Beekeepers corner

I love how @Future added the grow more food topic so I was wondering if anyone on this site are beekeepers. I’ve been researching a lot on YouTube and before I jump into anything where I accidentally kill a bunch of bees, I’d like to learn first hand from someone experienced. One thing I keep seeing is to make friends with other beekeepers in your area. I’m crossing my fingers this post links me and others with beekeepers nearby so I’m starting this topic for anyone else who wants to start beekeeping like me. Post anything bees here and meet up with fellow beekeepers near you. If you live near Seaside California, hit me up. Let’s smoke and talk bees.

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im kinda shocked you dont have responses

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Congrats on starting your journey with bees! They really are pretty spectacular! I’m a state away, but beekeeping isn’t that much different here (aside from actually having seasons and real cold).

I’d suggest picking up this book:

My wife is part of a program to earn her master beekeeper certification through OSU. COVD fucked it all up with the program, and just before the lock down, her trainer (beekeeper of more than 40 years) developed an allergy and was no longer able to continue beekeeping, meaning she needed to find another mentor.

I’d look at the universities and colleges near you. I’m sure one of them has a program which will connect you to the local beekeeping community. You really want a mentor. You’ll have issues and questions that need answering, guaranteed. You want someone with local experience to ensure you don’t accidentally kill you bees (or have something preventable take your bees out).

Watch out for wasps, as they can take a hive out pretty quickly! And get ready to have your beekeeping suit reek of propolis. Don’t cheap out on gear, either. I’ll ask my wife if she has any other suggestions and let you know.

Oh yeah, and @thumper, the post was made at midnight. Can’t expect immediate responses in the middle of the night. :man_shrugging:

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I really appreciate the info. A mentor is exactly what I need. Thanks for the suggestions on where to start and I’m looking for the bee book now.

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I only beek by osmosis. My girlfriend’s family has from 100 to 300 hives, depending on the year. I have learned a lot about the topic from them.

This is the guy they learned from:

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Get your vegetable seeds ordered asap. Here are some sources:

https://hudsonvalleyseed.com/ - east coast

https://www.marysheirloomseeds.com - west coast

#growymorefood

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https://www.morgancountyseeds.com/

I order a lot from this company. They are in rural western Missouri and have a lot of Amish customers. Selection can be limited, and shipping can be slow at peak times, but I have not found anyone who beats them on price.

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