An easy-to-follow visual guide to the first year of beekeeping. Includes photographed step-by-step instructions and in-depth discussions of everything a beginning beekeeper needs to know-from understanding bee behavior to harvesting honey.

Backyard beekeeper Alethea Morrison presents an enthusiastic and informative guide to the wonders and joys of beekeeping, and stunning macrophotography by Mars Vilaubi brings the inner workings of the hive to life. Nine chapters cover all the basics, from Why Bees? to Bee Life 101, The Gear, The First Month, The First Season, and The First Harvest. Morrison explains exactly how to get started, from where to put the hives to which types of honey bees to purchase. Visual step-by-step instructions walk readers through essential tasks, like installing bees in the hive, checking vital signs, and replacing a queen.