Things I’d Do Differently as a First-Year Beekeeper
In my last post, I wrote about what I’d do again if we repeated our first year of beekeeping. This one is about what I’d change. Because many of the choices we made worked well, this list is shorter—and more specific. As with that earlier post, the year isn’t fully over until spring, so there may still be lessons ahead. But looking back now, these are the changes that stand out.
1. Start with one hive type
There are many hive styles and management approaches, and I’m still interested in exploring others. But in a first year, I wish I had stuck to the most common setup in North America: the Langstroth hive. Most clubs, mentors, speakers, and learning resources assume you’re using Langstroth equipment. Starting there would have made in-person learning easier and reduced my reliance on online forums and workarounds.
2. Skip Flow Hives (at least at first)
This builds on the first point. The biggest reason I wouldn’t start with Flow Hives again is cost. I assumed two hives would be our limit, which made the price feel justifiable. That assumption didn’t hold. Beyond cost, Flow frames aren’t interchangeable with standard equipment and need to be removed for winter in our climate. I’m not ruling them out long term, but I’d want another full season before doing a real comparison.
3. Choose first-year queens instead of overwintered ones
When buying nucs, I chose overwintered queens so I could start earlier in the season. That worked—but the colonies built up fast and became swarm-prone. In hindsight, first-year queens might have provided a more gradual buildup and fewer swarm pressures in a first season when everything else was new.
4. Learn more about swarming—and plan for it
Both of my original colonies developed swarm cells by mid-June, and I wasn’t ready. I assumed the bees would be too busy drawing comb and building stores to think about swarming. Instead, limited space, feeding, and a strong nectar flow led to congestion and panic inspections on my part.
I ended up splitting one hive quickly and managing the other by cutting queen cells—neither approach went smoothly. The lesson: assume swarming is possible and decide in advance how you’ll respond. Will you keep a split? Try to catch the swarm? Give away extras? Having a plan matters.
5. Be more cautious with feeding
I fed 1:1 sugar syrup in spring to support comb building, which is widely recommended. But feeding coincided with an active nectar flow and a few cold days that kept bees inside. The result was rapid backfilling of brood space and increased swarm pressure. Feeding isn’t wrong, but timing and context matter. Long term, my goal is to rely less on feeding and more on leaving adequate stores—though I know that takes experience.
6. Simplify equipment choices
In my first year, I tried a few different box sizes and configurations. While none were disastrous, they added complexity when I was still learning basics. Standardizing equipment earlier would have reduced decision fatigue and made inspections and management more straightforward.
7. Delay non-essential upgrades
It’s easy to buy tools, gadgets, mite treatments, and accessories early on, especially when you’re excited and trying to do things “right.” Some were useful; others could have waited. If I did it again, I’d stick to the basics (except my temperature sensors, I love them) for the first season and add tools only when a clear need emerged.
8. Accept that timing won’t be perfect
Some inspections happened too late in the day. Others were rushed. A few should have waited. Beekeeping doesn’t always fit neatly into family schedules, weather windows, or work calendars. Accepting imperfect timing earlier would have reduced stress—and probably helped the bees, too.
9. Set clearer boundaries around information intake
The volume of beekeeping advice available online is overwhelming. I often found myself second-guessing decisions after reading conflicting opinions. Next time, I’d rely more heavily on a smaller set of trusted sources—mentor, club, and a few books—and use the internet more selectively.
10. Worry less
I’m analytical by nature, and it’s hard not to overthink. I’ve learned that beekeeping really is both a science and an art. The research matters, but so does developing confidence in your own observations and decisions. I don’t think this tendency disappears entirely, but with experience, I expect it will soften.
Closing thoughts
If the first post was about what worked, this one is about refinement. None of these changes negate the success of our first year—they simply reflect what experience adds. Beekeeping has a way of teaching lessons only after you’ve lived through them. My hope is that writing them down now makes the next season a little calmer, a little clearer, and a little more intentional.
