Taking an approach that is both holistic and practical, For the Bees 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?) Moving beyond the basics, this book covers everything from biology to getting started as a beekeeper, nutrition to feeding bees, pests and disease to harvesting, and everything in between.
Tara Chapman, is the founder of Austin’s beloved Two Hives Honey. She has been teaching beekeepers for ten years, and this book was inspired by her experiencing firsthand the mistakes new beekeepers, and the resources intended to help them, go wrong. For the Bees is great for those just getting started, but will also be an incredible resource for those a few years into their journey and a in need of a self confidence boost!
A Biology-Based Approach to Beekeeping
In her ten years of experience teaching beekeepers, Tara found too many beekeeping books and courses begin with “how to become a beekeeper.” Rather, the path to becoming a successful beekeeper must begin with a deep understanding of the bees themselves. Taking an approach that is both holistic and practical, the book begins with a primer on honey bee biology and nutrition as well as beehive architecture. Once these concepts are mastered, the beekeeping skills become much easier to obtain.
A How to for All Beekeepers in All Climates
Tara has developed a unique approach to teaching beekeeping that moves away from the traditional teaching technique of what to do in each season in a year. Instead, she presents the information in a way that links what to look out for based on the availability of (or lack thereof) nutritional resources that the flowers in a region are currently providing. Whether you are in the UK, Michigan, or Texas and no matter the hive type you choose, this book can help you become an accomplished beekeeper.
Heavy on Substance, but Still Loads of Fun
Tara is a firm believer we can both teach the incredibly nuanced nature of bee biology and beekeeping but also have fun along the way. Packed with hilarious illustrations by Caroline Brown, this book will keep you smiling from start to finish. But don’t let the bright colors and fun fool you, this book covers it all, and includes an incredibly detailed glossary and index to help you find the topics you are looking for fast. Perfect for those that are brand new, but also an incredible resource for those that are a few year’s into their journey.
Order For the Bees from these Retailers!
Outside of the U.S.?
Tara took great care to write this book to cater to beekeepers no matter their location or climate! Her approach to teaching that a beekeeper’s actions should be driven by the availability (or lack thereof) of honey and pollen resources in an area means that the principles can be applied anywhere. Tara’s goal is not provide you fish, but rather teach you how to fish. The book will be available in book retailers outside of the U.S. soon, but for now you can pick pre-order the book at Amazon Canada and Amazon UK.
What People Are Saying
Tara Chapman presents all the information you need to start your beekeeping journey, and does so in a warm and friendly but trustworthy voice. I’ve read many beekeeping books over twenty years of beekeeping, and For the Bees has quickly become one of my favorites!
``For the Bees`` is packed with practical information, real-life ‘Lessons from a Beekeeper,’ and fun illustrations that will nurture beginners as well as experienced apiarists.
``For the Bees`` is the ‘how to’ beekeeping book I have been waiting for. It’s bee-centric with an emphasis on understanding honey bee behavior, but also practical for beekeepers. Best of all it’s charming, funny and entertaining in a way that few instructional books are. I’ll be recommending this book to my beekeeping students for sure!
