creating pollinator-friendly gardens using native plants, minimizing pesticide use, and even building habitats to support wild bee populations. You can also find pollinator gardens at places like Neel’ s Landing in Kingston, Red Top Middle School in Emerson, and Georgia Highlands College and Friendship Plaza in Cartersville that are sponsored by organizations like the UGA Cooperative Extension and the Georgia Master Gardeners Association. These grassroots efforts are already making a lasting difference.
While colony losses remain high, especially during winter months, there is a silver lining: Bee colony reproduction rates have increased. According to the USDA, managed colonies in the U. S. have risen slightly over the past decade thanks to intensive queen breeding and hive-splitting practices. It’ s a hopeful reminder that with care and coordination, bee populations can recover.
If you’ ve ever considered taking up beekeeping, now may be the perfect time. It’ s a fascinating, enjoyable, and rewarding hobby that allows you to constantly learn and grow. Getting started doesn’ t have to be overwhelming, and with the correct information and tools, anyone with even a small backyard
“ With some luck, your beekeeping journey could begin at little to no cost.”
RESOURCES Georgia Beekeepers Association: gabeekeeping. com
University of Georgia Bee Program: bees. caes. uga. edu
can raise bees. The contemporary era continues to generate a wealth of new knowledge and research for anyone interested in beekeeping( see Resources sidebar below).
So, what does it cost to get started in beekeeping? The answer varies. For the resourceful DIY enthusiast, the start-up cost can be surprisingly low or even free. With a bit of patience and preparation, you can build a simple swarm trap and wait for wild bees to seek a new home in the spring. With some luck, your beekeeping journey could begin at little to no cost.
For those preferring to purchase bees and equipment, a typical initial investment is around $ 500 per hive. This generally includes essential items such as a hive box, smoker, hive tool, protective clothing, and, of course, the bees themselves. In 2025, a standard bee package, which includes a mated queen and approximately three pounds of worker bees, costs around $ 135. Alternatively, a nucleus colony, or“ nuc,” which is a small, established hive ready for transfer, typically costs between $ 160 and $ 200. Fortunately, many local suppliers and experienced beekeepers are eager to share their knowledge and help newcomers take their first steps into the world of beekeeping.
A good number of hives to start with is two. This enables new beekeepers to compare the health and behavior of their colonies. If one colony is struggling, you can often strengthen it with brood( eggs, larvae, and pupae) or other resources from the healthier hive. Managing multiple hives also makes you more observant and better prepared to handle common beekeeping challenges.
Two popular books on bees: Honeybee Democracy and Following the Wild Bees, by Thomas D. Seeley
What about getting stung? It’ s the most common concern for new beekeepers. But with proper handling, the risk is minimal. Honeybees are naturally docile and generally only sting when they feel threatened or are defending their hive. As you gain experience, you learn to work with your bees under favorable conditions: warm, calm days when most workers are out foraging and the hive is less crowded.
In contrast, bees tend to be more irritable during cold, rainy, or windy weather or during early mornings and late evenings when the hive is full of idle bees. The key to safe beekeeping lies in moving slowly and deliberately, avoiding sudden motions, and treating your bees with respect. Just last week, on a sunny afternoon with temperatures around 75 degrees, I inspected 10 hives between 1 and 2 p. m. without a single sting, wearing only a veil( protective head covering) and long sleeves. Most experienced beekeepers rely on a veil and gloves and take pride in learning the gentle rhythm of hive management.
Whether you’ re in Calhoun, Rome, or any of the other small towns nestled in our ridges and valleys, beekeeping offers a chance to connect with nature, contribute to environmental resilience, and even enjoy the sweet reward of fresh honey. Caring for the land and its creatures is a great way to honor the planet and ensure its future.
Ryan Griffin is the owner of Woodland Bees( woodlandbeesfarm. com) in Calhoun, which sells honey and nucleus bee colonies and offers beekeeping mentorship, educational classes, and hive removal services. Griffin is a certified beekeeper through the University of Florida’ s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and holds certification for honeybee removal from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. He is also an IT professional in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, and is currently pursuing his master’ s degree at Georgia Tech. nwgeorgialiving. com | 23