Project Guide

How-To: Beekeeping for Beginners

Difficulty: Beginner Print

 

Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem, pollinating about 75% of the fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds we eat. Without them, food production and biodiversity would suffer. Beekeeping is a rewarding way to support these essential pollinators while also enjoying fresh honey, beeswax and a flourishing garden. In honor of World Bee Day on May 20th, it’s the perfect time to learn how you can contribute to bee conservation and sustainable practices. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your backyard homestead, starting a hive is easier than you think. With the right equipment, many of which you can find at The Home Depot, you’ll be on your way to creating a thriving colony.

Why Beekeeping Matters

Bees are more than just honey producers – they’re crucial to global food security and biodiversity. Here’s why beekeeping is beneficial:

  • Pollination Power – A single bee can visit thousands of flowers daily, boosting fruit and vegetable production in your garden.
  • Support for Local Ecosystems – By keeping bees, you help sustain local plant life and improve natural habitats.
  • Pure, Local Honey – Home-harvested honey is free of additives and provides natural antioxidants and antibacterial properties.
  • Sustainable Wax and By-Products – Beeswax from your hive can be used for candles, lip balms and natural home products.

1. Learn About Beekeeping

Before you begin, research local beekeeping regulations and best practices. Join a beekeeping club or take an online course to learn about hive care, bee behavior and seasonal maintenance.

2. Gather Your Beekeeping Supplies

You’ll need the right tools and equipment to start your beekeeping journey. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Beehive Kit – A complete hive setup includes boxes, frames and a bottom board.
  • Bees – You can order or buy bees online from a local beekeeper.
  • Beekeeper Suit and Gloves – Protect yourself with a full suit, ventilated jacket and gloves. The Honey Keeper Full Body Beekeeping Suit with Supporting Veil Hood and Goatskin and Cotton Gloves Pair are great options.
  • Hive Tool and Smoker – A hive tool helps pry open frames, while a smoker calms the bees for easier handling.
  • Sugar and Feeder – You may need to provide sugar water as supplemental food when establishing a hive.

Find protective gear, wood for hive stands and storage solutions for your beekeeping supplies at The Home Depot.

3. Choose a Hive Location

Place your hive in a sunny, dry area with good airflow, preferably near flowering plants to provide ample foraging opportunities. For safety, make sure it’s positioned away from high-traffic areas.

4. Install Your Bees

Once your hive is set up, gently introduce the bees to their new home. To support their transition, provide them with sugar water for the first few weeks.

5. Maintain and Monitor Your Hive

Check on your hive every 7–10 days to ensure the queen lays eggs and the colony grows. Look for pests like mites and beetles and provide additional space as the hive expands.

6. Harvest Your Honey

Once the bees have filled the frames with honey and sealed them with wax, it’s time to harvest! Use a honey extractor to collect the golden goodness while leaving enough honey for the bees to sustain themselves.

Support Pollinators with a Bee-Friendly Garden

Enhance your backyard ecosystem by planting bee-friendly flowers like lavender, sunflowers and wildflowers. Find pollinator-friendly plants, gardening tools and soil at The Home Depot.