At Beekind in Sebastopol, California, Beekeeper Doug Vincent and the team have helped thousands of aspiring beekeepers take their first steps into the world of bees. Whether you're starting with a single hive in your backyard or dreaming of building a small apiary, we’re here to equip you with everything you need—from gear to guidance.
Our region is one of the best places to keep bees. With long bloom seasons, abundant wildflowers, and a supportive local beekeeping community, Sonoma County offers ideal conditions for healthy, productive hives.
Spring is the best time to start. We recommend placing your order for packaged bees by late winter and picking up your equipment early to avoid supply delays.
Tip from Doug: "Install your bees in early spring when nectar flow begins. That gives your colony time to build up before summer."
Here’s what you’ll need:
We carry a wide range of beekeeping supplies in-store at Beekind—all hand-selected by our team.
Buying bees from a trusted source like Beekind ensures you're getting healthy, regionally adapted bees. Our queens are bred for calm temperament and robust productivity, and all bee packages come with detailed install guidance.
You can find everything you need at our Sebastopol shop and you can browse our supplies and resources right here in our new online store. Need help choosing? We’re happy to walk you through it, answer questions, or get you set up for a successful season.