The Backyard Hive is for one kind of reader: someone with a backyard, a curious streak and a budget, who wants a first hive next season and doesn't want to waste money or lose a colony in year one.
What we do
We write buying guides and beginner how-tos for first-year beekeepers. Every guide answers the practical questions first: what to buy, what to skip, what it really costs and which mistakes beginners make most often.
How we research
- We compare manufacturer specifications, current prices and owner reviews across retailers and beekeeping forums.
- We check guidance from university extension services and the Honey Bee Health Coalition for anything about bee health, mites and treatments.
- We say clearly when a product has real downsides, and when you don't need it at all.
- We update guides when products, prices or recommendations change. Each guide shows when it was last updated.
We don't accept free products or payment for placement. We have not hands-on tested every product we list; where we recommend something, it is based on the research above.
How we earn money
Some links are affiliate links (for example Amazon). If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never decides which product we rank first.
Local rules
Beekeeping rules differ per city and state. Always check your local ordinances and your state apiarist before you set up a hive.