hello all, first post here.
10 days or so ago, we had a swarm rest on the doors at my workplace. It rekindled an interest in bees that I've held for several years now. A local keeper came and took the majority of them but after a weekend, many remained and despite my pleas, they were exterminated.
At that time, I wished I could've taken them 'home' and given them a chance to thrive in the backyard. Since then, I've been reading about bees and beekeeping, found beesource several days ago... I'm entertaining the idea of beekeeping.
My backyard is somewhat 'natural'; what the neighbors might call a mess. but that's how I like it.. We have all manner of wildlife that enjoys the yard. We have plenty of sun and shaded area which is sunny during the AM that I think would be a suitable place for a hive. In fact, during the years I have lived here, there have been a couple of wild nests in the yard under the trees which have done their thing and never bothered us.
This, by way of background leads me to my question for you. Is it too late to start this year? I am in SC and this last few weeks has seen the end of what for us has been a long winter (though nothing in comparison to other states, I'm sure).
I know I should be able to get a 3# package and queen up til mid-may. Is this too late for SE USA? I can probably have the hive ready within 2 weeks. I'm considering an 8 frame or maybe extending a 5 frame nuc type.
Thanks
jp
10 days or so ago, we had a swarm rest on the doors at my workplace. It rekindled an interest in bees that I've held for several years now. A local keeper came and took the majority of them but after a weekend, many remained and despite my pleas, they were exterminated.
At that time, I wished I could've taken them 'home' and given them a chance to thrive in the backyard. Since then, I've been reading about bees and beekeeping, found beesource several days ago... I'm entertaining the idea of beekeeping.
My backyard is somewhat 'natural'; what the neighbors might call a mess. but that's how I like it.. We have all manner of wildlife that enjoys the yard. We have plenty of sun and shaded area which is sunny during the AM that I think would be a suitable place for a hive. In fact, during the years I have lived here, there have been a couple of wild nests in the yard under the trees which have done their thing and never bothered us.
This, by way of background leads me to my question for you. Is it too late to start this year? I am in SC and this last few weeks has seen the end of what for us has been a long winter (though nothing in comparison to other states, I'm sure).
I know I should be able to get a 3# package and queen up til mid-may. Is this too late for SE USA? I can probably have the hive ready within 2 weeks. I'm considering an 8 frame or maybe extending a 5 frame nuc type.
Thanks
jp
