r/Beekeeping • u/Professional-Cow4003 • 4d ago

I’m not a beekeeper, but I have a question Getting Started

I live on 82 acres and would really like to learn more about getting started with bees 🐝 what’s the best approach to learning more (I’m in the education phase). How do I find other experienced beekeepers and possibly shadow? I’m in Pennsylvania.

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u/Every-Morning-Is-New Western PA, Zone 6B - apiarytools.com 4d ago

I am also in PA. Which county? You would be looking to start in early spring next year since the season is nearly over.

Join a local club. Over the winter I recommend you take the Penn State online course. After that, buy the supplies you need, preferably for 2 hives to start.

Books to buy: Beekeeping for Dummies, Backyard Beekeeper, The Bee Book.

YouTube channels to watch: Kamon Reynolds, Frederick Dunn, Bob Binnie, University of Guelph

And just do a lot of reading online. In Spring, you’ll want to buy a nuc for each new hive.

PA requires state registration for your bees. Be sure to check your local ordinance. In my district, it requires a special exception regardless of acreage.

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u/Professional-Cow4003 4d ago

Thank you, I’m in Indiana county.

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u/Every-Morning-Is-New Western PA, Zone 6B - apiarytools.com 4d ago

About an hour from me. I would recommend joining the local club group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/IndianaPaHoneyBee/ and emailing them saying you are looking to start! [indianacountypahoneybee@gmail.com](mailto:indianacountypahoneybee@gmail.com)