
For the Bees
A Handbook for Happy Beekeeping
Tara Dawn Chapman(Author)
University of Texas Press
Published on 5. November 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-1-4773-2951-1 (ISBN)
Description
A handbook for what to expect the first year of beekeeping and beyond.
The path to becoming a successful beekeeper begins with a deep understanding of the bees themselves. Taking an approach that is both holistic and practical, Tara Chapman, founder and operator of Austin's beloved Two Hives Honey, begins with a primer on honey bee biology and nutrition as well as beehive architecture. (Did you ever wonder why honey combs are composed of tiny hexagons?) A little scientific knowledge goes a long way: a beekeeper who understands how these fascinating creatures work will be better equipped to recognize a particular colony's needs, make sound decisions when the unexpected happens, and adapt their care regimen to changing conditions. Moving beyond the basics, Chapman shows potential beekeepers how to spot pests and diseases; manage swarms (those bees aren't angry; they're just looking for a good home); and, of course, harvest delicious homegrown honey.
Imbued with the joy of the beekeeping journey, For the Bees provides practical visual explanations through appealing illustrations, that, alongside Chapman's own stories from the bee yard, share the charms of these essential insects.
The path to becoming a successful beekeeper begins with a deep understanding of the bees themselves. Taking an approach that is both holistic and practical, Tara Chapman, founder and operator of Austin's beloved Two Hives Honey, begins with a primer on honey bee biology and nutrition as well as beehive architecture. (Did you ever wonder why honey combs are composed of tiny hexagons?) A little scientific knowledge goes a long way: a beekeeper who understands how these fascinating creatures work will be better equipped to recognize a particular colony's needs, make sound decisions when the unexpected happens, and adapt their care regimen to changing conditions. Moving beyond the basics, Chapman shows potential beekeepers how to spot pests and diseases; manage swarms (those bees aren't angry; they're just looking for a good home); and, of course, harvest delicious homegrown honey.
Imbued with the joy of the beekeeping journey, For the Bees provides practical visual explanations through appealing illustrations, that, alongside Chapman's own stories from the bee yard, share the charms of these essential insects.
Reviews / Votes
While some authors write a book that is a checklist to follow, from their experience following someone else's checklist, Tara has written a book that will help beekeepers make decisions from a deeper understanding of the bees themselves...For the first half of it, I thought to myself that from now on this book will be my top recommendation to my beginning beekeeping students. By the time I started the second half, I decided that it will be my top recommendation for my intermediate beekeepers, too...Caroline Brown, the illustrator, really outdid herself. The illustrations make written points easy to understand and remember. They have the perfect balance of cuteness and correctness, with some humor. The illustrations are integral to the book...Book lovers will understand when I say that the format, paper quality, colors, layout, and design make it a real pleasure to read. It is listed as a paperback, but the cover isn't just paper. You could get honey on it, and wash it off without damaging it - not that there is ever out-of-place honey in a beekeeper's house! (American Bee Journal) [This book offers] practical explanations for anyone starting their beekeeping journey. (Mother Earth News Podcast) There is a lot to like in this book...[which] covered many pointers that a newer beekeeper would want to know. (The Beekeeper's Quarterly)More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Austin, TX
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 259 mm
Width: 186 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
875 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4773-2951-1 (9781477329511)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Tara Dawn Chapman spent ten years working for the CIA and federal government in Washington, DC, focusing on foreign policy and intelligence gathering in Pakistan and Afghanistan. After quitting her government job, she launched Two Hives Honey and welcomes thousands of bee-curious folks to the Honey Ranch, just outside of Austin, Texas, each year. You can learn more and follow along @twohives on Instagram.
Caroline Brown is a freelance illustrator and muralist.
Caroline Brown is a freelance illustrator and muralist.
Content
Preface
Chapter 1. Honey Bee Biology
Chapter 2. A Honey Bee's Home
Chapter 3. Honey Bee Nutrition
Chapter 4. Getting Started Beekeeping
Chapter 5. Performing a Hive Inspection
Chapter 6. Understanding the Queen Bee
Chapter 7. Feeding Honey Bees
Chapter 8. All Things Swarming: Colony Reproduction
Chapter 9. Growing an Apiary: Making Increases
Chapter 10. Parasites, Pathogens, and Pests
Chapter 11. Harvesting from the Hive
Chapter 12. Beekeeping through the Seasons
Chapter 13. Ensuring Beekeeping Success: Common Mistakes + Best Practices
Acknowledgments
Glossary
Notes
Suggested Resources
Index
Chapter 1. Honey Bee Biology
Chapter 2. A Honey Bee's Home
Chapter 3. Honey Bee Nutrition
Chapter 4. Getting Started Beekeeping
Chapter 5. Performing a Hive Inspection
Chapter 6. Understanding the Queen Bee
Chapter 7. Feeding Honey Bees
Chapter 8. All Things Swarming: Colony Reproduction
Chapter 9. Growing an Apiary: Making Increases
Chapter 10. Parasites, Pathogens, and Pests
Chapter 11. Harvesting from the Hive
Chapter 12. Beekeeping through the Seasons
Chapter 13. Ensuring Beekeeping Success: Common Mistakes + Best Practices
Acknowledgments
Glossary
Notes
Suggested Resources
Index