The Backyard Beekeeper

A beautifully photographed, highly visual introduction to beekeeping from Kim Flottum, editor emeritus of Bee Culture magazine. If you want a book that looks as good as it reads and focuses specifically on small-scale, backyard beekeeping, this is your pick.

Why Consider This One

Where “The Beekeeper’s Handbook” excels through depth and comprehensiveness, “The Backyard Beekeeper” wins on approachability and visual design. The fifth edition (2024) features dozens of full-color photographs, larger text, and a clean layout that makes it a pleasure to read. Flottum writes from decades of hands-on experience and editorial work at the country’s leading beekeeping magazine.

This book is particularly well suited for urban and suburban beekeepers who need specific guidance on managing bees in limited space, being mindful of neighbors, and keeping colonies healthy without large-scale equipment. Flottum covers practical topics like choosing the right location, non-toxic pest management, smoker technique, and honey harvesting with a focus on what actually works in a backyard setting.

What to Expect

A warm, visually rich guide at 256 pages. Covers colony setup through harvest with an emphasis on natural beekeeping techniques. Includes updated guidance on Varroa mite management and modern hive recordkeeping. Best for readers who learn visually and want a focused, practical guide without academic weight.