Setting up for Success

​Location: 

1. Choose a location for your hive that offers at least several hours of sun each day, as well as sufficient room for you to stand next to or behind it when working with the hive. 
2. Prepare a hive stand to raise the hive up at least 1-1.5 ft off the ground - there are many hive stand options, both ready-made and DIY.
3. Be sure to set up your hive stand in the chosen location prior to pickup, so you can easily set up your hive as soon as you bring it home.   

 
Equipment:
We recommend that you purchase and prepare the following before picking up your beehive:

• Beekeeping suit or jacket
• Beekeeping gloves
• Smoker and smoker fuel/material 
• Hive tool
• Hive brush

 
We have new hive equipment available if you’d like to purchase from us when you pick up the hive – let us know and we will send you a price list ahead of time.
 
Education & Resources:
In the meantime, it is also worthwhile to see if a local beekeeping association offers beginning beekeeper classes.  Here are a few clubs in our region that offer great courses and resources:

• Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild: https://phillybeekeepers.org/resources/beekeeping-classes/
• Montgomery County Beekeepers Association: https://montcopabees.org/New-Beekeepers
• Chester County Beekeepers Association: https://www.chescobees.org/
• Bucks County Beekeepers Association: http://www.bucksbeekeepers.com/
• New Jersey Beekeepers Association: https://www.njbeekeepers.org/Education.htm

   
Feel free to let us know if you have any questions!  springhoneybees@gmail.com