Talk to your neighbors!! It’s scary and tough, but it’s important to get your neighbors on board in advance.
Read beginner books.
Take our classes.
Get your hive ready – fully assembled and painted.
Locate and set up your hive on the hive stand. Bees need water – think about where they will drink. If you provide a good water source, they won’t be inclined to fly over to your neighbor’s pool or fountains.
Study/rehearse the bee installation method (package or nuc).
Feb-Mar
Get ready.
Get all your stuff, and place the hive on your sturdy hive stand.
Test drive your gear and the smoker.
Arrange for a mentor if you want help with installing your bees.