Learn about hive hierarchy and bee habits.

-Brush up a bit on who's who in the hive, so you'll know what's going on when you start performing hive inspections.

-This information can be found through numerous helpful websites, blogs, periodicals, web videos and books.

Consider the cost.

-The largest expense in keeping bees is incurred at the outset, when you're purchasing gear and the bees themselves.

-Calculate what the initial expenditures may be and see if you can afford a hive of your own, if it would be best to take on beekeeping with a few friends, or even to go in on the cost as a community or group endeavor.

Allocate the time.

-Like any other hobby, beekeeping will take a bit of time, both when you are initially learning and later, when you perform routine inspections, maintenance and honey extractions.

-Determine if this is a pursuit you have the time for before plunking down money on beekeeping essentials.

Check local codes and ordinances.

-Beekeeping is a hot topic, and as a result, many cities and towns are allowing it. Not all are, though.

-Seek out your local animal control office for the specifics surrounding the legality of keeping bees in your area.

Give the neighbors a heads-up.

-While you may be completely smitten with the idea of a hive of honeybees in your backyard or on your roof, your neighbors might not be so keen.

-Keep in mind the old adage that you attract more flies with honey than vinegar, and inform your neighbors of your plans. So long as it's legal, even if they're not thrilled, they'll at least know what you have in store.

Consider children, pets and allergies.

-Honeybees are equal-opportunity foragers, going wherever the nectar flows. As such, that might lead them to areas where children, pets and those with allergies are present.

-Educate children about honeybees; consider erecting a fence in front of a hive close to areas that children and pets use; and be sure to let guests know that you keep honeybees, especially those that have a known allergy to them.

Take a beekeeping class.

-While reading up on the subject and watching countless videos on the Internet will go far toward honing your beekeeping-chops, nothing beats taking a class.

-Seek out a class in your area in advance of actually acquiring honeybees. You'll have a seasoned beekeeper to pose questions to, as well as the opportunity to make friends with other "new-bees" in your stomping grounds.

Join a local beekeeping club.

-If you have a beekeeping group or club in your area, I highly recommend joining it. There's nothing like having a collective of individuals to turn to, if your hive swarms or you're worried whether nectar is flowing from trees and flowers.

-In that vein, seek out a beekeeping mentor from the bee club. Having a go-to person to pose your questions to, or who can direct you toward the best means of answering your question, is an absolute godsend.

Find a suitable location.

-Find an area that takes the bees up and away from neighboring yards.

-You also want something close enough to keep an eye on (for predatory attacks), carry equipment to and that faces east, so that the bees will get an early morning sunlight prompt to make the most of foraging hours.

Choose your bees.

-Just like cats and dogs, honeybees are available in a variety of species. Each evolved in different geographic regions and, as a result, possesses varying traits and characteristics.

-Read up on the options available and seek the honeybee that best suits your climate and needs.

Purchase hive components.

-Two main styles of hives are in widespread use today—the Langstroth hive and the top-bar hive. Some hives are available assembled, while others require assembly.

-Read up on each style, determine which best works for your purposes and then purchase the hive components, typically referred to as woodenware."

Purchase bee clothing and gear.

-In addition to the hive itself, you'll need some gear when working with honeybees.

-Seek out: a bee suit, veil, gloves, smoker, fuel (can be sourced naturally or purchased), hive tool and other helpful tools, if desired, such as a bee brush, queen excluder, frame holder and frame grip.

Order your bees.

-Once you know what species you'll be keeping and have purchased all of the essentials ready to house and care for your bees, it's time to purchase them.

-Consider ordering a package of bees (either locally sourced or sent through the mail), purchasing a nuc (which is a small box containing several frames with bees in various stages of development, including brood, baby bees, worker bees, food and a laying queen), or an established hive. Each has pros and cons, so read up on the subject, check online forums or pose the question to your beekeeping mentor.

Install your bees.

-If you purchased a package, you'll need to physically install it into the hive.

-Watch videos on the subject, read books with step-by-step tutorials for installing a package of bees, or have an experienced beekeeper perform the task with you the first time. It's not dangerous, if done slowly and deliberately, but it can be a bit overwhelming and nerve-wracking the first time you do it, as literally thousands of bees will be buzzing around your head.

Feed the bees, if necessary.

-Beekeepers become amateur arborists and botanists. Pay attention to what is flowering and at what time.

-If it seems there's a scarcity of nectar available as your new hive is getting established, consider feeding the hive a supplement of sugar syrup.

Make sure there is a regular water source.

-If you have a creek, river or pond nearby, you're likely in good shape.

-Barring those landscape features, however, you'll need to provide water for the hive. You can either purchase a hive entry waterer or place a chicken waterer near the hive.

Inspect the hive.

-Once your hive is all set up, you'll begin routine inspections.

-If you can find her, the best possible scenario is to locate the queen during each inspection. That doesn't always happen, though, so keep an eye out for cues she's functioning properly, including the presence of eggs in various stages of development and not too many drone cells. You'll also want to see pollen and honey, both capped and uncapped.

Provide seasonal upkeep.

-Honeybees' needs change throughout the calendar year.

-Read up and inform yourself on upkeep and hive maintenance practices specifically suited for winter, spring, summer and autumn.

Harvest honey, if desired.

-Some beekeepers keep honeybees simply for stewardship and pollination. Many, though, keep them for the honey, pollen and other hive products they offer.

-Either purchase or rent honey-extracting equipment. This task is a fun, yet lengthy process, so I encourage recruiting some friends in exchange for a jar or two of the good stuff when you're done.

Read up on honeybee health and wellness.

-The plight of honeybees has been rife with challenges over the past few decades.

-From Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) to Varroa mites, today's honeybees have a number of challenges in their path. Familiarize yourself with some of these issues, be proactive in hive maintenance and address any concerns in the hive as soon as they evidence themselves.

Ashley English of Small Measure