Last year with 1 package, 2 deeps, 1 medium, foundation I began beekeeping. This year I will have 4 hives, 3 from packages, 1 from a nuc. (my 1 hive succumbed to weird winter weather)
1 - Nuc
Started in a deep. Add a 10-frame medium, then an 8-frame medium. Use comb from last year. When that is gone, use foundationless frames (prepared this winter)
2 - Package 1
Start in 8-frame medium, foundationless. Add mediums as needed.
3 - Package 2
Kenyan Top Bar built from Michael Bush's plans.
4 - Package 3
This one is for a first-time-beek neighbor. Typical 2 deeps + medium, small cell foundation. Deeps are so they can get nucs later if they want, or trade frames with me or someone else, or other advantages because that's what most other beeks around here use. Small-cell foundation because I don't think it can hurt, especially with a newly-organizing package.
- Community feeder about 300 yards from the beeyards. (one yard at neighbor's)
I think it would be great to have 2 of each experiment, but I can't afford that. Maybe I'm bee-ing a bit adventurous for a "spert," but I'm willing to take the risk because I find these insects fascinating.
If anyone has caveats about this plan, or a better one, I'd appreciate the feedback. I have a wood shop and a few weeks before the packages arrive.