Build a Better Langstroth Bee Hive: A Homesteading 'How To' Book
Oh spring, you tease.
It's late February here on the homestead, the maple trees are tapped, and we're seeing odd days where the temps drop to 20 degrees with snow in the forecast. That's alright, it's almost over.
Our ducks are in a row.
We've got this.
Though our priority is the garden, there are plenty of projects just waiting to be accomplished. I still have the trim to put on the potting shed, and it's become obvious through the various ice dams that a new chicken coop is in order.
In fact, we're making plans to move the chicken run down next to the garage and reclaim the old run and expand the garden. It's in our budget, and to be honest, we'd love a coop we can stand up in. Something a little sturdier, something along the lines of the potting shed but not as high.
Increasing Our Homesteading Income
Wendie and I are always looking at ways to generate a little more homesteading income that doesn't force us to get 9-5, chained-to-the-cubicle, making-money-for-the-man jobs. A little here, a little there. It does add up.
The investment we've made in the wood shop is certainly paying this season with hive sales, and I thought, why not sell some DIY plans?
Bee hives have very specific dimensions, but once understood, the build is relatively straightforward. I just want to share the love.
Taking a little time this past weekend, I wrote it all out in simple terms. I listed all of the materials, tools and lumber needed. Then, there was photoshoot in the woodshop of the various components coupled with time spent at the drafting table to illustrate a couple of diagrams.
To be honest, I'm proud of the effort. For the time invested and the information contained within, it made sense when it was all said and done. The book has already paid for itself.
A Homesteading 'How To' Book Series
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| $3.99 Available on Amazon.com |
Now, as a homesteading income generator, this single book on how to build a Langstroth bee hive isn't going to replace teaching nights over at the community college. But, the idea isn't to stop there.
More homesteading 'How To' books are planned for the new series. New ideas are generated each day. Then, to top it off, the first edition books are originally written with imperial measurements.
The rest of the world is on metric, so there's those editions to put out as well. Two for the effort of one, with a little fiddling with the measurement conversions.
I haven't even tried to project what amount of income the books will bring in. But if it's a couple bucks a day, that adds up slowly. More books, more income. Certainly more than our Google advertising or any affiliate programs would in the same space of time.
How to Build a Langstroth Hive is available on Amazon as a downloadable e-book for $3.99. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited (there's a 30 day free trial), you can get it for free. There's a link on the Amazon page to check out that program if you're interested.
I truly believe it could be the best investment you'll make as a beekeeper. Why buy a hive for around $200 when you can build it for less than a third of that?
We love sharing our lives on the homestead, and really enjoy it when you share your experiences and stories with us. Let us know about your relationship with bees by joining the conversation below!
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