1. Start by reading about bees and beekeeping. Some suggested books are:
2. Subscribe to Bee Culture Magazine, the American Bee Journal, or 2,000 Blossoms
3. Send for some bee supply catalogs and familiarize yourself with the equipment and supplies that they sell. Be aware that many of the gadgets sold are not needed for your first year of beekeeping. Some equipment suppliers:
4. Take a beekeeping class and join your local club.
Attend virtual workshops and education sessions
5. Join SABA and become a "mentee" by completing Mentee Application. Please be sure to read and understand the mentee requirements Mentee guidelines . If you are interested in becoming a mentor please read the following Mentor guidelines. (Please note: Our Mentor program is available to SABA members. Login required.)
- Spend a season working with your mentor
- Attend the summer workshops
- Attend the SABA club meetings.
- Those who currently have bees or have bees on order will be given priority for a mentor ahead of those who do not have bees or have bees ordered.
6. In fall or early winter, order your first bees.
7. Spend your winter building and prepping your equipment so it is ready for your bees in the spring when your bees are picked up.
8. In the spring (roughly around dandelion bloom) pick up your first bees and install in your prepared equipment.
9. Continue your mentor relationship as you go through your first season with your own bees.
- Ask the questions you can't figure out and use your mentor as a resource to improve your beekeeping skills.