"The Backyard Beekeeper," now revised and expanded, makes the time-honored and complex tradition of beekeeping an enjoyable and accessible backyard...
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Feb 22, 2009
jess
rated it: 
I can't wait to get a few hives in my backyard! It's going to be a while, though. In the meantime, I occasionally read some books on beekeeping to stay informed and excited. This book touches on a lot of subjects, but is not too in-depth about any one subject. It is definitely a good primer, but not a definitive book. A large portion of the book is dedicated to recipes and uses for honey and wax. It's like a totally separate book. But it's true, many beekeepers have a difficult time using and st
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Mar 27, 2011
Bob
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This is an excellent book for beginning beekeepers, specifically backyarders, like the title says.
Written by one of the most knowledgeable bee-men (or women) around, it has tons of color photos and other detailed information. In his inimitable laconic style, Flottum--also the editor of Bee Culture magazine--covers all the bases, from getting a hive, to getting bees, installing them, managing for pests, extracting honey. It's all there, even some recipies.
My quibbles are m More...
Written by one of the most knowledgeable bee-men (or women) around, it has tons of color photos and other detailed information. In his inimitable laconic style, Flottum--also the editor of Bee Culture magazine--covers all the bases, from getting a hive, to getting bees, installing them, managing for pests, extracting honey. It's all there, even some recipies.
My quibbles are m More...
Apr 06, 2010
Tom
rated it:
This is a very strange book in that it was written by a well-known expert in the field of beekeeping but is presented in such a disorganized fashion as to leave me confused.
If I had not been reading other books on beekeeping I would not have had the background to make sense of the almost random order to the presentation of the information. As an introductory book on the subject, it should have been much more logically laid out.
The information itself is very good; the col More...
If I had not been reading other books on beekeeping I would not have had the background to make sense of the almost random order to the presentation of the information. As an introductory book on the subject, it should have been much more logically laid out.
The information itself is very good; the col More...
Jan 29, 2009
Visha
rated it:
Good primer on beekeeping, written for those who are not only new to keeping bees, but who wish to do it as a hobby. Flottum, editor of the great BEE CULTURE magazine, encourages the use of 8-frame supers rather than the usual 10-frame, which makes things easier for the older beekeepers who may have trouble lifting heavy supers full of honey.
Would have liked more information on natural methods of beekeeping (organic rather than chemical treatments for mites, etc.). Well-organized More...
Would have liked more information on natural methods of beekeeping (organic rather than chemical treatments for mites, etc.). Well-organized More...
Sep 02, 2011
Marianne
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Beekeeping is a lot more involved than I ever thought it was. Although I could quibble about the "absolute beginner's guide" subtitle I won't. To be honest, the book does guide the beginner very capably through the steps one must take to start up a bee colony. There is nothing "beginner" about beekeeping, though. I wouldn't suggest that just anyone with only a casual interest pick up this hobby since the lives of many bees depend on doing it right. This book will make that cl
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Jan 23, 2009
Jen3n
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Chris won't let me have an apiary at home...... so I just have to read about beekeeping and content myself with that.
Well written, for what it is. Apart from the actual beekeeping (hive repair, harvesting, et cetera) there are some interesting ideas as to what one should do with the honey and wax. So there's that.
Not that it matters. I'm not allowed.
For the record, I'm also not allowed to keep goats or pigs or a rooster. Or a miniature pony. Or a regula More...
Well written, for what it is. Apart from the actual beekeeping (hive repair, harvesting, et cetera) there are some interesting ideas as to what one should do with the honey and wax. So there's that.
Not that it matters. I'm not allowed.
For the record, I'm also not allowed to keep goats or pigs or a rooster. Or a miniature pony. Or a regula More...
Oct 15, 2009
Nettie
rated it:
I really want to put a bee hive in my backyard and Kim's book is full of no nonsense information about the keeping of bees. I love the section on bee biology, which I never fully understood before. What a machine a bee hive is -- like an efficient Japanese Toyota plant. She is free with her opinions too which is refreshing. Unfortunately, I recently learned that my next door neighbor REALLY dislikes bees, so I think I'll have to wait until I buy that ranch...If I were going to keep bees, I wo
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Apr 26, 2010
Every other beekeeping book I have read suggests having two deep (9"), ten-frame hive bodies (the bees' permanent home) and adding supers above those for honey (theirs and possibly some for you). Flottum suggests having three medium (6"), eight-frame bodies, not because of any advantage to the bees but because deeps are too heavy. I might as well install a scooter path from backdoor to hives so I don't have to walk all that distance either. That and a stairlift down the back steps.
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Apr 16, 2009
Jennifer
rated it: 
Felt the organization of the book was a bit odd - that if this had been my only beekeeping book I'd still be a bit out of sorts with beekeeping. There are many gorgeous photos in the book, but some were not well explained - why this photo or that photo? I wondered.
I'm not wild about a system that encourages killing the queen bee each year, or medicating with no cause. Just don't think that Kim Flottum is the kind of beekeeper that I aim to be.
The ways to use beeswax More...
I'm not wild about a system that encourages killing the queen bee each year, or medicating with no cause. Just don't think that Kim Flottum is the kind of beekeeper that I aim to be.
The ways to use beeswax More...
Jun 24, 2011
Joe
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For someone just getting into beekeeping, this is a good one to read. Although it gets a little honey focused (which is beyond what I am ready for) it has great pictures and good information. I am going through it again just to remind myself what things should look like when I open the hive.
Apr 06, 2011
this book is a very good help to new beekeepers. it includes some very interesting facts on the bees' character and includes some recipes at the end!
Oct 16, 2009
Emma
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Very informative whilst remaining interesting. Slightly bossy. If and when I keep bees I will be buying this book.
Jan 23, 2009
Forrest
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This was a very nice introduction to beekeeping. Has a nice section on the uses of honey and wax as well.
Jun 12, 2009
Josh
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This was very informative, and provided lots of large pictures to show what the author was talking about.
Oct 20, 2009
jainabee
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Of the many beekeeping books I've perused, this is one of the most useful to me. It's attractively designed and easy to follow, for a complete beginner like me.
Jul 04, 2009
Mrs. Musrum's Mum
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The best book for the beginning beekeeper I've read so far. Very detailed information on the bees themselves, and aimed at the person who's starting with one hive in their yard.
Jun 29, 2007
Matthew.
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browsing permanently - trying to figure out if I can get away with activity described therein in current rental house with wretchedly bitchy landlords.
Nov 24, 2008
Camille
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I don't know if I will ever keep bees, but it sure was interesting to read about them. I'll never look at honey the same way again!
Mar 03, 2011
Courtney
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We grew up with bees and I keep going to back to them for my home and garden. This is a great beginner book.
Dec 06, 2007
Marcie
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I referenced this book a lot this year as I started 2 beehives. Excellent instruction with photos.
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