Backyard Bees: A Guide for the Beginner Beekeeper

by Doug Purdie

Just about anyone can keep bees. All you need is a bit of space in your backyard (or on your rooftop) and a little love for the creatures that pollinate the vegie patches of your neighbourhood. Once introduced to the charms of beekeeping and the taste of warm honeycomb direct from the hive, you'll be hooked.

Backyard Bees is the ultimate guide to installing and maintaining a hive through the seasons. Learn how easy it is to keep happy, healthy bees, and how and when to harvest the liquid gold. Including extensive advice on choosing a hive and the equipment you need; case studies and anecdotes from beekeepers from all walks of life; and 20 delicious recipes for all that honey, from Toasted Honey Granola to Bees Knees Cocktails.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening

208 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2014

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good beginning book for keeping bees in urban areas. It highlights the need for people to help bees given the current threats. It also mentions many of the threats bees are experiencing, leading to their population declining around the world.

The life cycles of bees, care and maintenance of hives, and strategies for talking with neighbours (or not) are also covered. Diseases of bees are important, and there are good pictures and descriptions of some of the problems.

There are a few chapters which take you through the seasons with step by step guides for each time of the year as well as checklist for what to do for the bees. I will be having bees soon so this book (as well as a course given by the author and his business partner), will really help. It is great to have a book written about local conditions.

This is an enjoyable book to read which includes profiles of urban bee keepers and some interesting looking recipes.

[Jess Bon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book with the basics of beekeeping equipment, how to spot common diseases, some herbs that bees like, and even some scrumptious looking recipes using honey! Beekeeping is hard work though and I’m not sure I have the time for it. Maybe one day…

[KP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice friendly book, the pictures are lovely and help to clarify the information about equipment, set-up etc. This is not an in-depth technical book, and I would not rely on it solely for keeping bees, but it's a good starting point. The pictures of diseases and pests appreciated.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good introduction into beekeeping for someone interested in taking it up. Includes beautiful photography.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to introduce you to beekeeping.
Useful information and great pictures and recipes.

[Jacqui Wallens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully presented!

[Simon]

Bee keeping is not for me!

[Kaylah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful resource, one that I would like to reference again some day if I ever get bees. It goes in detail, but not in great depth so as to be overwhelming.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introductory book on beekeeping. I am now really excited about finding a communal beehive to learn the ropes and test the waters.

[Kris McCracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent backgrounder on keeping bees in a suburban setting. I'm keen, but I suspect that I'd get too upset if it all went pear shaped

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read and good explanations. This is the go-to for urban beekeeping.