What do you think

[twgreen3]

Hello everyone, as you can tell I am new here and even newer at beekeeping. I have been doing a lot of reading and now know enough to be dangerous. I primary goal is to start a hive in my small suburban yard to help my garden, which this year did not germinate well. I really don't need anything big ( I have neighbors close by and don't want to make anyone to mad.) I have always been somewhat interested in this hobby and now have a excuse to get started.
I have been looking for a starter kit and have come up with a few different options but this one seem to be the best. http://www.betterbee.com/products.asp?dept=1621 (http://http://www.betterbee.com/products.asp?dept=1621)
Your opinions would be greatly appreciated and any other suggestions would also help. I also can't seem to find anywhere to order bees online. If someone has any sites that sell them I would also appreciate that so that I can order them to be here around April. Thanks for all the help and I am sure I will be posting pretty frequently with questions.

[RayMarler]

I'm sure there are many people in here on the forums that you can get bees from, check out the for sale forum. Check with BjornBee, I know he sells queens, not sure about bulk bees, and he is a member in here. Check out this place for getting bees, I really am happy with his carniolan queens... http://www.ohbees.com

Bee sure to check out Michael Bush's website at http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm
He has a wealth of info on beekeeping

Bee sure to read up on beekeeping.
First Lessons in Beekeeping by Dadant publications
The Hive and the Honeybee by Dadant publications
and anything else you can read.

Join a local beekeeping club in your area

Talk to local beekeepers in your area, see if they would let you help them with their hive management, you'll gain tons of experience from that.

Waiting until spring is a good idea for getting your bees. Bee sure to get at least one extra hive box for helping with your hive management.

Good luck to you and welcome to the forums here!

[Hambone]

Welcome.

Here is a new thread/forum that is good. Please let us know any questions you may have.

http://www.beesource.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=275

I don't know about the starter kits. Before I bought one I would search here about the frames, foundation, ect.. that comes with it. If you are getting ready for next spring. Now is the time to buy supply's. Go ahead and get a smoker, hive tool, suit. But read up about boxes, frames, and foundation.

[Michael Bush]

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnewbees.htm

[indypartridge]

As Ray said, get involved with a local club. Clubs are good places to find a mentor. There are a number of clubs in your area:
http://www.michiganbees.org/whoswho.htm
http://www.sembabees.org/
Check into the beginning beekeeping classes they offer. Get connected with some local beekeepers and talk to them about where to get bees. You're best bet is to get a nuc of locally raised bees.

[mazin]

Try Groeb Farm, 517-467-2065, iresh hills.They are about 1 1/2 hour drive from where you at. I usually get my package from them.
they start taken order Some time in January each year for delivery at the end of April.
good luck
mazin

[Ben Brewcat]

Welcome to beekeeping and to Beesource! Ask lots of questions here. Read your books. Get a mentor. And a terminology note: germination in your garden is all about seed quality, sowing technique, and gentle even watering. Bees will enthusiastically pollinate and increase fruit set.

My $.02 would be to start with all medium boxes; Michael Bush's site has all the good reasons. If you can, start with two hives. It helps a lot to have something to compare to, and you can poach brood or eggs or stores from one to aid the other if needed. But many of us, myself included, started with one package. If you possibly can go to a club meeting or two, you may be able to actually look at some protective gear and doodads like hive tools so you can buy ones you think will work.

If you possibly can, work the bees without gloves the first year. A starting, growing colony is a pleasure to work. Learn to trust your bees and how to move when you're working the colony. You'll be surprised at how infrequently you get stung, and you'll prevent a lifelong dependence on gloves (meaning you'll have them but you'll use them only when you actually need them).

Mostly have fun, listen to your bees, and have a little more fun :).

[Scut Farkas]

Read up on Abbe Warre hives.