Hi, my 16 year old son and I just drug home 2 hives of bees from a lady whose husband was big into bees but just got sent up for 15 years. It was a "got to do it now" situation, and now that I have had time to read up on the subject I realize that it might not have been the smartest thing to do. We will have to cross our fingers and hope. The guy pretty much walked away from everything last summer, the hives still had supers on them.
We go a lot of equipment for reasonable prices, including a beat up copy of "Beekeeping for Dummies".
We live on thirty acres in Iowa backed up onto a state park with a lot of prairie in it, so I am hoping for some good honey. I am also hoping my cherry trees will set more that four cherries this year.
Sounds like you're in a great place for bees, welcome to the forum.
sometimes jumping in is the best way. don't get overwhelmed with the small stuff. read up on doing hive inspections and spring care. ask all the questions you want. we'll try to help you out.
Welcome to Beemaster! And congratulations on entering the fascinating world of the honeybee. See if you can find a local club or mentor that can help you in person.
Try not to be overwhelmed by it all, take small steps and simply enjoy your new hobby.
Sounds like your bees should do well in your area.
...JP
Good deal greenbtree. Any time that you can keep teenagers busy outdoors, away from just TV and video games and can benefit your family and your environment, it is a win, win. Good luck this season !
Greenbtree, welcome to our forum, that is good that you found us. You have obtained something wonderful and you will do something wonderful with it. You will soon see how deeply you will love the bees, how they will hold you beneath their spell, in a beautiful little world they live within. Your cherry trees should bear more fruit, that is wonderful. Stick around, we love new members, we are here to help you out too, any questions you need to know, ask, use the forum for searching topics that can help you out. Read lots, study, you will be surprised at how much you will learn quickly. Good luck and have that most wonderful and beautiful day, with that same health, Cindi