Colorful beehives in front of a vibrant yellow canola field with bees flying under a blue sky

What to expect

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Welcome to Homegrown Honeybees: What to Expect Here

by David – beekeeper, homesteader, and guy who talks to bees sometimes

Hey there — and welcome!

Whether you’ve got a hive in your backyard, a dream of one someday, or you just really like honey (no judgment), I’m glad you landed here.

Homegrown Honeybees is my little corner of the internet — a place where I share what I’ve learned (and what I’ve messed up) on this beekeeping journey. I started this site to give people like you — curious beginners, backyard homesteaders, and nature-loving weirdos like myself — a place to learn, laugh, and feel like you’re not alone while figuring all this out.

🐝 So… what kind of stuff will you find here?

Here’s a peek at what’s coming — and what you can expect going forward:

Real Talk About Beekeeping

I’m not here to sell you on some Pinterest-perfect apiary life. I’ll show you the wins and the messes. Sometimes the bees thrive. Sometimes they sting you through your jeans. We’ll talk about both.

You’ll get posts like:

  • “What I Wish I Knew Before I Got Bees”
  • “How to Pick a Hive (Without Losing Your Mind)”
  • “The First Time My Bees Swarmed — and What I Did Wrong”

Beginner-Friendly Guides

If you’re new, you’re in the right place. I’ll break down the stuff that’s usually overcomplicated — without making you feel like you need a degree in entomology.

Coming soon:

  • Starter gear lists (without the fluff)
  • Hive checks 101
  • How to spot problems early (like mites, robbing, or queen drama)

Stories From the Bee Yard

Sometimes I’ll just tell you what happened that day. Maybe I got stung. Maybe a sunflower bloomed taller than my truck. Maybe my daughter helped me bottle honey and spilled half of it in the kitchen. Whatever it is, it’ll be real.

And probably a little sticky.

Seasonal Tips

What to do when. What the bees are doing. What you should probably be doing (but might be behind on — same).

Think:

  • Spring prep and packages
  • Summer swarms
  • Fall feeding
  • Winter survival plans

Some Other Things, Too

If you’re into chickens, gardening, homesteading, or just trying to live a little closer to nature — I’ve got some of that coming too. This whole thing started as a hobby, but it’s grown roots in every part of my life.

If it’s connected to living well and taking care of the land (and the creatures on it), we’ll probably talk about it here.

🙋‍♂️ Who’s this for?

This site’s for:

  • People who want to get into beekeeping but don’t know where to start
  • Backyard hobbyists who love learning by doing
  • Homesteaders trying to balance chickens, bees, family, work, and maybe a donkey or two
  • Anyone who just… loves bees

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to know everything. You just have to care. The rest will come with time — and maybe some trial and error.

🧭 How to follow along

You can:

  • Bookmark the blog and check back often
  • Sign up for updates (soon!)
  • Reach out with questions or your own bee stories
  • Leave a comment and say hi — I actually read them

🐝 Final thoughts (for now)

This isn’t just about bees. It’s about reconnecting. With nature. With rhythm. With your own curiosity.

So take your time. Poke around. Ask questions. And if you decide to bring bees into your life — well, I hope what you find here helps make that journey a little less confusing… and a lot more rewarding.

Thanks for stopping by. The hive’s always open.
– David
Beekeeper. Dad. Sunflower grower. Slightly obsessed with pollen colors.