Dear Florence & Mark,
It sounds as if you are off to a good start. I would suggest that you
consider putting three supers on as brood chambers. This would give you
enough storage for the winter. (It sounds like a good idea to use supers
for brood to protect your back.) Be sure to consider obtaining a
queen-excluder to go above the top brood chamber. This will keep you from
having brood or eggs up in your honey.
My first hive was given to me when I was fifteen years old (In 1946) and
I appreciated the help of others at that time.
The agriculture extension service has some material available. They may
have information about a hobby group or organization in your area. I am
sure that they would be happy to offer suggestions and help. We are
always looking for interested young people to "Carry-on".
 
Feel free to contact me at any time.
 
Bob Neely
Goose Creek, SC
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PS: Did you know that JUNO is a free E-Mail service that is available to
all?
 
REN
On Fri, 9 May 1997 08:28:28 -0500 "FLORENCE COOPER, RN"
<[log in to unmask]> writes:
>My 11 year old son and I are very new to beekeeping.  He got a hive on
>his
>birthday (April 16).  An experienced beekeeper helped us check the
>hive a week
>ago and everything looks good--the queen is laying, lots of brood,
>honey,
>pollen, etc.  He told us to put on the second brood chamber in about a
>week
>(today) if the weather had been warm and sunny--which it has, so we
>will do
>that today.  When should we check to see about putting on the honey
>super (we
>are using shallow frames as Mark is a kid and I have back trouble)?
>We live in
>the deep south (Jackson, MS) and have hot, hot summers.  How soon
>should I
>check?  I don't want to upset the bees.  However, Mark is REALLY
>interested in
>checking out the bees.  He had a really hard time waiting 2 1/2 weeks
>to check
>them the first time!!!
>
>We also need the name of a good beekeeping book for beginning
>beekeepers.
>Suggestions are eagerly awaited!!
>
>I would also like suggestions for good "bee" plants for my garden.  I
>am an
>avid gardener, who became a beekeeper by default (but I am really
>loving it--I
>sort of feel like a farmer!)
>
>This list has been really helpful to me.
>
>Florence and Mark Cooper, New Beekeepers!!
>