The Secrets of Urban Beekeeping: a Beginner’s Playbook for Rooftop & Balcony Hives—from Setup to City Honey

Unlock the thriving world of city beekeeping—no meadow required. The Secrets of Urban Beekeeping is your step-by-step playbook for starting and sustaining healthy hives in small spaces, from rooftops and balconies to compact backyards. Learn how to choose the right hive and location, understand bee behavior, work safely around neighbors, and comply with local regulations—while boosting biodiversity and harvesting your own honey.Inside you’ll find:Setup made simple: equipment checklists, site selection, ventilation, and water sources for urban microclimates.Bee biology & behavior: queens, drones, workers, swarm prevention, and reading frames with confidence.Seasonal care calendar: month-by-month inspections, feeding, supersing, and overwintering in the city.Natural health management: integrated pest management for Varroa, SHB, wasps, and urban predators.Harvest & processing: honey extraction, wax rendering, food-safe storage, and labeling basics.Pollinator-friendly planting: compact garden plans and container flowers that supercharge forage.Legal & ethical guidelines: permits, neighbor relations, safety, and responsible hive density.Whether you’re a first-time beekeeper or an eco-minded gardener, this practical guide by Sophie Green gives you the confidence to start smart, keep bees responsibly, and enjoy the sweet rewards of city honey—all while supporting pollinators and your local ecosystem.