Beekeeping is a lifelong learning process, and whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience, there’s always more to discover. From books to online articles and instructional videos, a well-rounded beekeeper stays informed on best practices, new research, and evolving management techniques.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of essential resources, categorized by topic, to help you expand your knowledge.
Beginner Beekeeping Resources
If you’re new to beekeeping, start with these fundamental guides and instructional videos that cover everything from setting up your first hive to understanding the seasonal needs of bees.
Books & Guides
- The Beekeeper’s Handbook by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile
- Beekeeping for Dummies by Howland Blackiston
- The Backyard Beekeeper by Kim Flottum
Videos
- coming soon
Articles & Websites
- coming soon
Hive Management & Best Practices
Once you’ve got your first hive, the real learning begins. These resources cover proper hive inspections, seasonal management, and troubleshooting common challenges.
Books & Guides
- Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping by Dewey M. Caron and Lawrence John Connor
- The Hive and the Honey Bee edited by Joe M. Graham
Videos
- coming soon
Articles & Websites
- coming soon
Bee Health & Pest Management
Keeping your bees healthy is one of the most critical aspects of beekeeping. These resources focus on pest control, disease prevention, and hive nutrition.
Books & Guides
- The Biology of the Honey Bee by Mark L. Winston
- The Buzz about Bees: Biology of a Superorganism by Jürgen Tautz
Videos
- coming soon
Articles & Websites
- coming soon
Honey, Harvesting & Hive Products
Beekeeping isn’t just about keeping bees—it’s also about harvesting the incredible products they produce. These resources cover honey extraction, wax rendering, and value-added hive products.
Books & Guides
- Beeswax Alchemy by Petra Ahnert
- The Beekeeper’s Bible: Bees, Honey, Recipes & Other Home Uses by Richard A. Jones and Sharon Sweeney-Lynch
- The Backyard Beekeeper’s Honey Handbook by Kim Flottum
- Honey for Dummies by C. Marina Marchese & Howland Blackiston
Videos
- coming soon
Articles & Websites
- coming soon
Urban Beekeeping & NYC-Specific Resources
Beekeeping in a city environment comes with unique challenges and responsibilities. These resources focus on urban hive management, legal regulations, and best practices for keeping bees in NYC.
Books & Guides
- Keeping Bees in Towns and Cities by Luke Dixon
- The Rooftop Beekeeper: A Scrappy Guide to Keeping Urban Honeybees by Megan Paska
Videos
- coming soon
Articles & Websites
- coming soon
Advanced Beekeeping & Queen Rearing
For beekeepers looking to take their skills to the next level, these resources dive into queen rearing, hive expansion, and advanced management techniques.
Books & Guides
- Queen Rearing Essentials by Lawrence John Connor
- Honeybee Democracy by Thomas D. Seeley
- Swarm Essentials by Stephen Repasky
Videos
- coming soon
Articles & Websites
- coming soon
Beekeeping Organizations & Research Institutions
For ongoing learning and community support, here are some of the best organizations, research institutions, and online forums for beekeepers.
Organizations & Memberships
- New York Bee Club
- Long Island Beekeepers Club
- Eastern Apicultural Society
- Empire State Honey Producers Association
- American Beekeeping Federation
- American Honey Producers Association
Research & Scientific Organizations
Periodicals
Stay Curious, Keep Learning
Beekeeping is an ever-evolving practice, and staying informed is key to becoming a successful beekeeper. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your techniques, these resources will help you deepen your knowledge and improve your skills.
We would like to give a special thanks to Howard Wassinger for contributing to this list.
If you have a great book, article, or video recommendation that should be added to this list, comment on this post and let us know! The New York Bee Club is committed to providing the best educational resources for our members.
Looking for hands-on learning opportunities? Join the New York Bee Club today! Sign up here and attend one of our meetings to learn from experienced beekeepers.
