Tips and thoughts on starting with packages for the first time, or starting again after winter loss. Patron exclusive links over at patreon.com/fiveapple Kamon Reynolds showing both ways to install on YouTube. I thought this was an excellent overview. A non-video tutorial from NC extension -- showing the "shake them out" method...the one you will need to use if the weather is poor or chilly. Rusty Ballew showing the walk-out install method. Her site is always a reliable source of info! Dadant's How-to tutorial on installing. Michael Bush's list of installation mistakes to avoid. He recommends direct queen release..somewhat more risky, use at your own risk tho clearly many people do this. The synthetic comb I mentioned  You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:   • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!    If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple -- About Beekeeping at Five Apple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.