Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Two Hives Honey - Honey and Hive Tours in Austin, TX Real, Raw, Local Honey ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Bee Blog](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/blog/) - [The Power of Propolis in a Colony](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/power-of-propolis/) - We all talk a lot about the beneficial properties of honey, but arguably another product of the hive brings even more benefits: propolis. I love harvesting and using propolis even more than honey (ok that may be a lie..let's call it a tie.) Honey bees gather resins from the sap of trees and other botanical - [The Case for Shade-Grown Coffee](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/the-case-for-shade-grown-coffee/) - A hummingbird zips past your ear. Rain from the night before drips from the roof in a gentle rhythm. You rock in a bamboo chair as steam rises from a cup of fresh-brewed coffee. That’s as close as I can get you to my mornings in Quindío, Colombia. There, in the rolling coffee-covered hills, I - [Is Sunscreen Safe?](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/is-sunscreen-safe/) - Several months ago, while standing in line at Whole Foods, I started reading the print on the side of one very famous red, black and white bag printed up by an even more famous yoga attire company and I read these words: "Sunscreen absorbed into the skin might be worse for you than sunshine" . - [Getting Started: The Townie Bees](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/getting-started-the-townie-bees/) - Here at Two Hives, we specialize in helping urban beekeepers get started. While the basics of beekeeping are the same whether you are in the city or on a 20 acre farm, urban beekeeping does have some special considerations. Over the coming months we will be writing a series of blogs geared towards brand new - [My Milkshake Brings All the Bees to the Yard](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/my-milkshake-brings-all-the-bees-to-the-yard/) - So you’ve heard that we should save the bees, but you aren’t sure how to help? You can do a lot for your local honeybees and pollinators right in your own backyard! Cultivating a hospitable and bee-friendly yard for the honeybees is something we can all do, no matter what size space you have available. - [All The Stuff. Let’s talk about Bee Equipment!](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/all-the-stuff/) - A GUIDE TO THE ESSENTIAL GEAR AND TOOLS FOR THE BEGINNER BEEKEEPER You’ve ordered your bees, and you know it’s time to get all your tools, gear, and equipment! This is the fun part right? Who doesn’t love gadgets! You grab a beekeeping catalog, or perhaps peruse a few online beekeeping sites, and you suddenly - [5 Reasons I Keep Honey In My Medicine Cabinet](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/5-reasons-i-keep-honey-in-my-medicine-cabinet/) - Honey. We all love honey. The word alone conjures up warm, fuzzy feelings. There’s a reason it’s a top pick for a sweet pet name used by lovers around the world. But did you know it actually has real medicinal properties? I use honey like the father character from My Big Fat Greek Wedding used - [Hold The Sugar, Honey](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/hold-the-sugar-honey/) - Got a sweet tooth? Set up a seat and kick up your feet, cause you’re in good company. Last night, after my groceries were delivered, I laid out a big plate of vegetables in the hopes that I’d choose health over cream popsicles. (Yes. I said “delivered”. Lazy & sweet tooth are two unfortunate conditions - [Spring Awakening: February 2023 Honey Bee Forecast](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/february-2023-forecast/) - Spring is back, baby! (Well, at least here in Central Texas. I realize those of you up north are still months away from true spring.) WIth warmer sustained temperatures and lots of pollen producing plants blooming, this means that the Two Hives beekeeping team is starting to inspect our colonies once again! I was in - [Got Bees? How To Select and Prep Your Hive Site](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/got-bees-how-to-select-and-prep-your-hive-site/) - You've taken the classes, read the books, bookmarked all the blogs, and ordered your packages or nucs. Before you pick up those bees, check out these tips on how to ensure your site is prepped and ready for your bees! I've made some poor decisions in site selection over the years, so don't repeat my - [Is Your Honey Organic?](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/is-your-honey-organic/) - Pop quiz: how many of the following statements apply to you? You buy organic produce. You seek out free-trade, non-GMO products whenever possible. You don’t mind paying a few extra dollars for free-range beef or cage-free eggs. You make an effort to shop local. If you answered yes to any of these questions, why do - [Can Babies Eat Honey?](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/can-babies-eat-honey/) - In a previous blog post, 5 Reasons Why I Keep Honey in My Medicine Cabinet, I explored all the reasons why honey can be so beneficial in your daily life. Science has shown that honey can be better than many over the counter medicines for burns, sore throats, coughs, and upset stomachs! However, I’ve always - [Let's Talk Swarming](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/lets-talk-swarming/) - The term "swarming" is probably the most misused term related to honey bees and beekeeping. Swarming does not refer to attacking bees. And swarming is not what a hive does when it’s unhappy with its abode (that is actually called absconsion!) Swarming is, simply put, the colony’s way of reproducing. Colonies can spread their genetics - [Stories of the Seeds](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/seeds/) - And why we should share them. Whenever someone asks me what I do for a living and I tell them I am a beekeeper, 90% of the time I get one of three responses: “ A bookkeeper? Cool.” And then a quick change of the subject.“How many times have you been stung?” or “Wow-have you - [We're Going on a Beekeeping Safari!](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/safari/) - In April of 2022 the Honorary Consul of Malawi reached out to ask if I would be interested in leading a “beekeeping safari” in November. I would be responsible for finding at least 12 beekeepers excited to go with me to Malawi. I didn’t know what a beekeeping safari was, but I immediately said yes. - [How to Feed Bees During Winter](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/feeding-bees-in-winter/) - Last month we talked about what steps to take to best prepare your hives for winter, and I promised that this month I would demonstrate how we emergency feed during winter. If your hives do not have enough stores to make it through the winter, finding ways to provide emergency feeding is a must. It's worth - [Testing for Varroa Mites](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/varroa/) - I have received a lot of emails, calls, and messages about varroa this year. In our own yards, the lack of nutrition and harsh conditions have set the stage for tougher than normal varroa hits, and I suspect many of you are seeing the same. Though I can’t possibly answer all the questions here, today - [The Threat of Spring Starving Bees](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/starving-bees/) - It's March 27. And I am worried about starving bees. This may come as a surprise to you, given I am in Texas. If I look around, much that was brown, dry, and dormant two months ago is now green and alive. For weeks wildflowers have started to appear across the landscape. But high on - [First Post-Winter Hive Checks](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/first-post-winter-hive-checks/) - It’s February in Texas, and that means our very short winter break in Texas is coming to an end. In a few week’s time we will begin inspecting colonies once again on a regular rotation. Our first post-winter hive checks will include all the ‘regular’ assessments we include in any inspection, and also include a - [What do Valentine's Day and beekeepers have in common?!](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/valentines-day/) - Here's your random bee fact for the day: Did you know that St Valentine, the Patron Saint of Lovers, is also the Patron Saint of beekeepers!? (And epilepsy, and fainting, and plague. Makes sense.) My research on St. Valentine over the years has turned up lots of confusing and conflicting stories, and in fact, even the Catholic - [What is the Winter Solstice, and Why Does it Matter to our Honey Bees?](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/summer-solstice/) - Happy winter solstice!! Today marks the official start of astronomical winter. The winter solstice is so fascinating to me because although it’s the start of winter, it also marks the shortest day of the year, which means each day moving forward we will continue to get more daylight each day! (In some cultures, they recognize - [Staying Cool While Beekeeping](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/staying-cool-while-beekeeping/) - It’s summer time in Texas, a time when back to back (...to back to back……) days of triple digit temperatures are very common. Unfortunately, the summer coincides with perhaps the hardest job we do all year: harvesting. It’s tough to stay cool in these temps while wearing full bee gear, and can even be dangerous. Beekeepers are - [Stingless Bees of the Latin Americas](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/stingless-bees/) - Guest post by Klaus Lambour the founder of Mielenaria, a business dedicated to the conservation of the Meliponini bees of Guatemala thru the fair sale of their honey. The world of beekeeping is far larger than many realize. Usually when we think of honey and bees our mind jumps straight to the European honey bees - [The Honey Bee Vaccine](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/bee-vaccine/) - Every few months it seems we see a big news piece make the news cycles on honey bees, and the year started off with quite the headline: A biotech company out of Georgia announced they have been granted a conditional license by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to produce and sell a vaccine for honey - [What's the flavor of your honey?](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/honey-flavor/) - Over the last year I've come to realize that my favorite part of my job is the creative aspect, such as coming up with new products and designing new labels and packaging. To help feed that creative need, we started doing a very limited honey infusion available only at the Honey Ranch each month. In the past I've - [How do Bees Make Honey?](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/how-do-bees-make-honey/) - [The Birds and the Bees](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/bee-sex/) - Bee sex. It's one of the most fascinating phenomenons in nature. A newly emerged virgin queen will leave her hive 5-7 days after she reaches the fully-formed adult stage in search of some strapping fellas, known as drone bees. Similarly, once a drone bee is sexually mature, which occurs about two weeks after he becomes - [Would you eat honey made from...insect poop?!](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/honeydew/) - Close your eyes...imagine you open the cabinet to grab a jar of honey. What's it look like? What color is it? What's the texture? Is it liquid? Is it smooth? Is it sweet? Part of our work at the Honey Ranch is to get folks to rework what their minds think of when they think of honey. - [The Secret Language of Flowers](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/the-secret-language-of-flowers/) - I've done some unusual/cool/crazy things in my life. I've visited all 7 continents. I've flown over Afghanistan in a Black Hawk helicopter. I've met with Ministry Level officials in Pakistan. I've visited Antartica to view penguin colonies. But honestly, some of the craziest stuff I've been privy to can be found right in all of - [A Beekeeper Goes to Malawi...](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/a-beekeeper-in-malawi/) - Just over two weeks ago Aidan, Atlas and I stepped off a plane in Austin that had begun 37 hours before (!!!) in Malawi, a country in southeastern Africa. (If you missed that news, you can learn more about our trip here.) I’ll be honest, I wasn’t totally sure what to expect, but my personal - [The Gift of Honey Around the World](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/the-gift-of-honey-around-the-world/) - November and December are my favorite months. I love the smell of spices and cinnamon, the relief of the (finally) dropping temperatures here in Texas, and the twinkling of Christmas lights on a real Christmas tree. And, of course, it's gift giving season. I’m not a big gift giver: my mom, the biggest lover of - [Winter is Coming](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/winter-is-coming/) - Steps to Take to Help Ensure Your Colonies are Set up for Winter Success It’s October 20 in Texas and though it’s going to be 86°F today, my beekeepers are out preparing hives for winter. It’s hard to think about ‘winter’ when it’s this warm out, but it is coming. The average high temperature in - [This or That? Choosing Your Hive Type](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/this-or-that-choosing-your-hive-type/) - One of the challenging aspects of starting a hobby as a beekeeper is you are required to make a number of important decisions when you know very little and have almost no, if any, beekeeping experience! One of those decisions is what type of hive you will keep. While there are several types of hives, - [Winter: A Time of Rest?](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/winter-a-time-of-rest/) - Beekeepers don't get much of a break in Texas. With only a few months of 'real' winter, there's not much time to rest. The time is spent repairing old equipment, building new equipment, cleaning up and organizing, and tending to all the things that generally get neglected the rest of the season. Of course, if - [Is Royal Jelly Really the Secret Fountain of Youth?](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/royal-jelly/) - A few weeks ago I asked Evie, a Two Hives team member, the top 10 questions she receives through our website. One of these questions was folks asking if we sell royal jelly. We don't, and I thought I would spend this month explaining what royal jelly is and why we choose not to harvest it. - [Has My Honey Gone Bad? Why Crystallized Honey is a Good Thing!](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/crystallized-honey/) - We spend a lot of time educating our customers about bees and about our honey. Our product looks a little different from what you may be used to finding in the grocery store. We have a rainbow of colors (and flavors!) each season, and it often starts to turn to a solid pretty quickly after - [Pass the Comb Honey II](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/pass-the-comb-honey-ii/) - We’ve already introduced you to comb honey and given you some ideas on how to best eat it. You’re officially ready for the next level of how to eat comb honey! To elevate your comb honey beyond the ubiquitous cheese plate, check out the ideas below for some serious inspiration. Grill it, Girl!We’re big fans - [Why We Should Stop Talking About Honey Bees...](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/why-we-should-stop-talking-about-honey-bees/) - Save the bees! The bees are dying!If bees become extinct, humans will only live for 4 more years! Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’ve probably heard one or all of these refrains. Are bees critical? Absolutely. A 2007 study examined agriculture data from 200 countries and found that fruit, vegetable, or seed production from 87 - [Pass The Comb Honey](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/pass-the-comb-honey/) - Comb honey is one of nature’s wonders. In another blog, I gushed over why I love it so, and I thought I’d share some of my favorite ways to eat it! You can use comb honey in any way that you’d use honey from a jar. However, comb honey is a very special product (yes, far - [Don't Forget To Water The Bees](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/dont-forget-to-water-the-bees/) - Summer temperatures are in full effect here in Texas, and with temps easily soaring into triple digits for days on end, it’s important for beekeepers to remember that our bees need water not only for their own hydration, but also to help cool down the hive. If you live in the city, you may not have - [Will Work For Bees](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/will-work-for-bees/) - You’ve got your equipment, and decided on your hive type, and now you just need bees! Believe it or not, many beekeepers breed bees just to help supply hobbyists with the opportunity to become beekeepers! Today I will lay out your options, and the pros and cons of each. Look at how excited Jackie is above about her - [What is Comb Honey?](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/what-is-comb-honey/) - Why choose comb honey? Bees make each of the hexagon containers of comb with their own ‘lid’. We leave them intact when we cut comb honey. Comb honey is not filtered..not even a little bit. It is cut out right from the hive. In fact, the comb honey hasn’t come into contact with human hands - [Ergo Ergonomics](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/ergo-ergonomics/) - Beekeepers are a sturdy bunch. Not surprisingly, it seems dealing with tens of thousands of stinging insects attracts a hardy bunch of folks! Even still, we all have our limitations. Whether we are battling a physical constraint or just working on improving our physical ability and stamina, a few tips and tricks can go a ## Pages - [Home](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/) - Real, Raw, Local Honey - [Upcoming Events](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/events/) - Upcoming Events We offer hive tours most weekends March-May and September-October. Buy your tickets here. Even when we’re not in the hives, we love getting people out to the Honey Ranch! See below for a full lineup of tastings, parties, and off-site events. Click on the square to get more info about an event! Native - [Kids Nature Club](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/nature-club/) - Your kids deserve to be outside! Sign up! Introducing Nature Club: An outdoor club intended to introduce children ages 5-10 to the wonders of nature. Children today spend 35% less time playing outside than their parents did. Urbanization, a lack of green space, safety concerns, poor support systems, and reliance on technology has resulted in - [Apprentices Login -- Spring 2026](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/apprentices-login-spring-2026/) - [Apprentices Login -- Fall 2025](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/apprentices-fall2025/) - [Visit the Honey Ranch](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/contact-us/) - Your Name Your Email Your Message We invite you to come visit our honey ranch, just a few miles east of Austin, TX! Tour the property, visit our honey bar and general store, or relax on the island of our pond. No reservations needed! Looking for a more hands-on experience? Book your own bee hive - [Two Hives Honey Wholesale Pricing](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/wholesale-retail/) - “Two Hives Honey has been part of our bestselling curated gift boxes from the beginning. The packaging looks great and it’s hands down the best honey around!” -Catherine, Owner of the Artisan Gift Boxes About Our Honey Our honey is always truly local, harvested from hives within 20 miles of downtown Austin, raw, and never - [Bees](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/blog/bees/) - Queen Bees + Nucs We now carry queens and nucs for pick up only. These are the same stock we use in our own bee yards! We also offer all the equipment you will need to house your bees. Choose your pickup date range and plan your visit to our new honey ranch! For all - [Beekeeping Apprenticeship](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/apprenticeship/) - A Masterclass in Beekeeping Register Here Our new hybrid format allows you access anywhere in the world! Our popular beekeeping apprenticeship program has led hundreds of new beekeepers through the nuanced and tricky world of beekeeping over the last decade, and we are now offering a new hybrid format to bring the program to more - [Brazos Valley Bee School](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/brazos-resources/) - Additional Resources for your Beekeeping Journey Thank you for coming to see me at the Brazos Valley Bee School! As promised, below are a few resources, organized by class, intended to help you in your journey. If you enjoyed our classes, please check our my book, “For the Bees: A Handbook for Happy Beekeeping”! Buy - [Our Team](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/about-us/our-team/) - “When we learn to appreciate the smallest creatures, we learn to appreciate and value all creatures.” -Tara Chapman About Us Two Hives Honey was started by Tara Chapman, a native from the tiny West Texas town of Smyer, Texas. Tara had barely left Texas when she was accepted into Duke University. After graduation in 2003, - [Private Tours + Tastings](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/private-tours-tastings/) - Private Tours + Tastings for Any Occasion. Send in your request! Bring your group out to the Honey Ranch for a custom honey + bee experience. Nestled on 5 acres among honey bee hives, fruiting trees, pollinator gardens, and a pond full of turtles and fish waiting for you, this is the perfect escape from - [Private Lessons](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/private-lessons/) - Practice Makes Perfect With Our Private Beekeeping Lessons. Contact us to schedule! If you are looking for more tailored and hands-on beekeeping lesson, we provide private lessons in and around the Austin area. A curious hive conundrum have you stuck? Unsure of how to best prepare for the changing seasons in Texas? Want some assistance - [Central Texas Bee School: Resources](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/brenham/) - Additional Resources for your Beekeeping Journey Thank you for coming to see me and Carla at the Central Texas Bee School! As promised, below are a few resources, organized by class, intended to help you in your journey. If you enjoyed our classes, please check our my book, “For the Bees: A Handbook for Happy - [Handouts](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/handouts/) - Additional Resources for your Beekeeping Journey Thank you for taking a class or workshop with us! Below are a few resources intended to help you in your journey. If you enjoyed Tara’s teaching style, please check our her book, “For the Bees: A Handbook for Happy Beekeeping”! Buy the Book! Looking for more hands on - [Gift Certificate](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/gift-certificate/) - E-Gift Certificate Order in any amount over $10 and have delivered via email immediately or at a scheduled date.Certificates are redeemable in our online store or at our shop in Manor.* *Not redeemable for our classes or tours. Click here to purchase a gift certificate for our online booking system. Gift certificates are stand-alone purchases - [Classes & Consults](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/classes-consults/) - Beekeeping Classes + Consults in Austin Beekeeping is as nuanced as it is rewarding, and can be an overwhelming endeavor. The best way to learn to keep bees is from an experienced beekeeper, and our team offers four options to meet your educational beekeeping needs. We offer a rotating menu of beginner and intermediate beekeeping - [Buy Tickets to Tours + Tastings](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/hive-tours/) - Unique Experiences for the Bee-Curious We invite you to visit our working apiary at our honey ranch just a few miles east of Austin, TX! Whether you want to be beekeeper for a day and explore a real bee hive or learn more about honey by taking part in a honey harvest or honey sensory - [Team and Corporate Experiences](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/corporate-events/) - Get out of the Office... BOOK YOUR EVENT And get into nature! We offer unique experiences for teams looking to get outside and that value experiences over stuff. Perfect for team building, a way to punch up an offsite meeting, or just a unique way to treat your group. For everyone from the intellectually curious - [Thank You](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/thankyou/) - Thank you for your inquiry. Someone from our team will be in touch within 24-48 hours. Please reach out to info@twohiveshoney.com with any questions or concerns. Our Address 7617 Nez Perce Trce Manor, TX 78653 Hours Friday: 2-7 Saturday 9-2 And by appointment! Call the shop to schedule. Call Us (737) 203-8598 - [Apprentices Login -- Spring 2024](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/apprentices-spring-2024/) - [For The Bees, A Handbook for Happy Beekeeping](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/book/) - For the Bees A Handbook for Happy Beekeeping GET YOUR COPY! The handbook every beekeeper needs! Taking an approach that is both holistic and practical, For the Bees begins with a primer on honey bee biology and nutrition as well as beehive architecture. (Did you ever wonder why honey combs are composed of tiny hexagons?) Moving - [HoneyGram](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/honeygram/) - HoneyGrams: Our Quarterly Subscription Box Introducing the HoneyGram: our quarterly honey club! As a member, you’ll unlock access to a delicious rotating curation of items fresh from the Honey Ranch, including Two Hives’ acclaimed small-batch honey, rare and unique honeys from around the world, & other gourmet artisanal items sourced from our Austin farm and - [Wholesale](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/wholesale/) - “Two Hives Honey has been part of our bestselling curated gift boxes from the beginning. The packaging looks great and it’s hands down the best honey around!” -Catherine, Owner of the Artisan Gift Boxes About Our Honey Our honey is always truly local, harvested from hives within 20 miles of downtown Austin, raw, and never - [Equipment](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/equipment/) - Beekeeping Tools + Equipment Order Equipment Online Whether you’re a novice and just getting started or an experienced beekeeper, we have a selection of hive woodenware, protective gear, and tools for all your beekeeping needs. We carry all the same equipment and gear that we use in our own bee yards. Typically, we don’t ship - [Two Hives Honey Gift Certificates](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/two-hives-honey-gift-certificates/) - We now have gift certificates that can me use in our online store our at our shop in Manor. Fill out the following form and have your gift certificate sent right away or at a later time: Our Address 7617 Nez Perce Trce Manor, TX 78653 Shop Hours Friday: 2-7 Saturday 9-2 And by appointment! - [Swarms](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/swarms/) - Got Bees? If you have unwanted bees on your property, we may be able to help! First, you will need to determine if you have spotted a swarm of bees or an established colony of bees. A swarm of bees is a group of bees that are in between homes. They may have left their home because it has become - [Explore Two Hives](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/explore/) - Welcome to Two Hives Honey We’re excited that you want to learn more about bees, bee sustainability, and how you can become a part of that through Two Hives Honey. We have a variety of fun and educational ways for you to connect into the important world of bees. From our monthly HoneyGram subscriptions, public - [TEST](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/test/) - Destination. Experience. Purpose. Find all that and more at Two Hives Honey! If you’re searching for the perfect location to host your next offsite meeting or customer appreciation event, the Two Hives Honey Ranch offers you a beautiful, natural environment as the ideal setting for your special occasion. Our charming, 5-acre ranch provides indoor and - [10 Mistakes by Beekeepers](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/10-mistakes/) - 80% of beekeepers will quit in their first two years As a new beek, you have a steep learning curve ahead of you. I will set you up for success by sharing the mistakes of those that came before you. Sign up to receive a list of the “Top 10 Mistakes Made by First Year - [Get Started Beekeeping!](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/beekeeping/) - Ready to get started beekeeping? The map below will guide you through what you need to do to start your hives and set yourself up for success! Most beekeepers either buy packages of bees or nucs to start new hives. Check out the nucs we carry. Buy Bees! To get started, you'll need protective gear, - [Online Beekeeping Classes](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/beekeeping-online/) - Become a Beekeeper! Ready to become a beekeeper!? Our library of online classes is always growing ready to support beginning beekeepers and beyond. If you are brand new to beekeeping, be sure to start with our Intro to Beekeeping Capstone! Have the ability to visit our Honey Ranch outside of Austin, Texas? Check out our - [Learn Beekeeping](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/become-a-beekeeper/) - Ready to become a beekeeper? This is where you begin. Beekeeping Explained This course is perfect for the budding beekeeper overwhelmed by where to begin. Our 4 video course and 40+ page accompanying guidebook will provide you the the tools and information you need to get started as a successful beekeeper! Beekeeping should be fun, - [Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/farmers/) - A Message from Tara Thank you for attending my beekeeping class at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference. I enjoyed the opportunity to help prepare you for a journey in beekeeping! As a fellow sustainable agriculturist, I always love the chance to educate and support this community! I would love to connect with - [Media & Press](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/about-us/media-press/) - Our Buzz Is Growing A collection of press and articles about our brand. Today Show This ex-CIA operative quit her job to become a beekeeper VIEW ARTICLE Mail Chimp Mailchimp Presents Second Act, a show which follows those who have chosen a new direction in their careers, discovered their passions and defined their own versions - [Bee Positive](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/bee-positive/) - A Message from Tara I am so excited to be working with The Jared Family of Jewelers, Kay Jewelers, and the Le Vian Jeweler’s design team on such a meaningful and special project. The “Bee Positive” campaign and offerings embodies our core values of education, sustainability, and making the health of bees a priority. We - [Custom Promo](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/gift-promo/) - [Apprentices Login](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/apprentices-login/) - [Online Shop](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/shop/) - [Our Shop](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/our-shop/) - [Return Policy](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/test-page/) - Returns and exchanges will only be accepted in the event of damage during delivery. Within 5 days of receipt, please email us a photo and explanation of the damage. - [Photo Credits](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/photo-credits/) - Main picture AND Shop our honey pic: Matt Rainwaters http://www.mattrainwaters.com/ Hive Tours AND Education pics: Brie Smith, @wildfoxz - HIVE TOURS PAGE:Main picture: Brie Smith, @wildfoxz - [Install](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/how-to-install-your-beebuilders-kit/) - How to Install Your BeeBuilders Kit Thank you for providing a habitat for our native bees! Please watch the following video before installing your home or receiving your cocoons, as it contains instructions and tips on how to ensure native bees nest in your home! - [Two Hives Instagram](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/two-hives-instagram/) - Follow us on Instagram [thb_instagram columns=”medium-2″ link=”true” column_padding=”low-padding” number=”6″] - [Urban Honey Bee hive Tour](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/classes-consults/events/urban-honey-bee-hive-tour/) - Two Hives Bee Hive Tours Urban Honey Beehive Tour Learn about the intriguing world of honey bees in a way that few get to experience: through the hands­-on exploration of an active, living beehive! Your tour, led by a professional beekeeper, will include suiting up in protective gear, lighting a bee smoker, and getting up - [Beek Apprenticeship](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/classes-consults/beek-apprenticeship/) - [Beekeeping Classes](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/classes-consults/beekeeping-classes/) - [About Us](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/about-us/) - [Sample Page](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/sample-page/) - This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I'm a bike messenger - [Company](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/company/) - We Build MeaningfulBrand Experiences Was and their fowl also. Their also stars to greater. Doesn’t form our. Fourth sixth place forth life years all bearing god give be place subdue above waters kind in isn’t multiply. LEARN MORE Us May Days, Together FruitfulStar Isn't Yielding Made Itself OverFourth Without Green. Lesser replenish bearing they’re him - [Wishlist](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/wishlist/) - [yith_wcwl_wishlist] ## Products - [Comb Honey](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/comb-honey/) - Comb honey is the rawest form of honey available. We cut our comb honey by hand right off the frame, fresh from the hive. This makes a stunning addition to a cheese plate with its gorgeous hexagons filled with delicious honey. And, yes, you can eat the wax! All of our honey is produced from our hives located within 20 miles of downtown Austin. Want some more information? You can learn more from our blog about "Comb Honey" and "How to Eat Comb Honey." **A note on shipping: Because our comb honey is 100% built by the bees, and we dont use a foundation starter strip for bees to build comb on like most all comb honey on the market, our product is a bit more fragile. This means you are getting a far superior product with a beautiful smooth mouthfeel, but it can get a little broken up in shipping. Just know that it will still taste divine! - [Austin Neighborhood Honey - 6oz](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/austin-neighborhood-honey-6oz/) - This is what you really came here for. With our Austin neighborhood honey, you'll know exactly where your honey came from. Harvested from locations around Austin and hand jarred by our team of beekeepers, each jar of honey will come to you stamped with the neighborhood where the bees made it. Each of our raw honey jars will differ slightly in color, flavor, and texture. The flavor and color of honey is determined by the nectars collected from different flowers by the honey bees. Because we harvest in small batches by neighborhood, each of our harvests will reflect the florals blooming at that time. - [Honey Bee Nucleus Colonies: Spring 2026](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/nucs/) - Your nuc colony will contain: A 2026 Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH) & Selective Breeding mated queen 3-4 Inner deep frames of brood in all stages (egg, larvae & pupae) and bees 1-2 Outer deep frames contain honey, pollen, and adhering bees Wall-to-Wall bees 5 frame nucs will come in either pro-nuc boxes or jester boxes 6 frame nucs will come in a reusable wooden box, perfect for swarm traps or making your own nucs Nucs are tentatively scheduled for PICKUP ONLY on April 11-12, May 15-16, and June 5-6. Additional information and confirmation on pick-up dates and times will be provided by mid-March. This year we are offering 5 frame ($350) and 6 frame nucs ($385). Select your nuc size and pick up dates from the options below. Keep in mind you will need to transfer the frames from your nuc into hive bodies. You can stop by our shop work with a beekeeper to get what you need or you can order and pay for your equipment online in advance. **Refunds are not available on nucs** - [Chunk Honey - 3 oz](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/chunk-honey-3-oz/) - This is the gateway drug. Chunk honey is the best of both worlds: a cube of comb honey floating in a jar of delicious raw honey. Perfect for cheese platters and picnics, this mini comb honey is ready to wow your guests. - [Creamed Honey - 3oz](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/creamed-honey-3oz/) - Our delicious creamed honey is perfect for your morning toast, a bagel or straight off the spoon. This spreadable delicacy is made with 100% honey; no dairy involved. We control the crystallization of the honey so you get that smooth, thick texture every time. You have two options, or grab one of each for your own honey tasting! -Our Spring honey was harvested in June 2023 and has bright, fresh floral, and fruity notes. Amazing on a hot biscuit, paired with a sharp cheese, or enjoy that creamy texture straight out of the jar! -And brand new for the 2025: lavender creamed honey! This is a very special treat Tara has hoped to offer for several years, and we've finally made it happen. We've taken our already amazing creamed honey and infused with lavender! These are pretty limited, so get it while you can! We recommend that you keep your creamed honey in the refrigerator to keep its amazing texture! - [Creamed Honey Duo](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/creamed-honey-duo/) - This is perfect for a creamed honey lover. The adorable gift box is ready for gifting! It includes a jar of our delicious creamed honey and a jar of our special cinnamon creamed honey. - [Rolled Candles, Set of 2](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/rolled-candles/) - Our hand rolled beeswax candles are made from 100% beeswax. Each candle burns for 6 hours, for a total of 12 hours of burn time. Unlike other candles that can release harmful carcinogenic chemicals in the air, beeswax candles produce negative ions which help to neutralize pollutants in the air. - [Mini Raw Honey - 3oz](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/mini-raw-honey/) - It's our popular raw honey, just in a smaller, even cuter jar! It's perfect as a gift or to place on your next charcuterie board. All of our liquid gold is harvested from neighborhoods all within 20 miles of downtown Austin and hand jarred by our team of beekeepers. - [Lavender Infused Honey - 3oz](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/lavender-infused-honey-3oz/) - Treat your tastebuds to our limited edition Lavender Infused Honey. Made from dried lavender from the Texas hill country. Drizzle over desserts such as cakes, pastries, and ice cream or add to your favorite tea. Your tastebuds will thank you. - [Honey Jar - 7 ounces](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/honey-jar-7-ounces/) - This is what you really came here for. All of our liquid gold is harvested from neighborhoods all within 20 miles of downtown Austin and hand jarred by our team of beekeepers. You have two options, or snag one of each for your own honey tasting! -Our Spring honey was harvested in June 2022 and has bright, fresh floral, and fruity notes. This is a go-to honey for tea, toast or to add to your lemonade! The spring honey is lighter in color and crystallizes very quickly. -Our Fall honey was harvested in October 2022. This is a gem that isn't guaranteed every year! It has dark, rich, and complex notes of molasses and dried figs. It mixes well with whiskey, tea, or straight off the spoon! The fall honey is much darker in color and crystallizes more slowly than the spring. - [THH Nature Club](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/nature-club-all-about-bees/) - Each 4-week session of Nature Club will have a different theme to help kids explore the wonders of the outdoors! We welcome kids age 5-10 to our 5.5 acre property each week for 90 minute classes for learning about nature, arts and crafts, and time to run free! Parents are welcome to drop kids off, or, take inspiration and find your own little space amongst the trees, the pond, or our shaded pavilion with a good book and the opportunity to have your own quiet moment in nature. In our "All About Bees" themed club, your kids will: Learn about bees & other pollinators Take weekly walks around the Ranch to learn about different plants and collect 'treasures' from nature Learn about pollination through games and by planting their own seeds and watching them grow! Learn about the delicious products of the bee hive and the role a beekeeper plays Making new friends Learning how to be good stewards of the earth and each other And have fun all along the way through arts, crafts, movement, and observation of nature Classes are 90 minutes and start at 10am each week. More sessions coming soon! Session 1: April 12, April 19, April 26, May 3 If you are registering for more than one child, please use the Qty field accordingly, and use code TOGETHER to save 10%! **Before registering, please review camp policies listed below. After you sign up, you will be sent some forms to provide information for your child, a waiver, and agree to club policies. *Two Hives Honey Nature Club is exempt from Child Care licensure from the State of Texas. - [Body Balms](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/balm/) - These natural balms are made with sunflower oil, olive oil, essential oils, herbs and, of course, Two Hives Honey beeswax. Choose from relaxing, healing, and warming (or get one of each!). - [Spring and Fall Gift Box](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/spring-and-fall-gift-box/) - This beautiful gift box holds two hand-rolled beeswax candles, and a special pairing of our Fall and Spring raw honey! - [Hive Equipment Package](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/equipment-packages/) - PICK UP ONLY The perfect setup for the beginner or experienced beekeeper and a great add-on to purchasing a nucleus colony of bees. Choose from an 8-frame or 10-frame setup. 10-Frame set up includes: 1 telescoping cover, 1 inner cover, + 1 bottom board 1 deep hive body + 1 medium hive body 3 deep frames + 1o medium frames with beeswax foundation (your feeder and 5 frames from your nuc will fill the remaining space in your deep hive body) 1 deep frame feeder 1 entrance reducer 8-Frame set up includes: 1 telescoping cover, 1 inner cover, + 1 bottom board 1 deep hive body + 1 medium hive body 1 deep frame with foundation + 8 medium frames with beeswax foundation (your feeder and 5 frames from your nuc will fill the remaining space in your deep hive body) 1 deep frame feeder 1 entrance reducer Questions? Stop by the Honey Ranch or call our Bee Concierge service at (737) 203-8598 during open hours for help! Your equipment will be assembled and ready for pick up in January/February, ahead of the nucs' arrival in April. You will be notified when it is ready. Want to get it sooner? Shoot us an email at shop@twohiveshoney.com and we will do our best to arrange a sooner pickup! A 10% restocking fee is applied to any return of equipment, gear, or tools. - [Queen Bees](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/queen-bees/) - Queen bees are for pick up ONLY at Two Hives Honey. Dates for Spring 2026 will be posted in early spring. Bred from a hybrid of bees, BeeWeaver Queens are chosen for their mite resistance, high honey production & healthy population. 100% of BeeWeaver's hives have been chemical-free since 2001. Select your date for pickup. Please note, your precise date and window of time for pick-up will be provided the week of your pick-up date. Please choose from the drop-down menu. Refund Policy: If you need to cancel your queen order and it is more than one week before pick-up, we can refund your credit card, minus 10% administrative cost. Or, we can give you a 100% refund in the form of store credit, to be used in person at the honey ranch for honey, gifts, beekeeping equipment, etc. ***Cancellations within 7 days prior to pick-up can only be refunded 50%. By making this purchase, you agree to these terms.*** - [Infused Honeys Gift Set](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/infused-honeys-gift-set/) - Treat your loved ones to a rainbow of honey flavors with these special holiday infusions! Each set is infused with botanicals on the the honey ranch, comes with three 3oz jars in the following flavors: Cardamom: This gently spiced green cardamom infusion is perfect for chai lovers--or spread a little on a shortbread cookie. Mint: - [Bourbon Barrel-Aged Honey - 7oz](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/bourbon-aged/) - Our raw honey was aged for 2 months in a Texas bourbon barrel, adding just a hint of bourbon flavor. The bourbon and oak notes work as perfectly as a glaze on pork and salmon as it does atop vanilla bean ice cream. - [For the Bees: A Handbook for Happy Beekeeping](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/book/) - A handbook for what to expect the first year of beekeeping and beyond. The path to becoming a successful beekeeper begins with a deep understanding of the bees themselves. Taking an approach that is both holistic and practical, Tara Chapman, founder and operator of Austin’s beloved Two Hives Honey, begins with a primer on honey bee biology and nutrition as well as beehive architecture. (Did you ever wonder why honey combs are composed of tiny hexagons?) A little scientific knowledge goes a long way: a beekeeper who understands how these fascinating creatures work will be better equipped to recognize a particular colony’s needs, make sound decisions when the unexpected happens, and adapt their care regimen to changing conditions. Moving beyond the basics, Chapman shows potential beekeepers how to spot pests and diseases; manage swarms (those bees aren’t angry; they’re just looking for a good home); and, of course, harvest delicious homegrown honey. Imbued with the joy of the beekeeping journey, For the Bees provides practical visual explanations through appealing illustrations, that, alongside Chapman’s own stories from the bee yard, share the charms of these essential insects. - [Hot Honey - 7oz](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/hot-honey/) - Each summer, chili pequins — the only pepper native to Texas and the state's official native pepper -dot the Texas landscape with pops of vibrant red. Our hot honey, infused with these Texas grown fiery gems, brings a bold kick to everything from vanilla bean ice cream to grilled meats and roasted veggies. - [Beek Hybrid Apprenticeship Deposit](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/beek-apprenticeship-registration/) - Our apprenticeship is now offered as a hybrid program! This new format will allow for more flexibility, recorded workshop sessions available on-demand, and shorter weekend commitments to help meet the demands of busy schedules! You can choose from: online workshop only returning apprentices can choose the practical only or pair the online workshops with the hands-on practical for the most complete experience! Note that you are paying the deposit for the program only. After deposit, we will contact you to set up payment for the balance. If you choose to pay in full, you will save $50 if you select one of the stand-alone components or $100 off if you sign up for the apprenticeship and the practical together. To take advantage of savings, payment in full must be received within 30 days of registration. Payment plans can entail up to 4 total payments. Apprenticeship deposits are NOT REFUNDABLE. If you have any questions, please email us at info@twohiveshoney.com BEFORE you purchase! Beekeeping Apprenticeship includes: 8 live 3-hour online workshops 8 optional one -hour office hour sessions 30+ total hours of instruction "For the Bees", Tara's new beekeeping book mailed to your home address Price: $650 Beekeeping Practical includes: 6 hands-on practical sessions at the Honey Ranch, for a total of 25 hours of instruction Choose to take the practical alongside the beek apprenticeship OR take it later as a stand alone component once you have completed the beek apprenticeship. Are you a past apprentice looking to get more hands-on experience? Any apprentices can choose to retake the practical component again! Full ventilated beekeeping suit, gloves, hive tool, smoker, bee brush (If you already have any of these items, or you would like to downgrade to just a jacket and veil, we will adjust your final payment schedule so you save money on what you already own!) Refreshments each session Price: $1,150 Beekeeping Apprenticeship + Beekeeping Practical More than 60 hours of total instruction Buy both together and save $150! Price: $1,650 Please see below for additional info, session dates, and full agenda for each session. - [Two Hives Honey Dipper](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/two-hives-honey-dipper/) - This custom Two Hives Honey wooden dipper helps you easily collect and dispense honey from the jar. Made of high quality wood, which is lightweight, harmless yet durable. The grooves provide optimal dispensing and drizzling on food or in beverages. - [HoneyGram - Quarterly Subscription Box](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/honeygram-quarterly-subscription-box/) - Our quarterly HoneyGram box is packed with exclusive small batch honeys from our apiary and delicious snack pairings. HoneyGram subscribers get first dibs on limited seasonal goodies like comb honey, unique single florals, and holidays specials, as well as a rotating selection of other treats designed to complement each box's theme. NEW: Sign up for a recurring subscription OR pick just the number of boxes you'd like to receive! Choose from either our Standard or Deluxe box: A Standard subscription box includes honeys and snack pairings, and is meant to keep you well-supplied with local honey and introduce you to delicious artisan foods. Our Deluxe subscription box includes all the goodies in our Standard box, and also includes a selection of small-batch beeswax and honey products for your home and health--locally-made beeswax pillar candles, herbal beeswax moisturizing balms, immune-supporting propolis extract, and a rotating selection of other treats. Read the FAQs below to learn more about timing, billing, and pausing or canceling your membership! - [Gift Certificate](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/gift-certificate/) - Order in any amount over $10 and have delivered via email immediately or at a scheduled date. Certificates are redeemable in our online store or at our shop in Manor.* *Not redeemable for our classes or tours. Click here to purchase a gift certificate for our online booking system. ** Certificates are stand-alone purchases and cannot be added to the store shopping cart ** - [Hive Tool Kit](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product/hive-tool-kit/) - PICK UP ONLY. The beekeeper's tool trinity - smoker, bee brush, and hive tool. Add to your nuc and equipment order to ensure you have what you need for your hive checks. Your equipment will be ready for pick up in January, in plenty of time before your bees arrive! We will email you when the equipment is available. Want to get your equipment sooner? Email us at shop@twohiveshoney.com and we will arrange an earlier pickup! A 10% restocking fee is applied to any refunds on equipment, tools, or gear. ## Portfolio - [This is an Event](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/portfolio/this-is-an-event/) ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/category/uncategorized/) - [Getting Started Beekeeping](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/category/getting-started-beekeeping/) - [Honey](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/category/honey/) - [Supporting Pollinators](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/category/supporting-pollinators/) - [Beekeeping Advice](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/category/beekeeping-advice/) - [Tara's Blog](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/category/taras-blog/) ## Tags - [Sunscreen](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/tag/sunscreen/) - [Natural Beauty](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/tag/natural-beauty/) - [getting started](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/tag/getting-started/) - [beekeeping](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/tag/beekeeping/) - [honey](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/tag/honey/) - [tools](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/tag/tools/) - [top3](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/tag/top3/) - [texas beekeeping](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/tag/texas-beekeeping/) - [beekeeping advice](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/tag/beekeeping-advice/) ## Tags - [yes](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/?wc_square_synced=yes) ## Product categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product-category/uncategorized/) - [Honey](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product-category/honey/) - [Apprenticeship](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product-category/apprenticeship/) - [Home & Garden](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product-category/home-garden/) - [Books & Games](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product-category/books-games/) - [Bath & Body](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product-category/bath-body/) - [Gift Ideas](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product-category/gift-ideas/) - [Bees](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product-category/beekeeping/bees/) - [Beekeeping](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product-category/beekeeping/) - Beekeeping supplies - [Kids Program](https://www.twohiveshoney.com/product-category/kids-program/)