Backyard Beekeeping and Honey Production

Bees are an essential part of our natural world and their importance in pollinating our food crops cannot be overstated. Over a third of the world's food is dependent upon pollinators, of which the honey bee Apis mellifera is possibly the most important. This informative book introduces newcomers to the fascinating and rewarding craft of beekeeping and honey production and sets out in simple terms the needs of this complex creature. Topics covered within the book include: Setting up your first hive; How to handle bees correctly and with confidence; Practical advice on the honey harvest; Winter feeding and inspection; Marketing your bee products and the legal requirements; and Diseases, how to avoid them and how to deal with them.

Phil Rant is a retired British civil servant who now resides deep in the French countryside where he keeps bees and has done so for more than 20 years. He has contributed articles on gardening and related subjects to various journals and magazines over many years.