If you're a beginner looking to get into the arena of beekeeping then there are couple of options available to you. Firstly, if you don't want to get too involved but you're keen to enjoy the rewards then you may want to consider offering your garden to a beekeeper as my parents did. We only had a small suburban block with one large pollen-heavy tree which could only support one hive but the bigger your yard and the more mature trees you have on it, the more hives you can store.

The benefit of this option is that you don't have to do any work or invest in any equipment to enjoy a small reward. The beekeeper does it all for you.

However, if you're keen to begin a hobby future in beekeeping there are a few things you need to equip yourself with plan in advance.

Beekeeping equipment that you will need

The first piece of beekeeping equipment that you will require is obviously the hive. The bigger the better as it allows the bee colony to multiply which in turn produces more honey. It would actually make more sense to have one bigger hive than to have 2 smaller ones as each hive requires its own queen and the colonies keep to themselves.

However, the 10-frame Langstroth hive is the most common for home beekeepers as they are easier to move and won't require mechanical equipment to relocate the hive.

The University of Illinois' great article on beekeeping equipment had this to say about the balance between producing a strong colony of bees and the equipment that was needed for it,

Most items designed for this purpose are of little value. Knowledge of bees and the ability to manage them are the two essentials of success with bees. It is the strong colony of bees, properly managed, that makes the honey, not some special piece of hive equipment. Use standard items of equipment to enjoy beekeeping to the fullest extent. If you should want to sell or exchange the equipment, you can do so more easily with conventional hives.

• Bee Smoker This piece of beekeeping equipment is probably the most important tool that a beekeeper would need. With effective use you have complete control over the bees and can then access the hive without any angst from the bees.
• The Hive Tool This is the next piece of equipment you will need. It is a multi-purpose tool that can help open the hive and scrape the honey cells.
• Bee Brush You will need a bee brush to remove any resistant bees from the comb. Brushing them off is safer to your queen that shaking them off as it won't disturb her cell.
• Protective Clothing
  • Gauntlets will cover your hands and arms up to your elbow and allow easy movement with some secure protection from the bees.
  • Long light-coloured clothing when beekeeping you will need to cover yourself from head to foot, especially as a beginner, with light-coloured clothing. Bees are affected adversely to dark colours and dislike fuzzy materials.
  • Bee Veil this consists of a wide-brimmed hat and some netting that will securely sit over your face and won't distract you from what you are doing with the bees.