My first recollection of bees takes me back to hanging on a neighbor's fence with two of my friends telling me not to move. As many of you know, when a bee flies around your face the inclination is to wave your hand to get it away from you. Bad idea! Shortly thereafter I remember screaming and running home because a bee had stung my nose. The next thing I knew mud was being plastered on my nose ― I guess to draw out the stinger. That was the beginning of my being deathly afraid of bees. Even as an adult, I have a vivid memory of running away and leaving my small children to fend for themselves when bees came around.

Fast forward to 2008 when I heard a beekeeper speak and became fascinated with the bee culture. I now have three hives in downtown Indy. I am by no means an expert. Keeping bees is a learning process, and each year presents new questions and new learning opportunities. There is a saying that you can ask the same question of four beekeepers and you'll get five answers.

How To Get Started Keeping Bees

Find a mentor - someone who can help you. I have found that beekeepers are more than willing to help anyone interested in getting a hive.

Join a group - I highly recommend that if you're interested in becoming a beekeeper that you join Indiana Beekeepers' Association, Inc. ($15/year) (www.indianabeekeeper.com) and/or the Indiana State Beekeepers Association ($10/year) (www.hoosierbuzz.com). Both organizations have a strong interest in promoting beekeeping and offer many activities.

Subscribe to a beekeeping magazine - One is the American Bee Journal ($27/year) (www.americanbeejournal.com). Another is Bee Culture ($25/year) (www.beeculture.com). There are always interesting articles plus the latest news in the beekeeping world.

Attend the Indiana Beekeepers Association Bee School that is held each year on the last Saturday in February. My first bee school was in 2008, and I've been there every year since because the education sessions are very informative and the chance to learn from other beekeepers. This year there were more than 700 beekeepers, including those from surrounding states, participating in a day of "bee talk and bee learning." Companies that sell beekeeping equipment also attend this gathering. You can order the equipment prior to the beekeeping school and pick it up that day to avoid paying shipping and handling. By the way, the cost of the school is $30, which includes lunch.

Gather the equipment to start your venture. Shortly after that 2008 bee school, I started on the path of beekeeping by first finding a beekeeper mentor (very important) and assembling the equipment for one hive. My mentor sold me some used equipment including a bottom board, two deep hive bodies with frames, a super with frames, an entrance feeder, an inner cover, and a lid. I then purchased a hive tool (very essential), a bee suit with hat, and a smoker. Then all I needed was bees. Once again my mentor helped me place the bees in the hive.

Get involved with some of smaller beekeeping groups throughout Indiana. These groups have educational bee clinics in the spring and summer. The closest one to Indianapolis is the Central Indiana Beekeepers Association (CIBA). They have monthly meetings. Volunteer to take a shift at the Indiana State Fair in August. Both state organizations have booths and are always looking for help with selling honey from around Indiana. If you go to the State Fair this year, stop by the booths and ask questions.

Oh yes, be sure to buy some honey ice cream... you can't beat it!

Pick up next issue of the Gazette. I will tell you more about my personal beekeeping experience.