This is how I’ve been working to solve the winter problem. Roughly 2 inch insulation on sides and top but still using Langstroth frames. Didn’t do the bottom last year and that’s why I think 2/3 of the nucs didn’t make it. #bees #grownostr

There's lots of good material on the youtubes, but find sources in your climate. I've asked dozens of questions on my local beekeeping club.

If you can find a mentor, or even someone a couple of years ahead that you can help with and get a little experience, that'll help take away fear of action.

Failing that, just do it. Start with two hives. There's no such thing as a cheap hobby and bees aren't, but you can do things like build your own hive bodies, or try things like to catch a swarm in your area.

Might want to consider an insulated layens hive as well. These do well in Northen Europe and Russia.

I've made my hives from the free plans at horizontalhive.com and recommend Dr Leo's seminar. He has a number of youtube videos and there is a play list on the Offgrid with Doug & Stacy channel

I've wanted bees for a long time, but our winters have been a challenge for most beekeepers I know. There's a chance I'm actually further north than you. 😆🥶

How long have you had bees?

Nice! We got 2 hives last spring. 1 made it through the winter so we’ll need to work on repopulating the empty hive soon. Excited to continue learning!

First #grownostr posto, just to set the mood!

Happy Spring all! It’s warming up enough in Southern Ontario so we can get in hives. Our August swarm survived and we found the queen. #grownostr #bees