:: Equipment Checklist ::
bee suit
gloves (rubber or leather)
smoker
hive tool (the “j-hook”)
feeding equipment
:: Hive Component Checklist ::
top cover/roof
inner cover
shallow super
queen excluder
frames
brood bodies
bottomboard/floor
:: For your construction of hives ::
hammer (if using nails) or pneumatic nailer (if using compressor)
primer + paint + sealer
:: Bees ::
:: Recommended ::
Join a local beekeepers association/group Register your hives on DriftWatch (https://il.driftwatch.org/)
If you currently do not have any hives, and just can’t wait to get some local honey, then check under Local Harvest’s website: http://www.localharvest.org/
Where we get (some of) our beekeeping supplies: http://www.dadant.com/catalog/index.php
We cannot stress enough to talk to other beekeepers and find a mentor…as well as acquiring many books on bees and beekeeping (don’t forget your library)
Recipes:…
Honey vinaigrette
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
Mason jar or other glass jar with lid
* mix together and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week
(please note: this recipe can be doubled easily)
Honey scrub
A small bowl
11/2 cup of olive oil
1 ¾ cups of pure cane sugar
5 Tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons dried lavender buds (flowers)
1 whole lemon finely grated (optional)
– Mix all ingredients well together in bowl
– store in glass jar with lid in fridge if using lemon, on counter if no lemon