Does anyone keep bees as a hobby? I am thinking about taking

>>2177023
>Is it too late in the season to start?

Yes, they will not be able to prepare for winter unless you live someplace where winter is very warm.

> I know a place where I can buy a beginner hive with a queen and about 50 bees

What country are you in? Also that's not nearly enough bees. A standard package is 3lbs of bees.

>>2177023
>What country are you in? Also that's not nearly enough bees. A standard package is 3lbs of bees.
I'm in southern Ontario, Canada. This kit is pretty cheap, only $150 too. Maybe I'll prepare this winter and have a proper set up for the spring

>>2177034
If you have basic carpentry skills you can build your own boxes for very little money.

Best bet for finding bees is to look for someone selling nucs locally next spring.