A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Healthy, Happy, and Productive Bees,

Experience the timeless joy of beekeeping—right in your backyard or on your urban rooftop—with this fully updated and accessible resource for beekeepers of all levels.

More than just a how-to guide, The Backyard Beekeeper offers expert insights and practical advice on every aspect of caring for bees and harvesting their gifts. Learn how to:



Set Up and Maintain Hives – Start and care for thriving colonies.
Choose the Ideal Location – Ensure the safety of your bees and yourself.
Practice Nontoxic Beekeeping – Use natural, sustainable care methods.
Manage Swarms – Prevent and control swarming behavior.
Work with Top Bar Hives – Explore alternative hive options.
Harvest Hive Products – Collect honey, beeswax, and more.
Identify and Treat Bee Health Issues – Recognize problems early and apply effective solutions.


What’s New in the 5th Edition:



Natural Beekeeping Methods – Learn how to insulate hives for winter, mirroring the natural advantages of wild bee habitats.
Updated Treatments for Varroa Mites – Stay ahead in the fight against one of beekeeping’s greatest challenges.
Guidance on New Antibiotic Regulations – Navigate the latest recommendations for managing American foulbrood.
Modern Recordkeeping Tools – Discover innovative ways to track hive health and productivity.


This expanded edition also features a fresh, user-friendly design with larger, easy-to-read text, a clearer structure for quick reference, and dozens of new, vibrant photos that bring beekeeping to life.

With trusted guidance from Kim Flottum, editor emeritus of Bee Culture magazine, you’ll gain the confidence and know-how to cultivate healthy, productive bees and enjoy the sweet rewards of your own hive.

Start your beekeeping journey today—naturally, sustainably, and successfully.