https://www.hopeandharvestmn.com/beekeeping-guides/Recent content in Beekeeping guides on Hope and Harvest LLCHugoen-usFri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0500https://www.hopeandharvestmn.com/beekeeping-guides/first-hive/Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0500https://www.hopeandharvestmn.com/beekeeping-guides/first-hive/<p>This is our <strong>starter checklist</strong> for beekeepers who are getting their <strong>first colony</strong> (nuc or package). Exact brands and details vary; use this as a framework and adjust with your mentor or supplier. There are many items various beekeepers may recommend, and many other things we have tried; fewer are things we use regularly. The goal of this page is to list what we consider the bare minimum to get started.</p>https://www.hopeandharvestmn.com/beekeeping-guides/queen_less/Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0500https://www.hopeandharvestmn.com/beekeeping-guides/queen_less/<p>If during a hive inspection you suspect the hive may be <strong>queen less</strong>, this guide can help with <strong>deciding what to do next</strong>. Though a hive cannot survive without a <strong>queen</strong>, bees are fairly <strong>resilient</strong> and can often fix the situation on their own. <strong>Sometimes</strong> the best action is simply to wait and let the hive recover.</p> <p><img src="https://www.hopeandharvestmn.com/images/queen_less_decision_map.png" alt="Queen less decision diagram"></p> <h2 id="step-1">1. Check for signs of a queen</h2> <p>Whatever made you think the <strong>queen</strong> is gone, the first step is to confirm whether the hive is truly <strong>queen less</strong>. Not finding the <strong>queen</strong> during an inspection is normal. She can hide even from experienced beekeepers. Look for <strong>evidence of a queen</strong> rather than hunting for her.</p>