If you’re interested in beekeeping, then you’ll need to arm yourself with the best beekeeping books out there. It’s better to be knowledgeable in the art of beekeeping rather than going in blind. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top beekeeping books you should read.
In this article we will recommend books for both the beginner and the advanced beekeeper.
7 books for beekeeping to get you started
When you’re first starting out in beekeeping, you’ll want to read up on the subject as much as possible. Books are one of the best resources to gain knowledge about beekeeping. Here are 7 great beekeeping books to get you started:
1. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beekeeping
By Dean Stiglitz
This book is excellent for those who are starting from scratch. It covers everything from the history of beekeeping to the basics of hive maintenance. If you’re new to beekeeping, this book will be extremely helpful in getting you started.
2. The Beekeeper’s Bible
By Richard Jones
This book is a comprehensive guide to beekeeping, and it covers everything from the biology of bees to the practical aspects of beekeeping. If you want to know all there is to know about beekeeping, this is the book to memorize, hence why they call it the “Beekeeper’s Bible”.
3. The Backyard Beekeeper
By Kim Flottum
This book is geared more towards the hobbyist beekeeper. It covers lots of topics, from choosing the right beekeeping equipment to harvesting honey. If you’re interested in beekeeping as a hobby rather than a profession, then this is the one. If you want to do beekeeping as a hobby or as a profession, it’s important to know what each can call for. There can be different requirements, and this book will give you great insight into doing it for fun rather than for serious income.
4. Beekeeping for Dummies
By Howland Blackiston
This book is very interesting for those who want to get started in beekeeping but don’t want to commit to a more encyclopedic guide. It covers the beekeeping fundamentals and is a great introduction to the subject. It also contains helpful tips for more experienced beekeepers with good illustrations of the beekeeping process.
5. The Beekeeper’s Handbook
By Diana Sammataro
This book is a wonderful resource for both beginner and experienced beekeepers alike. It covers everything from the science of bees to hive management. If you’re looking for an extensive handbook on beekeeping, this book is for you.
6. The Hive and the Honey Bee
By Roy A. Grout
This book is over 100 years old, but it’s still one of the best beekeeping books out there. It covers everything from the basics of bees, maintaining your hives, and the practical aspects of beekeeping. It’s a perfect old-school beekeeping guide and is extremely informative as far as resources go.
7. A Field Guide to Honey Bees and Their Maladies
By Maryann Frazier
This book is essential for any beekeeper as it provides a detailed look into identifying honey bees and their diseases. This is super important to know because if your bees are sick, you need to be able to identify the problem and take care of it as quickly as possible.
Advanced beekeeping books to read
There are a lot of beekeeping books for beginners and people just starting out, but what about the intermediate/professional groups? Here are a few of the top beekeeping books for those who have been at it a while or want to take their knowledge to the next level.
Queen Rearing Essentials
By Lawrence Connor
This book is perfect for those who want to learn about queen rearing. It covers everything from the genetics and anatomy of bees to the practical aspects of queen rearing. If you’re interested in this aspect of beekeeping, then this is the book for you.
First Lessons of Beekeeping
By Keith Delaplane
This book is an excellent resource for those looking to advance their beekeeping knowledge. It covers topics such as colony management, swarming, and also queen-rearing. If you’re looking to expand your beekeeping horizons, add this one to your bookshelf.
The New Complete Guide to Beekeeping
By Roger A. Morse
Covering the rearing of queens, honey-making methods, honey marketing, the benefit of pollinator rental, and everything else related to beekeeping, The New Complete Guide to Beekeeping explains step-by-step what it takes to establish a thriving hive that produces an amazing end product, and all the simple pleasures of beekeeping along the way.
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice
By Laurie R. King
This book is a fictional story about a young woman who becomes the apprentice of a master beekeeper. While it’s not a non-fiction beekeeping guide, it’s a great read for anyone interested in this line of work. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a beekeeper and the challenges that come with it.
Beekeeping books vs. online resources
While there are a plethora of online resources available for beekeepers these days, there’s still nothing like good old-fashioned books. Books provide a wealth of knowledge that you can refer back to again and again. They’re also great for taking with you when you’re out in the field working with your bees.
Beekeeping is a practice that has been around for decades throughout time, and there is so much history and knowledge to be gleaned from reading beekeeping books. If you’re serious about beekeeping, we recommend supplementing your online research with some good old-fashioned reading material.
Another great resource is talking to your peers and other beekeepers in your area. They can provide you with tons of great information and advice specific to your region.
Final thoughts
There you have it! A comprehensive list of the top beekeeping books for this year. No matter what your level of experience is, there’s a beekeeping book out there for you. Be sure to add these to your reading list. So get reading and happy beekeeping!
If you need additional help getting started or managing your beehive, be sure to read our complete beekeeping guide.
