I live in East TN and I am looking to start bee keeping as a hobby and a healthy garden for the family. I am 100% new to this so any help, guidance or local support is welcome. Glad to be here and look forward to this hobby!!!
Ryan
Hey Ryan, welcome to the forum and especially to beekeeping. You’re in for a lifetime of learning, some frustration, many rewards and a great community.
First thing I recommend is to join your local club. There’ll be experienced beeks to answer your questions. Most clubs run a beginning in bees course, getting you up and running on theory and most importantly, hands on training in the hives. They can also supply your first bees in spring.
Make sure you aren’t one of the small percentage of the population who are dangerously allergic. If you are, you can do a bee venom desensitation course with a medical practitioner. I know of several people who’ve completed the course and now have only minor reactions to stings. You will be stung!
Use the time until spring to learn everything you can, so you are fully prepared for your first colony. Most of all, have fun.
Mike
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