My wife and I are buzzing with excitement!

[Cctroma]

Hello everyone,

I am not sure if the terrible puns are a requirement but, when in Rome...

My wife and I live in Northern RI, USA and we have been talking about getting into beekeeping for a while. This year we are going to read all we can and get some gear together. We plan to start our first two hives next year.

I think my biggest concern to begin with is placement of my hive. Is full sun required or can ten location have partial shade? I have two acres of cut grass in the back yard and I'm looking to put the hives somewhere along the edge of the cut grass and woods.

[canadiyank]

Welcome, I'm brand-new and know nothing but wanted to welcome you! :)

[tefer2]

Welcome to the forum folks.

[RC]

Full sun is ideal, but a little shade isn't going to hurt anything. It's hard to inspect in full sun, more for the beekeeper that the bees. If you have small hive beetles, by all means , full sun will save you some trouble.
Welcome to the forum and addiction.

[Joe D]

Welcome to the forum, Cctroma.  I'm not sure if you would have SHB's in northern RI.   You will probably need a wind break.  There are lots on here a way farther north than me that could give you a better answer.  You may want to join your local bee club also, they can bee a big help.




Joe

[Cctroma]

Thanks for the invite everyone!

Does more sunlight assist the bees in fighting pests? I haven't read that yet.

[hjon71]

Northern RI is a little far north to worry about Small Hive Beetle issues, So I wouldn't worry too much about full sun. If they can be placed to catch the sun as early as possible on the entrance is something to consider though. The sooner they start flying in the morning the more nectar and pollen they can collect. That is good for spring build up and honey production. Good luck.

[buzzbee]

Full sun will keep the bees flying longer as the hive stays warmer. You can still see small hive beetles up North in river bottom soils. Just not in numbers like you see down South.Late day shade is probably better than keeping them shaded through mid morning.

[Kevin Bentley]

Welcome to the forum!  Jump on in.