Biodynamic Beekeeping by Matthias Thun

Biodynamic Beekeeping by Matthias ThunI commend this book to not only experienced beekeepers who would like to transition to a more bee friendly approach, but also beginners who, while having access in some form to instruction about basic beekeeping, do not want to be steered into the conventional, mechanistic apiculture that new generations of beekeepers are increasingly finding unsatisfactory. David Heaf. Author of The Bee friendly Beekeeper & Natural Beekeeping with the Warr Hive

“I commend this book to not only experienced beekeepers who would like to transition to a more bee-friendly approach, but also beginners who, while having access in some form to instruction about basic beekeeping, do not want to be steered into the conventional, mechanistic apiculture that new generations of beekeepers are increasingly finding unsatisfactory.”
– David Heaf. Author of The Bee-friendly Beekeeper & Natural Beekeeping with the Warré Hive

Modern beekeeping, influenced by new technologies and breeding methods, has increased honey production but left bee colonies weak and vulnerable to disease. With the alarming decline of the bee population raising concerns about an impending ecological crisis, many beekeepers are seeking a more sustainable way of caring for bees.

Biodynamic Beekeeping is the first book to offer practical instruction on caring for bees using biodynamic theories and methods. By considering the influence of the movement of the stars and the planets on the bees' natural habits, biodynamics encourages beekeepers to be more in tune with their bees indicating, for example, the best days on which to inspect colonies or gather honey.

This fascinating book offers beekeepers detailed advice and instruction on how to work more holistically, including:

• the challenges and advantages of breeding queen bees
• how to artificially induce swarming to propagate colonies
• how to use biodynamic ashing techniques to combat varroa mites
• instructions for making winter-feed according to current biodynamic thinking

Ideal for both experienced beekeepers seeking to convert to biodynamic methods and current biodynamic beekeepers, this readable book offers a unique and personal insight into the theory and practice of biodynamic beekeeping.

MATTHIAS THUN (1948-2020): The son of biodynamic pioneer Maria Thun, was an international expert on biodynamic beekeeping with over 50 years’ experience.