How long will I have to wait before I have honey?

Q.  How long will I have to wait before I have honey?

A. The answer to that question varies depending on where you live, the strength of your swarm, when you start, and other environmental issues. In most cases, if you start early in the spring with a new hive, you will be able to harvest one or maybe two combs before fall. You always have to make sure you leave enough honey for the bees to make it through the winter. In your second season, you will likely harvest 3-5 combs.