Books for a New Beekeeper
Finding the right book can be hard.
It can be even harder if you are trying to learn something new. Seems as if we are ask
“Which book to start with?”
There is an old saying: if you ask ten beekeepers what they think about something, you'll get at least twelve different answers! Beekeeping is an art and a science, and there are countless ways to approach it. There seem to be equally many books on the subject. So where to start?
First take a class! No book can give you the feeling that you get when you go into a hive for the first time.
For anyone starting out, see if you can find an introductory class in the area you live.
(For those of you that happen to be in our area we offer private and group lessons).
But it’s difficult to know what you’re getting into after just one trip to the apiary, so reading is a great way to round out your knowledge.
When choosing a beekeeping book, it’s helpful to consider what you hope to achieve with your bees.
Are you mainly aiming for pollination help for your backyard garden?
Are you intent on harvesting honey, wax and other hive products?
Are you against using pesticides and chemical treatments in your hive?
With those thoughts buzzing, take a look at our book recommendations for novice beekeepers!
Storey’s Guide to Keeping Honey Bees
Honey Production, Pollination, Bee Health
Malcolm T. Sanford, Richard E. Bonney
Here is all the information you need to successfully keep your own honey bees. Learn how to plan a hive, acquire bees, install a colony, keep bees healthy, prevent new diseases, harvest honey crops, and more. You’ll also find useful information on colony life, colony-collapse disorder, honey bee anatomy and behavior, and apiary equipment and tools. This comprehensive reference will serve both experienced beekeepers with specific problems and beginners who are just getting started.
Homegrown Honey Bees
An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Beekeeping Your First Year, from Hiving to Honey Harvest
Alethea Morrison
This beginner’s guide clearly explains everything you need to know to keep bees successfully, from getting your first bees to harvesting your first crop of honey. Spectacular macro photography by Mars Vilaubi brings the inner workings of the hive to life, while the playful text gives you the information you need to make it through your first year. Everything is addressed here, from allergies, permits and restrictions, and how to deal with the neighbors to hive structure, colony hierarchy, and bee behavior