You can purchase the essentials required to start beekeeping and add items as needed<\/strong>. The pace at which you need to add beekeeping supplies depends on the growth rate of your colonies. Keep ordering and delivery lag times in mind so you are not caught unprepared.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our recommendations in this post assume you use Langstroth hives for beekeeping. In this article<\/a>, we explain why we think the Langstroth hive is the best beehive for a beginner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essential beekeeping starter kits should include a deep hive box with a bottom board, covers, frames, foundation, basic tools, and some protective gear. As your colonies grow, you will need additional hive components and supplies, or you can start with a more complete and more costly beginning beekeeping kit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The beginner beekeeping kit is the one that fits your budget and gets you going. Just keep in mind that there are ongoing costs to beekeeping. The less you spend on a starter kit, the more you may have to spend later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You can buy all the items you need to start a beehive individually. However, you can lower your initial cost of beekeeping with starter kit combinations from suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help you start beekeeping, we sorted our recommended kits into three categories: essential, basic, and deluxe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An essential beehive starter kit contains the minimum amount of equipment and supplies to get started. As a result, these kits are generally the least expensive<\/strong>, but will require additional purchase shortly after your bees arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more money, you can get a basic starter kit. Our basic starter kits will include the same items as an essential kit, plus added equipment such as extra boxes, frames, and foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Deluxe beehive starter kits are the most expensive and generally include all items in a basic kit plus plenty of hive components to get a colony through its first year.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out our series of articles on how to start beekeeping<\/strong><\/a> for more detailed information on hive components, tools, and more.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n At a minimum, a beginning beekeeper kit should have basic hive components and equipment to install your first bee colony, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n See our article about protective beekeeping clothing<\/strong><\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n More complete beehive starter kits may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> In our lists we indicate 10-frame beehive components<\/strong> which is considered “standard.” However, some suppliers also offer starter kits with 8-frame components<\/strong>. We use 8-frame beehive boxes as they are lighter and easier to handle, especially when full of bees and honey.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Optional equipment that may be included in a kit are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being new to beekeeping, you may find smoker fuel helpful, though unnecessary. Once you learn how to light a smoker and keep it smoldering, you will find plenty of free fuel to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beginning guides may be helpful, but light on information. Check our list of recommended books<\/a> instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Entrance feeders are okay, but we prefer top feeders. Top feeders hold more and are less likely to attract invaders to your beehive. However, some top feeders require extra hive bodies to enclose them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Entrance feeders are okay, but we prefer top feeders. Top feeders hold more and are less likely to attract invaders to your beehive. However, some top feeders require extra hive bodies to enclose them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out this feeder pail from BetterBee<\/a>. Or try “baggie” feeding with this spacer from Mann Lake<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
What Is In A Beekeeping Starter Kit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What Equipment Do I Need To Start Beekeeping?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
![\"Baggie](\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/7P5AAdSDQMI\/0.jpg\")