The Seasonal Roadmap to Keeping bees Anywhere

The Beginner Beekeeper's Almanac

by Jonathan Adam Hargus

About The Book

Unlock the Rhythm of the Hive — One Season at a Time
Whether you’re tending your very first colony or dreaming of your future apiary, The Beginner Beekeeper’s Almanac is your practical, reassuring guide to keeping bees with clarity, purpose, and confidence. This is not just another how-to manual—it’s a seasonal roadmap that shows you exactly what to do and when to do it, no matter where you live.
With gentle humor, grounded wisdom, and a beekeeper’s eye for the small details that matter, this almanac walks you through an entire beekeeping year. From spring build-up to summer flow, from autumn preparation to winter survival, you’ll learn how to anticipate your bees’ needs, avoid common pitfalls, and make thoughtful decisions that lead to thriving, resilient colonies.
Inside, you’ll discover:
Clear monthly guidance tailored for beginners
Simple checklists that remove the guesswork
Seasonal insights that help you “think like a bee”
Practical tips for weather, climate, equipment, pests, and more
Encouragement for every challenge and celebration along the way
Whether your hives sit in a busy backyard, a quiet patch of country, or anywhere in between, this book helps you align your beekeeping with the natural rhythm of the seasons—so your bees thrive, and so do you.
Steady. Simple. Season by season. Your beekeeping journey starts here.

The Hive Doctor

Professional Beekeeper of over 25 years

Jonathan Hargus is a seasoned beekeeper and author with over two decades in apiculture. Known as “The Hive Doctor,” he’s recognized for his intuitive, hands-on approach that emphasizes understanding colonies from within. Raised in the Appalachian region, Jonathan apprenticed under a master beekeeper for 15 years and developed a practice rooted in observation and ecology—seeing bees, plants, and landscape as one living system. His book The Intuitive Beekeeper: Beyond Master Beekeeping (2023) encourages beekeepers to move beyond yield-driven methods and cultivate awareness, patience, and connection with the hive’s natural rhythms. As president of the Beekeepers of Gilmer County in north Georgia in 2025, he promotes education, mentorship, and sustainable, chemical-light management. Guided by three principles—Observation over input, System thinking, and Heart-centered practice—Jonathan inspires a mindful, purposeful approach to beekeeping for those seeking harmony between bees and the world they sustain.