I've already read several books and been to several meetings. The best answers I've come up with so far, that I can pass along are these items - (not in any specific ordering)
Build your own boxes if you can - there are plenty of plan our there on how to build Deeps or Brood boxes, Mediums (also referred to as Honey Supers amongst other things), shallow (i dont plan to use at this time), tops, bottoms, etc. Doing this will atleast save you a few $$ as you can build a Deep/Brood box for about $13 vs $22 and any little you can save is just more towards the next box. If you can get any 'free' lumber from construction sites - you lumber costs dwindle down into the $5 range per Supers. Besides - isn't all of the experience, part of the experience?
Read..Read..Read
Ask questions - there's plenty out on the net and at local clubs to help anybody get an idea of what might be going on with what you're experience. Although bees have been 'cultured' for about 5000 years, there's bee a good movement for the last 30+ years to document and share common knowledge.
There are no rules. I say this because the more I talk to people, I get different answers. It really comes down to asking (you have to listen to what they are saying), Reading (to further or broaden your knowledge) and what's going on "right now".
Right now - well, that's an interesting thing. What is happening now, is different than it was last season and different accross town in someone elses bee yard.
Keep a log. I dont know about everyone else, but if you can keep some notes as to what's currently happening, then 'down the road' you can use your experience and knowledge to let you know if what you tried worked - or not.
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