Well the subject might say it all. I will not bore you with the details unless you really want to know why I'm late wanting to start a hive, but I'm very interested in starting one ASAP as I know the longer I wait the less chance of carrying one through the winter.
I live in Southern Middle TN, and have a mentor as well as a local club(s) to gain help from. The mentor has a lot experience (25 years) but had to give up his hives a couple of years ago. As packages are no longer available I was looking at my other alternatives, buying a Nuc, or an established hive. The latter would be turn key, but I would expect only someone leaving the hobby would consider this, while the Nuc might be a greater possibility. Having asked one bee keeper about frames of brood, honey/pollen, he did not think too many would want to do this at the moment with the nectar flow still high, suggesting a possible split in the fall, around the time of September. I was wondering if September might be too late.
I would be interested in knowing what others might think, especially in a similar climate.
Thanks
Bryn