Beekeeping for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Building Your Own Beehive, Colony Management, Honey Harvesting, and Turning Your Passion into Profit | + BONUS: Hive Inspection Checklist

This book is packed with incredibly helpful information and laid out in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re starting from zero. I really enjoyed how clearly each step of the beekeeping process was broken down, from choosing the right hive to knowing exactly what to look for during inspections. The recommendations for equipment and hive styles were practical and realistic, and the guidance on how to get connected with local beekeeping groups was especially valuable. If you’re thinking about starting your first hive or just want to understand the basics before jumping in, this book is the perfect place to begin!

This book is a must have for first time beekeepers! It’s easy to read and packed with helpful information to help you get started and successfully manage your hives. It’s designed so that you can easily find what you are looking for or want to learn more about plus it’s easy reading.

This book was super helpful last year. My wife and I caught a hive, kept bees and harvested the honey. This book explained beekeeping very well and helped us as we took care of them.

If you are looking to start beekeeping this is a good resource to turn to for information. The author covers the different types of hives structures you can try, and the author teaches you what kinds work with which climates. This sets up the reader for as much success as possible. The author also looks at what honey is and how you can harvest the best kinds. There is also discussion of some problems that can occur in your hives and how to fix them. I enjoyed reading this section very much because I think the author's experience and knowledge really come through.

Just had a hive of honey bees given to us from an “old timer” trying to keep the art of bee keeping alive even though we had never messed with beekeeping before! Decided to order this book and it was very informative. Gave us lots of tips, dos and don’ts as to how to properly care for our new girls!

Beekeeping for Beginners is an invaluable resource for individuals new to beekeeping. It offers clear instructions and includes illustrative hive assembly, making it an ideal choice for beginners. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on colony management, encompassing aspects such as inspections, disease prevention, and addressing common challenges, all presented in a beginner-friendly manner. A standout feature of the book is its comprehensive section on honey harvesting, which provides guidance on the extraction, filtration, and proper storage of honey. However, the true highlight lies in the author's insights on transforming this hobby into a profitable venture. I love its practical content, as the book delves into a deeper understanding of beekeeping, exploring topics like bee anatomy, daily bee activities, handling bee stings, managing hive threats, and ensuring hive health. For those with eco-conscious sensibilities, the author effectively advocates for beekeeping's environmental benefits. The book's wealth of detail equips readers for their beekeeping journey, with supplementary guidance on launching a beekeeping business. I have been keeping chickens for close to two years now, so I will be adding beekeeping to my resume. I recommended this read as can enrich both the reader's life and the lives of the bees in their care. It promises a rewarding and informative journey into the world of beekeeping.

Well written, very helpful, comprehensive, and I felt like the author was speaking directly to me in a kind way. He was always considerate of what things might cost, and laid it all out. He talked about the time commitment, and was always encouraging. He did not lose sight of the best reason to do beekeeping—helping these critical components to our food supply thrive and stay safe.

Easy read and detailed. Sometimes the authors style comes across as a storybook. The information and facts are there but author should stick to technical and proper names of things and minimize trying to entertain. Highly recommend this resource.

As a person who has always thought about starting with bees, this book is providing the biggest kick-start to get into it. I never realised a fraction of what’s detailed in this step-by-step reference book for go-to-whoa (start-to-finish if you’re not Australian). Keeping bees is complex in terms of what you need to be aware of. Michael York does a great job in breaking down the whole subject and not only providing a guide to sourcing, purchasing, building, harvesting, marketing etc etc. He has covered everything in a very readable way. I was fascinated by the section on bees diseases and the ways to deal with them. And silly me thought the only thing bees needed to worry about was the Varroa mite. I didn’t know that “killer bees” were a viable option in some places. I commend Michael York’s book as the reference book to go to.

"Beekeeping for Beginners" is an absolute gem of a book that takes you by the hand and leads you through the fascinating world of beekeeping. If you've ever been curious about the art of managing a hive but felt overwhelmed by the prospect, this book is your perfect starting point. The author's approach is incredibly holistic, covering everything from the basics of hive selection to the nitty-gritty of managing a queen bee. The book is laid out in a manner that's easy to follow, with each chapter building on the last, making it a seamless learning experience. What I particularly appreciated was the book's attention to detail. It doesn't just tell you how to set up a hive; it walks you through the entire process, including the types of feeders, tools, and protective clothing you'll need. It even goes as far as to discuss the painting of your hive, a detail often overlooked but crucial for the longevity of your setup. The hive inspection guidelines are a standout feature, offering a seasonal approach to hive management. It's not just a one-off checklist but a comprehensive timeline that helps you understand what to look for and when. This is invaluable for both the health of your bees and the quality of your honey. The troubleshooting section is another highlight. From tackling diseases like American and European Foulbrood to managing pests like the Varroa Mite, the book offers practical advice that's easy to implement. It's like having an experienced beekeeper right beside you, guiding you through challenges as they arise. But it's not just about the bees. The book also delves into the business aspect of beekeeping. The chapter on turning your passion into profit is a roadmap for anyone looking to make beekeeping more than just a hobby. From estimating revenues to exploring additional income streams, it provides a solid foundation for a sustainable beekeeping business.

A book full of all the Info one requires to plan and everything before making a decision. I would recommend it 100%

This is a useful book. I’m a new beekeeper so there was plenty for me now and as a resource for further down the line.

Bonne lecture pour les gens qui ne connaissent par les abeilles et tous ce qui entoure le miel. J`ai trouvé ce livre intéressant et pour de bonnes références futures.