The Backyard Beekeeper Book

Description

The Backyard Beekeeper, 5th Edition by Kim Flottum

A beautifully updated beginner’s guide, The Backyard Beekeeper brings nearly two decades of beekeeping evolution into one friendly, accessible volume. Written by long‑time Bee Culture editor emeritus Kim Flottum, this 5th edition equips new and casual beekeepers—whether in rural gardens or city rooftops—to cultivate thriving, healthy hives.

Inside you’ll find clear, practical instruction on selecting hive locations, installing and managing colonies, and caring for your bees naturally. The book covers swarm control, top-bar and conventional hive setups, harvest techniques for honey and beeswax, and sound strategies for disease identification and treatment using integrated pest management.

Brand-new to this edition are chapters on insulating hives to mimic wild bee homes; updated tools and treatments for battling Varroa mites and complying with current antibiotic guidance for American foulbrood; plus an introduction to digital recordkeeping tools that help monitor hive health and productivity.

Presented with a fresh layout, larger type, and abundant photos, The Backyard Beekeeper is structured for clarity and ease of use. Whether you’re preparing for your first hive or looking to improve your seasonal management, Flottum’s guide gives you confidence and straightforward steps to build hive success—naturally and sustainably.

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