Keeping Bees And Making Honey

by Alison Benjamin

Bee keeping isn't just for the country dweller--bees can be kept in any situation from the simple balcony to the garden to acres of land. This comprehensive and attractive lifestyle guide to bee keeping takes readers from finding their bees to getting them home, housing them, collecting honey and using their produce. The book includes a detailed look at the history of bees and bee-keeping, and an extensive introduction to help readers to fully understand bees and keep them happy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening, Reference, Animals, Nature

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2008

Reviews

[Meagen Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend was moving and offered her well established hive, so I had to learn a lot fast! The timeline was too short to attend a class. I tried browsing websites, but needed a well organized overview. I got a stack of books from the library and this was definitely the absolute best for a beginner. The others made very little sense to me until I read this first. The rest were too technical, or too few pictures, or just seemed rigid. This book definitely acknowledges that there are a range of practical approaches, and emphasizes connecting with your local beekeepers association. There are tons of interesting facts in plain language. I used the excellent diagrams and photos to teach my children and make sense of all the equipment that was handed down. After reading every page of this over two days, I skimmed the rest of the books for more details and options, particularly on transporting the hive and preparing for winter. But I am now a beekeeper and this book gave me the confidence to make the plunge! Highly recommended for beginners.

[Laura Rittenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

About 5 months ago I got 2 bee hives (now I have 3). Since then I've read a pile of books about beekeeping and I have to say this one is one of the best. It's practical but with plenty of detail and, though written primarily from a UK standpoint, can be applied by beekeepers wherever they are.

The recipe section is very small and the selection is are only so-so (okay, who doesn't want to eat figs with Gorgonzola cheese and honey) but I just might give that mead recipe a go!

A great book for anyone considering keeping bees, and if you aren't considering it, the author may convince you to give 'em a go anyway.

[Arminzerella]

Skimmed this to see if there was anything that hadn't been covered in other beekeeping books I'd already read. Liked the many photographs, but other books went into more depth. Also, this book suggests that you only leave 20lbs of honey on to overwinter your bees. From other resources and beekeepers I've heard anything from 60-90lbs - 20lbs, therefore, seems criminally irresponsible (and sure to doom your bees). Can't speak for the accuracy of the rest of the book, since I only skimmed it, but that certainly jumped out.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative, great pictures... there were a few topics I felt were glazed over. If I were planning to start beekeeping any time soon I would have to find more sources. Some descriptions I felt could have used diagrams or explanatory pictures- especially with the honey and wax extraction phases. There were a couple of terms used that could not be found in the glossary.
A good overview with some fun recipes at the end. Thorough in covering topics but not in depth.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love non-fiction. There is so much that we can learn about the world and this book brings the reader one step closer to knowing how the natural world works. I'm looking at getting bees next spring. I wish that I could have been ready to get them this spring but alas, it was not meant to be. With the help of Keeping Bees and Making Honey, I now know that late spring or early summer is the time to get them.

[Anna George · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty pictures, easy to read, some good advice, but seriously, if I read one more time about how great urban areas were because of their high biodiversity, I might have to puke. The authors need an intro biology course.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have been reading any and all books related to beekeeping. This one is good but Beekeeping for Dummies was much more detailed and informative. Must say though - this particular book has the most amazing photos - just gorgeous!!!!

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book on beekeeping even though it is not something I plan to do. I was interested in the topic and learned a lot about bee behavior. The book also contains great photography.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautifully put together book with wonderful pictures and what looks like accurate illustrations. Having read it through I don't think I could just go and be a beekeeper based on this book but it's certainly inspiring.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book about beekeeping and honey. The best parts about this book (in my opinion) were the inclusion of the history of people and bees, as well as some nice recipes.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and at a bee-keeping beginner level.

[Merry · Rating 3 out of 5]

List of plant bloom times

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book on bee keeping.

[LeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read with nice photos. Learned tons about bees and their little homes.