If you were to ask me what beekeeping books I recommend to beekeepers just starting out, I would say you may want to keep these tips in mind as you answer the question for yourself. (But, I’ll also give you specific recommendations)
Keep In Mind When Buying Beekeeper Books
1. To become a skilled beekeeper, it is crucial to have comprehensive knowledge about various essential aspects of beekeeping. These include understanding the necessary equipment, managing pests and diseases, conducting hive inspections, adapting hive management according to seasons, extracting honey, and learning about honey bees’ life cycle and their roles. It’s surprising how many books overlook the importance of hive inspections, so make sure the books you choose cover this topic.2. As a beginner, it’s important to start with the most common practices before diving into unconventional methods. Trust me, mastering the basics will set you up for success down the road. When it comes to selecting beekeeping books, make sure they cover commonly used techniques. Avoid books that suggest potentially illegal chemical treatments, treatment-free beekeeping, or experimental hive types. Stick to the tried-and-true methods to begin with.3. When choosing your beekeeping books, keep in mind that readability is key. Look for books that provide concise explanations and are devoid of grammatical and spelling errors. You don’t want to be overwhelmed with technical jargon right from the start. Find books that are engaging and easy to read. If you struggle with a book, chances are you’ll lose interest before finishing it.4. And, I’d include for you to make sure the books you choose are up-to-date. Beekeeping has evolved over the years, and we now face new challenges in the form of pests and diseases. Many older books were written decades ago and may not address these current issues. It’s essential to stay informed and select books that reflect the latest practices and knowledge in the field.
With that in mind, I’ve come up with the following books I would suggest to any new and serious beginning beekeeper to read:
1. Beekeeping For Dummies, 4th Ed
When you’re just starting out as a beekeeper, I always suggest beginning with Beekeeping for Dummies. This book covers all the essential topics that beginners need to know, and it’s a great resource for getting familiar with the language and terminology of beekeeping.
In this book, you’ll learn about bee biology, including the different castes and roles that bees have throughout their life cycle. It provides a comprehensive list of the basic equipment you’ll need to get started, as well as an overview of the different types of hives available.One of the things I really like about this book is that it provides detailed information on how to inspect your hives and manage pests and diseases that your bees may encounter. It also covers how hive management changes with the seasons, which is important for keeping your bees healthy and thriving.When it comes time to harvest your honey, this book offers guidance on what you’ll need and how to do it. It even includes a section on preparing your hives for winter, which is crucial for ensuring the survival of your bees.The layout of Beekeeping for Dummies is user-friendly, with chapters that are easy to read and understand. Despite its thickness, it’s actually a quick read and packed with valuable information. Trust me, starting with this book will give you a solid foundation in beekeeping.Actual reader reviews for Beekeeping For Dummies, 4th Ed:One customer review admitted he is new to beekeeping and found the book to be a great reference. They appreciate that the book covers a variety of topics and recommends it as a go-to reference for beginners. They have learned a lot from the book and feel more prepared to start their beekeeping journey.Another customer review quickly said she had no previous knowledge about beekeeping before reading the book. They found the book to be very informative and easy to follow. It helped them feel more confident about starting their own hive and provided information on different hive types. They highly recommend the book for anyone considering beekeeping.A third reader review said was a good beginner book but noted that it lacks information on current issues in the industry, such as queens absconding (that’s when the queen bee and a significant portion of the worker bees leave the hive, abandoning it. This can be a problem in beekeeping as it can result in the loss of a colony) They feel that the book could be more updated and provide more information on mitigating these issues.Overall, the book seems to be well-received by beginners and is recommended as a valuable resource for those starting out in beekeeping. It covers a wide range of topics and provides helpful information, although it may not be fully updated on current issues in the industry.
I give it 5 bees in a hive and encourage you to get your own copy before any of the others in this list.
2. Beekeeping for Beginners: The New Complete Guide to Raise a Healthy and Thriving Beehive.
Beekeeping for Beginners: The New Complete Guide to Raise a Healthy and Thriving Beehive is an absolute gem for those of you who are serious about starting your first beehive. As an experienced beekeeper, I understand the excitement and curiosity that comes with this journey, and I believe this book will be an invaluable resource for you.This comprehensive guide is specially written for beginners, providing step-by-step instructions on how to build your own beehive from scratch. It combines the wisdom of our ancient beekeeping ancestors with modern strategies, offering you a well-rounded approach to beekeeping.But why should you choose this book over the others? Well, let me tell you. Beekeeping for Beginners covers all the essential topics that you need to know to get started. It begins by sharing 11 amazing reasons why you should start beekeeping, including some that you may have never even considered. This will undoubtedly inspire and motivate you on your beekeeping journey.The book then dives into the must-have tools and equipment, ensuring that you are well-prepared to handle your bees with confidence. It provides detailed instructions on building your own beehive, sourcing your first bees, and understanding the various components of a beehive. The author also offers valuable tips on hive maintenance, ensuring that your bees remain happy and healthy.One of the standout features of this book is its focus on harvesting honey. It provides a beginner’s guide to harvesting honey, helping you navigate this exciting process with ease. Additionally, it offers insider advice on how to work with beeswax, allowing you to make the most of your beekeeping experience.But what truly sets this book apart is its ability to make beekeeping accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Even if you’ve never owned a beehive before, this guide will empower you with the confidence and knowledge to set up your first hive without making beginner mistakes. It’s the perfect opportunity for you and your family to get closer to nature and appreciate the vital role that bees play in our gardens.I’m giving this a 5 bees up — hope you get it for a quick referenceActual customer reviews include:One man who is thinking about starting as a hobby and maybe go professional. He said the main objective of all the instruction was safeguarding bees and although it was technical at times he could perceive the love for these extraordinary insects. “It can become a hobby, a passion, even a profitable one.”A lady praised the book providing detailed instructions for building a DIY hive and getting your first bees, everything you need for the hive, including feeders, brood boxes, queen excluders, a guide to honey collection and useful tips for working with beeswax.Another man wasn’t so impressed. He found the book to be more like a magazine and the level of writing to be more like 11 year olds. Basically he felt “if you already have a basic understanding of beekeeping then you already know more than you will read in this book/magazine.”
3. The Backyard Beekeeper, 4th Edition: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden, 4th Edition (2018) – By Kim Flottum
My third recommendation is an absolute must-have for anyone considering beekeeping for the first time. It’s called The Backyard Beekeeper by Kim Flottum, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
Kim Flottum is a horticulturist with over forty years of experience in the beekeeping world. His knowledge and expertise are evident throughout this well-written guide. What I love most about this book is its format. It’s incredibly easy to read, with clear explanations of each topic. But what sets it apart are the text insets that provide even more detailed information for those of you who want to dive deeper into the subject matter. These insets ensure that you gain a comprehensive understanding of even the most complex topics.Another fantastic feature of The Backyard Beekeeper is the inclusion of helpful pictures. These visuals really bring the concepts to life, whether it’s showcasing beekeeping equipment or illustrating proper hive inspection techniques. As a visual learner myself, I find these illustrations to be incredibly valuable.Now, let’s talk about what you’ll learn within the pages of this book. It covers everything from the fascinating history of beekeeping to setting up your own hives, understanding bee biology, managing pests and diseases, and even guides you through the changing hive inspection schedule throughout the year. It truly covers all the basics, giving you a solid foundation to start your beekeeping journey.I cannot stress enough how essential The Backyard Beekeeper is for anyone considering beekeeping. It’s an easy read that provides all the knowledge and confidence you need to get started. Whether you prefer visual learning or comprehensive explanations, this book caters to all learning styles.So, if you’ve been thinking about diving into the world of beekeeping, don’t let fear hold you back. Beekeeping is not only a fascinating hobby but also a crucial practice for the well-being of our environment. With The Backyard Beekeeper by your side, you’ll have all the tools you need to start your own hive and make a positive impact on the world.I highly encourage you to seriously consider beekeeping for the very first time. Grab a copy of The Backyard Beekeeperhttps://amzn.to/3rEQIAk and let the adventure begin!Along with the previous two books, I give it 5 bees up and encourage you to add it to your developing library of beekeeping fundamentals.