How to Start Your Own Beehive

Whether you have a small backyard or acres of land, beekeeping can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. If you’re a budding beekeeper, there are a few things you should consider and do before you start your buzzing empire.

Timing is Everything

Buying and assembling your hive should start in the fall or winter. Give yourself time to learn how to put yours together. Then, order your bees in February or March for an April delivery.

Climate is Important

Depending on where you live in the Pacific Northwest can determine when you should establish your colony. The higher the elevation or colder the climate, the later into spring you may need to wait. When you order your bees, you’ll be given an estimated window for the best delivery date.

Is Your City Bee Friendly?

Check with your local city or county for bee regulations in your area. Some places restrict beekeeping to larger acreages instead of small subdivisions. Search for “apiary restrictions” and your city, state for regulations or necessary permits.

Find a Local Group

In Oregon visit the Oregon State Beekeepers Association at orsba.org. In Washington, one of the best sources for advice and other information is Puget Sound Bees, which has plenty of links and information at pugetsoundbees.org.

Choosing Your Hive

When you’re starting out, it’s good to start small. Get your footing with one hive, especially if this will essentially be a hobby and not a moneymaking opportunity.

There are two ways you can go with your hive.

Starter Kits: There are plenty of small starter kits out there that include everything you’ll need for your first colony. While some are expandable and can be added to other hives, many are not. This means once your colony outgrows your starter kit, they may swarm and leave.

Individual Components: Whether you choose an assembled or unassembled hive, there are plenty of parts that you’ll need in order to give your bees a proper home. Make sure you pick the right size and number of frames, as well as the foundations. These are the plastic or wax-covered sheets where bees create their comb. You’ll want thin sheets on the outside of the boxes and thicker foundations with crimped wire for extra support and protection in the middle.

Bee Friendly

Bees will travel miles to collect what they need, which means you may want to tell your immediate neighbors about your colony of bees. Coastal Tip:  you’d be surprised how fears quickly disappear when you offer to share in the honey.

Bee Ready for Spring at Coastal

Pre-order your bees at any Coastal store location by March 31, 2023. Delivery is scheduled approximately between April 15 – May 5, 2023, weather permitting. If you don’t pre-order, we cannot guarantee bee availability.

Bringing Bees to Your Property

Even if you don’t have a hive, there are things you can do in your own backyard to encourage bees in your area.

• Avoid using bee-killing pesticides in your garden and on your lawn.
• Plant pollen-rich plants that are good sources of nectar and pollen.
• Create water sources for bees, such as fountains and birdbaths.