Wanting to keep bees!

[Tiny]

I have always wanted to keep bees, I now have a place and some time, so here I go! I'm in Southwest Virginia, in the mountains! I know nothing about bees, but am willing to learn. I would appreciate any advice, or suggestions anyone may have.
Thanks. Tim

[melliphile]

Start by picking up a book on beekeeping.  Most beginner books contain the same info.  I went with Richard Bonney, but most any will do.  "Beekeeping for Dummies" was helpful becuase it contained alot of info.  Better yet, Dadant's "The Hive and the Honeybee" or A.I. Root's "The ABC and XYZ of Beekeeping".  They're both consdered "bibles" on the subject.  If you can locate another beekeeper around that would be invaluable, too.  Maybe you area has a beekeepers association.  I learned alot just from browsing catalogs.  Good luck!

[Brian D. Bray]

check out www.beekeepersvoice.com/mentors for a possible experienced beekeeper near you.

[manowar422]

Well if I had to start over again, I would buy 2 Nucs
rather than spending money on package bees.

Your initial expense would be greater, but the bees
will build their stores faster and be able to maintain
their population at higher levels.

I also agree with the other posts, a mentor would be of great value!

BTW, Welcome to the forum

[Michael Bush]

Here's my advice.
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnewbees.htm

Also you may as well start out lazy:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm

http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm