Looking to start beekeeping but trying to figure out where to get the best information on the topic? Here are the top 10 beekeeping blogs with articles, research, product recommendations and heaps more info on keeping bees.
Introduction
Beekeeping is the maintenance of bee colonies, usually in hives, for the purpose of collecting honey and other bee products such as wax, pollen, and royal jelly, as well as providing a habitat for the bees. Honey bees also play a critical role in pollination, which is essential for the growth of many of the world’s crops.
Beekeeping is something I started to get into a couple of years ago and I experimented with having different hives (both Langstroth and Flow hives), I learned how to look after my honey bees, identify the drones and the queen, and harvested kilos and kilos of beautiful honey! I have to say, I had some mates that helped and guided me along the way, but there were also many nights sitting there reading beekeeping blogs for extra info and articles.
Who visits Beekeeping blogs and websites?
Hobby beekeepers, commercial beekeepers, those looking to get into beekeeping, beginners, school and uni students, anyone in the beekeeping or honey industry, anyone really! If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’ve visited some of these blogs too, or are about to! Let us know where you’re at on your beekeeping journey, or if you’re just researching..
What are the Top ten Beekeeping Blogs?
4. Perfect Bee
10. Hobby Farms
Honey bee suite
This blog is run and managed by Rusty Burlew. It revolves around the idea that bees connect the animal kingdom with the plant kingdom and has covered numerous related topics. The blog has answered many questions and detailed insight into different topics.
Pros:
- Experienced beekeepers have helped in answering questions.
- Covered wide areas of beekeeping.
Cons
- So much information can be confusing for some.
The Beekeeper’s Corner
Owned and managed by a hobby beekeeper, Kevin Inglin. He started this hobby fifteen years ago. Today he is a certified beekeeper and actively participates in beekeeper’s associations. His blogs contain a wide variety of content on beekeeping, supported by videos. The information available can help in taking your hobby to an advanced level.
“We started beekeeping in May of 2008 and maintain anywhere from four to a dozen hives along with hives of different form factors (Top Bar, Layens, Warre, etc.). Sometimes I have many types in service and other times it is scaled down – it changes over time. I actively participate with the Northwest New Jersey Beekeepers Association that serves Hunterdon and Warren Counties in NJ.”
bkcorner.org/sample-page
Pros
- Provides in-depth information on how to start and maintain a successful apiary.
- Offers a variety of content related to beekeeping.
Cons
- The blog feels more like a forum, so some posts might not be as well-written or featured as other blogs.
Bee Health
Bee health extension is a blog run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The content here comes from experts focusing on sustainable bee health management practices. The information is highly enlightening and can be heavy for beginners.
“Our goal is to facilitate knowledge transfer of sustainable, bee health management practices to secure continued pollination of our natural and agricultural plant communities.”
bee-health.extension.org
Pros
- Run by experts in the field so the information is highly reliable.
- Up-to-date posts on current trends in apiculture
Cons
- Topics might not be as applicable for beginner beekeepers or those not interested in scientific studies of wild bees.
Perfect Bee
Perfect Bee is dedicated to all the needs of a beekeeper, whether new or experienced. It offers courses for all types of beekeepers, which can educate and guide people on the latest beekeeping techniques. Also, they have an online store where you can buy essentials for beekeeping.
“PerfectBee Ambassadors are wonderful folks with a true and long-lasting passion for beekeeping. With a diverse set of beekeeping experiences, our Ambassadors love helping other beekeepers.”
perfectbee.com/about-us/perfectbee-ambassadors
Pros
- Quality teaching through courses available for beginners.
- All beekeeping essentials available in one place
- Content-rich blogs
Cons
- The website appears more of a shopping place than an informative place.
Beekeeping Like a Girl
Beekeeping Like a Girl – a blog by Hilary Kearney. Hilary is the author of the book, ‘Queenspotting’ and founder of the beekeeping business called Girl Next Door Honey which is based in San DIego. Hilary used to be an artist and is now dedicated to educating others on beekeeping.
Pros
- Nice website interface, easy to navigate
- Courses and online classes are available on a range of topics
- Blog also has a shop with various products for sale
Cons
- Some ad pop ups can interfere with the user experience
Bee Culture Magazine
Bee Culture Magazine is a blog that revolves around American beekeeping. The magazine provides information on bee biology, beekeeping management, native bees, treatments and beekeeping pests, honey production, keeping bee colonies healthy, pollination services, and more.
“Jerry Hayes started out in life as a High School teacher. He hated it. He went into another business where he worked with a beekeeper. Back many years ago Jerry knew about Honey Bees but nobody actually knew a ‘Beekeeper’, did they? Jerry asked him questions, picked his brain, became more interested and fascinated and started reading everything he could get his hands on about Honey Bees. He turned into the consummate backyard beekeeper. “
beeculture.com/us
Pros
- Provides up-to-date information on beekeeping industry trends.
- Experienced beekeepers write in-depth articles.
Cons
- Content can be long and technical
The Apiarist
The Apiarist is a blog exclusively dedicated to beekeepers. They explain that beekeeping is more than honey, and they cover information like bee hive management, honey production, nectar sourcing, wax moths and pollen management, and beeswax utilization.
“I keep bees because I like honey. I give talks on beekeeping between September and March and sell surplus honey and bees. I also write about bees and beekeeping throughout the year.”
theapiarist.org
Pros
- Widens the scope of beekeeping with emphases on the importance of apiculture.
- Wide range of topics covering beekeeping, bee health, and apiary management.
Cons:
- There is no information about the authors of the post
Bad beekeeping blog
The Bad Beekeeping blog depicts real life scenarios, which are unusual. The blogger has tried to use humorous language to present the content, which makes it quite different from other blogs. Although humorous, the blog contains helpful information about beekeeping topics such as care for bees, swarming management, and hive health.
Pros
- The content is enjoyable to read!
- The blogger is experienced and creative.
Cons
- Content can be confusing for beginners.
Fox Hound Bee Company
Adam Hickman owns Foxhoundbee Company. This blog aims at selling beekeeping supplies to hobbyist beekeepers. The blogger aims to teach beekeeping first, and then sell supplies. The blog has established a good platform for answering many questions.
Pros
- Provides helpful resources for beekeeping and bee enthusiasts, including step-by-step instructions.
- Features helpful product reviews and advice from experienced beekeepers.
Cons
- Content can be basic for experienced beekeepers looking for more in-depth information.
Hobby Farms
Hobby Farms is a blog that aims at helping interested individuals to start their farm projects. The blog covers different options to start a farm, like beekeeping, large animals, poultry, and waterfowl. The content aims at educating people from scratch, to lead a healthy and sustainable life.
Pros
- Information available on other farming animals as well.
- Focus is on beginners with little or no knowledge.
Cons
- Content can be broad and not specific enough for someone looking for detailed advice about beekeeping.
Summary
From beginner beekeeping, to keeping healthy bee hives, care of queen bees and mite control, harvesting honey and the best beekeeping equipment, I’m sure you found a wealth of information in these beekeeping blogs.
Have you visited any beekeeping blogs you could add here? Do you have experience in beekeeping? Let us know in the comments!
