Yearly I meet at the very least one excited new beekeeper who acquired their first beehive as a present. Whereas this will look like a beautiful current to present, it’s truly not a good suggestion to reward a brand new beekeeper a beehive. Learn on to search out out why!

Why Not?

Though the Langstroth hive is commonly thought-about the usual, there may be an ever-growing variety of hive designs to select from. In my view, none of them are particularly suited to new beekeepers. All of them have execs and cons. That stated, there could also be a design that’s higher for a sure particular person primarily based on their local weather, beekeeping targets, and bodily capabilities. When a good friend or member of the family purchases a hive for an aspiring beekeeper, they make an enormous beekeeping resolution for them they usually typically achieve this with out having achieved any analysis. This leaves the brand new beekeeper with a hive design they didn’t select. I’ve had a number of college students through the years on this precise scenario who felt obligated to make use of the hive that was gifted to them, although it didn’t meet their wants as a beekeeper. So, except the beekeeper you’re shopping for for has given particular directions on the hive design they need, it’s possible you’ll need to select one other reward for them.

What to Purchase As an alternative

So, what must you give to a brand new beekeeper to help their thrilling new journey into the world of beekeeping?

Training

My primary choose can be schooling. There’s nothing that can serve a brand new beekeeper higher than beekeeping e book, a neighborhood beekeeping class, or perhaps a subscription to beekeeping journal. My favourite how-to beekeeping e book is Storey’s Information to Retaining Honey Bees which works nice with my e book Queenspotting for some further enjoyable. When you’re in San Diego, make sure to try my courses and mentoring alternatives. I even have some on-line courses, however in the event you’re on the lookout for a neighborhood hands-on class attain out to the closest beekeeping membership for suggestions.

Instruments and Protecting Gear

Each beekeeper will want a smoker, a hive device and a bee go well with so it’s protected to buy this stuff. When on the lookout for a bee go well with, select a full physique ventilated go well with which helps maintain beekeepers shielded from stings, however cool on scorching days.

Enjoyable Devices

One other nice reward choice for a brand new beekeeper is a knowledge gathering gadget like Broodminder. This nifty sensor ought to work in most hive designs. It tracks the colony’s temperature, humidity and weight that are all linked to colony well being.

Get Artistic

If you wish to assist make your favourite new beekeeper’s foray into beekeeping much more memorable, how about reserving them a photoshoot with a neighborhood photographer for spring. Wouldn’t it’s nice to have some lovely pictures of them working their new bees?