Beekeeping can be a serene, uplifting hobby and a welcomed addition to rural and urban settings alike. Not only do you get the reward of honey, but you help the environment by bolstering bee populations. However, as a beginner, you may struggle to put together a list of all of the tools and equipment you will need to start beekeeping.
Well, in this article, we will discuss some of the most efficient and convenient ways for beginner beekeepers to put together their first apiaries – through beekeeping starter kits.
We will also discuss what should be included in a beekeeping starter kit, the different types of starter kits, and where you will find the top-rated beginner starter kits in 2022.
What essentials should a starter kit contain?
“Beekeeping for Newbies” estimates in this article that you will need approximately $760 as a starting budget to completely set up your first apiary. For this amount, you can afford to choose a hive type and acquire it, order your bees, purchase beekeeping tools, protective gear and other basic tools and supplies in your first year of beekeeping.
However, you do not have to spend this amount when you are just setting up. You can also choose to purchase basics and to add on along the way. You can buy your basics in beekeeping starter kits to make the process easier, more efficient, and cheaper.
Buying a beekeeping starter kit is the easiest way to get into beekeeping. These beginner kits will consist of the key essentials to get your apiary going. At the very least this should include things like a 10-frame deep hive box along with a bottom board; hive tools; outer covers and inner covers; a smoker; protective gear; and 10- frames and foundation.
However, consider that there are many different types of starter kits that contain more components or fewer components, and which vary in price. Consider your budget, as well as the fact that there will be ongoing operating costs to maintain your hive when choosing which kit would best work for you.
Accordingly, there are three main types of beekeeping starter kits: essential starter kits, basic starter kits and deluxe starter kits.
- Essential Starter Kits
These beekeeping starter kits are the least expensive and contain the minimum number of gear and necessities to get your apiary started. These kits consist mainly of key essentials like a hive box along with a bottom board; hive tools; covers; a smoker; protective gear; frames and foundation.
Follow these links to view some of the top-rated essential beekeeping starter kits for 2022:
Mann Lake Bee & Ag Supply Starter Kit (assembled kit)
Hoover Hives Starter Kit (assembled kit)
Dadant Beginner’s Kit (unassembled kit)
Better Bee Beginner’s Kit (assembled kit)
Harvest Lane Honey Beginner Beekeeping Kit (assembled kit)
Busy Bees “N” More Beginner Starter kit
- Basic Starter Kits
If you can afford to spend a little bit more money, you can purchase a basic starter kit. In a basic starter kit, you will receive the same gear as you would in an essential starter kit, with additional equipment like extra frames and boxes.
Basic starter kits may include things like a second deep, 10-frame hive box; maybe one or two medium 10-frame hive boxes; and a full bee suit.
Follow these links to view some of the top-rated basic beekeeping starter kits for 2022:
Mann Lake Bee & Ag Supply pro pollinator kit
Goodland Bee Supply complete beekeepers tool kit
Goodland Bee Supply Double Box Kit
- Deluxe Starter Kits
The deluxe starter kits are the priciest of all the starter kits. They include all the items you would receive in a basic starter kit, with many more hive components and tools to support your bees through their first year.
Deluxe starter kits may include optional gear like smoker fuel, beekeeping guides and entrance feeders.
Follow these links to view some of the top-rated deluxe beekeeping starter kits for 2022:
Mann Lake Bee & Ag Supply Deluxe Starter Kit
BuildaBeehive Deluxe Beehive Starter Kit
Little Giant Deluxe Beginner Starter Kit
BuildaBeehive Gold Standard Beehive Starter Kit
What to look out for when buying your starter kit:
A couple of important things to look out for include whether the design of the hives is sturdy; whether they need to be assembled (as unassembled hives take extra time to put together); and type of beehive. There are many types of beehives, but the recommended hive for beginners is the Langstroth hive. This is due to it being the most used hive globally.
Another recommendation for beginners concerns the foundation for the hive. The recommended choice of foundation for beginners is one made of plastic. However, if you choose to begin beekeeping with a foundation made of wax, you will likely need to buy this separately.
The final recommendation concerns the number of bees a beginner should purchase for his first apiary. Accordingly, experts recommend starting with at least two colonies but not exceeding four. It is important to note that bees are some of the fastest producing livestock, so make sure you do not get caught off guard by this. Plan by keeping a couple of extra hive boxes on hand.
Conclusion:
It can be incredibly costly to begin beekeeping. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to consider ways you can reduce these costs. While you could simply purchase all your beekeeping equipment individually, you can lower your start-up costs as well as save on time by purchasing starter kits instead.
There are three main types of beekeeping starter kits, namely: an essential starter kit, a basic starter kit and a deluxe starter kit. You should consider your budget when deciding which of these types of kits would best work for you and your apiary.
Always remember to account for delivery and operational costs in addition to the cost of your kit. More so, if you purchase an essential starter kit, know that you will likely have to supplement this kit with additional supplies as your colony expands.
We hope that our advice on what to look out for in beginner beekeeping starter kits, as well as links to the top-rated kits in 2022, has aided you in your search!
