Backyard Beekeeping

A how-to guide for a thriving hive―right in your own backyard

The benefits of keeping bees are abundant: pollination in gardens, a fresh supply of honey, and the knowledge that you're supporting creatures fundamental to a healthy ecosystem. This guide will help make backyard beekeeping for beginners a breeze, with the tools and sound advice you need to plan your first colony, care for your bees, and enjoy the harvest.

Suit up and get buzzing with an overview of some of the gear you'll need and guidance for choosing the right hive. Find step-by-step instructions on hive assembly as well as advice on installing and feeding your bees. Learn when and how to inspect the hive, including tips on keeping your bees happy and healthy, and walkthroughs of different harvesting techniques.

New bees on the block―Build a thriving backyard beehive with advice for planning outdoor space, planting the best blooms for a bee-friendly garden, and caring for your hive throughout the seasons.

What's the buzz―Explore a variety of beekeeping approaches and methods, like natural vs. medicated, the differences among popular hive types, and tips for preventing swarming.

Sweet as honey―From Chile-Infused Honey and Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon to Beeswax Candles and Healing Herbal Salves, you'll find 15 delicious honey-based recipes as well as more than a dozen creative uses for beeswax.

With this guide, you'll have the head start you need to be a successful backyard beekeeper.

DAVID and SHERI BURNS are beekeepers with nearly 30 years of experience in hobby beekeeping. Sheri has a BA in Leadership and Management and operates their online business, www.honeybeesonline.com. David is a lifelong educator who received his Certified Master Beekeeper designation from the Eastern Apicultural Society.