Everything You Need to Know to Start Your First Hive — From a Family Who’s Been There
There’s something special about beekeeping.
It connects you to nature in a way most people never get to experience. It slows you down. Teaches you patience. And gives you a front-row seat to one of the most fascinating ecosystems on Earth — the hive.
But if you’re just starting out, it can also feel overwhelming. What kind of hive should you get? Where do you even buy bees? How do you keep them healthy without chemicals? And most importantly — how do you know if you're doing it right?
That’s exactly why we created this guide — and why we do what we do.
Homers Honeybee isn’t just a business. We’re a family of beekeepers who started with one hive in the backyard and built a life around helping others do the same. We’ve mentored hundreds of beginners, made our fair share of mistakes, and learned what it really takes to raise bees naturally, sustainably, and successfully.
Whether you're dreaming of harvesting your own honey, helping pollinate your garden, or just want to do your part to protect the bees — this guide will give you the foundation to get started with confidence.
👉 Keep Scrolling For Our Free Beginner's Beekeeping eBook
Inside, we walk you through:
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The basic tools and equipment you need (and what you don’t)
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How to choose and set up your first hive
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Where to get your bees and how to install them
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Natural methods for keeping your colony strong and healthy
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Common beginner mistakes — and how to avoid them
This is the guide we wish we had when we were just getting started.
We believe anyone can become a great beekeeper — you just need the right guidance and a little support along the way.