Beekeeping for Dummies (For Dummies (Pets))

Really good basic, but through intro book about beekeeping. I wasn't expecting much from a "for dummies" book but I'm happily eating my words. I'm researching everything I need to know about starting and caring for a hive for work. We run an organic farm and I ordered this and 3 other beekeeping books. I started with The Backyard Beekeeper, but left it at home so cracked this one the other day at work. It's so easy to read and written in a way that makes me want to keep reading. I finished it in less than 24hours. I feel like I have a good foundation to jump from, and the other books will be easier to read now that I'm familiar with the subject. Information is presented clearly. Standard practice as well as the author's personal suggestions, but always reminding the reader that learning the traditional methods is important yet we'll develop our own styles as time goes on. Pick what works best for us.

When I started reading this book I had absolutely no knowledge about beekeeping what so ever. After reading it and doing a little more research, I was able to feel more confident about buying a hive and setting it up. The author does a very good job of comparing all of the hive types and explaining the pros and cons of each one. Even though the book mainly covers the Langstroth hive, it gives plenty of information and tips on other hives and styles of beekeeping. I refer back to this book whenever I need to refresh my memory on how to do things. This book covers all aspects of beekeeping and if this is something you are thinking of doing, I highly recommend it. Looking on the internet intimidated me to the point that I almost didn't even try to do it. This book helped to break it down and make it a little less confusing. There is a lot of contradicting information out there, so start here so you have a little better understanding from an expert.

I've found this to be a great book for my first year of beekeeping. It's filled with useful information that have helped get me off to a good start. When I want to go more in depth, I go to one of my other books that have more detailed information. It's easy to read and then use the info given, as are most "Dummy" books. Each chapter and the information given flows well and answers to most questions can be easily found. Great for beginners, or for those at a more advanced beekeeping stage. Definitely will keep it's place in my beekeeping book rotation.

This book was fantastic. I read it cover to cover and I retained a lot of very important information about behavior, identification of the different types of bees within the hive and the chores that they perform, general care, etc. I know I will need to refer back to the book for pest control prevention and treatment when the time comes. It was one of those very few books that I've read that I didn't have to reread a paragraph because I zoned out. It kept my interest all the way through and I learned so much about beekeeping and the do's and don't's of it. I feel very confident that I'll be successful in my new hobby of beekeeping. My beehives came the other day and I'm putting them together. My bees will be here in 3 short weeks and I know that I will have a smooth start thanks to this book.

After a less-than-successful first year with a top-bar hive I wanted to get information on recommended practices to have a better chance to keep a healthy hive over a winter. The book focuses mainly on Langstroth hives, but it also has information specific to top-bar hives. The book is laid out in an easy-to-follow manner and walks through how to care for a hive during the year. I think that if I can be disciplined enough to follow the book's recommendations I'll have a successful year with the new hive.

I'm new to beekeeping and, in fact, have not even received anything to get started with yet. I bought another beginner's book before this one and it was a bit too basic. However, I'm a bit "old school" and would rather have a physical book than to continue going online to find all the information I needed...it's just in too many places to keep track. I've had a few Dummies books over the years and had seen this one mentioned by several individuals and groups online, so I bought it. It's a great reference. There are many specifics to beekeeping like species, locales, hive types, etc. and this one includes at least a little about a lot of that to keep into consideration. It does stick to their recommendation for absolute beginners though and so most of the information in it that focus realm. I've learned quite a lot from the book and it prompted me to not wait anymore to start purchasing certain items so that I'm ready for my May bee nuc. I can see this book as a great "go-to" reference when I have concerns or questions going forward, with no issue. I still have a ton to learn, but I think anyone starting out in beekeeping needs this book.

This was a really good book. It is an easy read and written well. After reading this book I feel competent enough to begin beekeeping, however I do feel it doesn’t cover everything you would need to know. Enough to begin, but you’ll want to do more research to continue filling in any gaps. My FB beekeeping group recommends not only reading this book, but also reading the Beekeepers Bible.

His is a great book for beekeepers at any stage! I’m a brand new beekeeper and this book was recommended by my mentor who has been keeping bees for decades!!! It is easy to read and packed with information!!! Literllly everything you need to know and it's written in a way that is very encouraging! This book helps me work through the aspects of beekeeping that make me nervous. I’ve taken numerous notes from it and use it frequently as a reference to the things I’m discovering going on inside and outside my hive.