Getting Started in Beekeeping: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Starting your first beehive can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming. Here’s a simple step-by-step path to help you begin your beekeeping journey the right way.

1. Join a Local Beekeeping Club

Find a club near you at www.mobees.org/local-clubs. Clubs give you access to mentors, experienced beekeepers, and local knowledge about weather, forage, and management. Beekeeping is regional—what works in Georgia may not work in Missouri. A local mentor can save you from costly mistakes.

2. Attend a Training Class

Every Missouri State Beekeepers Association conference offers beginner-friendly tracks. These sessions cover the basics: bee biology, seasonal hive care, equipment setup, and pest management. A few hours of structured learning can replace months of trial and error.

3. Understand the Costs

Beekeeping requires an upfront investment. Expect expenses for equipment, bees, protective gear, and tools. (See the attached spreadsheet for a sample breakdown.) Starting with two hives can easily run several hundred dollars.

Tip: Talk with your local club before making big purchases. They can point you toward reliable suppliers of woodenware, bees, and gear. Many new beekeepers make the mistake of ordering equipment from online giants like Amazon, only to find it’s low quality or incompatible. Local clubs often know the best sources—and sometimes even arrange group orders to save money.

4. Get the Right Equipment

Start simple. The essentials include:

  • Protective gear (veil or suit) for safety and gloves.
  • Smoker and hive tool to work with your bees.
  • A complete hive setup (boxes, frames, foundation).
    Avoid buying unnecessary gadgets—you’ll learn what’s useful over time.

5. Learn from Reading and Watching

Supplement hands-on learning with good books and videos. Pick up a beginner beekeeping book, follow reliable YouTube channels, and check extension service publications. The goal is to understand bee behavior before you open your hive.

6. Start with Two Hives

If possible, begin with two hives instead of one. This lets you compare colony progress, share resources between hives, and avoid panic if one colony struggles. Two hives make you a better observer and manager.

7. Keep Records and Stay Curious

Take notes after each hive inspection. Record what you see—brood pattern, honey stores, bee temperament. These notes will help you learn your bees’ rhythms and track progress year to year.

8. Stay Connected and Keep Learning

Attend meetings, workshops, and field days. Beekeeping changes with the seasons, and learning alongside others makes it more enjoyable. Experienced beekeepers will tell you: no two years are ever the same!

Beekeeping is a journey, not a checklist. Start small, stay connected to your local beekeeping community, and enjoy the adventure of working with these incredible pollinators.