Backyard urban beekeeping

Reader Contribution by Deanna Duke

Along with turning our front yard into a giant edible wonderland, my husband and I are thinking of getting backyard bees. We have a couple of options: we can host a hive through one of several organizations in the area (our top choice is Urban Bee Company) or we can set up our own shop.

Last year I took a class on beekeeping from Seattle Tilth and learned, more or less, the basics. I also received a review copy of Keeping Bees with Ashley English: All You Need to Know to Tend Hives, Harvest Honey & More, which I’ve been dutifully studying.

Unfortunately, all the books and training I’ve had has been on Langstroth hives. Both companies that do the hosting stuff in Seattle also use Langstroth hives. But, I’ve been immensely fascinated by top bar hives which seem easier and more natural in many respects.

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