.

 

[TooBee...]

Or 3 experts, 1 who agrees, one who disagrees and 1 who can’t decide.


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Welcome aboard Clatters,

you'll find a ton of useful info. here, it's well worth the 'effort' in gleaning it.


* * *

What do you get when you ask two beekeepers a question, three different answers!

;-)

 

[Clatters]

When does the course begin, Clatters?
I would add, go to all the apiary practical sessions and get a good feel for the bees. Be patient and try to obtain a nucleus of local bees, possibly from a mentor/ association member.
An enjoyable, fascinating path you are about to set out on.

It starts next month and continues until May with ongoing apiary visits, mentorship and club support available. At this stage I wouldn't see myself as being in a position to start at home until I've completed the course. Realistically, would that mean I start in 2019?

 

[Clatters]

Welcome aboard Clatters,

you'll find a ton of useful info. here, it's well worth the 'effort' in gleaning it.


* * *

What do you get when you ask two beekeepers a question, three different answers!

;-)

Thank you.

 

[B+.]

Realistically, would that mean I start in 2019?

Not necessarily Clatters. Most associations have their own apiaries where beginners can get "hands on" experience.
I suggest that you take advice from those located near you on when/where to acquire bees. I'm in Bedfordshire, so not a million miles from you, but, there are people on this forum who live nearer (e.g. Brian Bush lives in Haddenham).

 

[Swarm]

It starts next month and continues until May with ongoing apiary visits, mentorship and club support available. At this stage I wouldn't see myself as being in a position to start at home until I've completed the course. Realistically, would that mean I start in 2019?

The course sounds perfect and finishes at a time when we would expect to find local queens available, usually early June.
Not sure what your members are like with regards supplying beginners but I would like to think that a mentor would have a nucleus to offer you after swarm prevention. That allows you to build them up into a strong, healthy colony going into Winter and in a good year, they might even give you a small harvest.
Do you mean home as in garden? Is it large? Are there neighbours? Consider it carefully, it's lovely to have bees in the garden but they can have off days. Something to discuss with your mentor.

 

[pargyle]

It starts next month and continues until May with ongoing apiary visits, mentorship and club support available. At this stage I wouldn't see myself as being in a position to start at home until I've completed the course. Realistically, would that mean I start in 2019?

Like many things in beekeeping - it's what you feel is right for you. People have different ways of learning ... some jump in and learn as they go .. some jump in and never learn .. some take a more measured approach and prosper ... some take a more measured approach and never get the hang of it.

You won't really know until you've had some bees for a year or two whether you really like it or have the necessary commitment. There's nothing difficult about keeping bees ... plenty of challenges and a lot of head scratching at times - those who continue after a couple of years tend to be beekeepers for life.

Good luck with your forthcoming adventure .. we all wish you success on here and it's a great place for advice when it all goes pear shaped ! (And it will ....anyone who keeps bees has been there !)

 

[Clatters]

Thanks to everyone for their comments. I was advised by a former beekeeper that my garden would be suitable but I'll certainly seek a 2nd and 3rd opinion from the source mentioned.

 

[MartinL]

I was advised by a former beekeeper that my garden would be suitable.

What was the advice from your neighbours??

 

[pargyle]

Thanks to everyone for their comments. I was advised by a former beekeeper that my garden would be suitable but I'll certainly seek a 2nd and 3rd opinion from the source mentioned.

My bees are in my garden ... but ... the term BEELINE is there because that's what honey bees do ..they fly in straight lines - so, you need to be sure that you site your hives so that they:

A) have to fly up in the air before they go on their way.
B) whatever is in their way when they come out of the hive is high enough to get them well above human head height.
C) that you don't site them too close to your neighbours gardens.

Plenty of threads on here about bees and neighbours - good, bad and downright ugly in some cases ... upset your neighbours with your bees and your life will be a misery. Every gnat's bite or any insect sting they, their family or friends, get will be YOUR bee's fault - and they will ALL be allergic to bee stings ...

And lets not even think about swarms that take up residence in your neighbours property ...

 

[colinc]

Just re read the thread and forget the important bit -

Welcome

- I also have garden bees and am happy to share tips and advice if needed. Feel free to PM if you don’t want it open to the forum.


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[Clatters]

What was the advice from your neighbours??

They're about half a mile away, so I haven't discussed it with them. Presumably my mentor will explain whether or not there is a need to do so.

 

[Clatters]

Once again, thank you for your replies and your offers of help. I feel as though I am in safe hands and have somewhere to turn to. This conversation has fired my enthusiasm all the more.

 

[colinc]

It’s a great hobby and half a mile should be safe. Give yourself as much room from the house as you can too in case you get a hive with followers, and source the calmest kindest bees you can.
Murphy’s law says that some of your bees will go rogue at some point. Do not tolerate bad behaviour in your garden, your family and/or friends will hate you for it if you do.


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