You've always had a bit of a green thumb, planting both food crops and flowers. But recent years have been disappointing, and you're considering scaling back your garden.

That's when you visit your friend. They're always up to something, and this year is no different. Walking up to their house, you're greeted by a garden that is positively bursting with color. The backyard is remarkably, even better.

How did they do it?

"Bees," says your friend, casually. The bee colonies they started a couple of years ago have ensured fully pollinated plants and great harvests. This, not to mention the side business he started selling the honey and wax.

They suggest you do it, too.

There are a lot of reasons to keep bees, including:

Pollinating your other plants

Improving harvests

Harvesting honey, wax, and pollen

Getting outside more often

Supporting the local ecosystem

Starting a business

In recent years, there has substantial growth in urban agriculture and homesteading. This includes beekeeping. Aside from the benefits of a better garden and outdoor activity, it helps the ecology and food supply.

The Food and Agriculture Organization predicts that if the trend continues, by 2035 the common honeybee might disappear. This means that at a macro-level these highly-effective pollinators are needed more than ever.

In addition to making a valuable contribution to the world, beekeeping is a meditative and relaxing activity. Handling bees with ease in full gear, you can't help but look like a rockstar.

Of course, there is work and learning involved, but this effort can be invigorating, even before considering all the other benefits. The first step is figuring out if beekeeping is for you and then starting small, step by step, to get firsthand experience.

Here's a select sample of what you'll discover in Beekeeping for Beginners:

Step by step instructions for setting up and cultivating your bee colonies

Drones, workers, and queen, oh my! Understanding bee colony dynamics for a happy hive

Gardening for bees - finding your bee's favorite plants for productive colonies

A complete list of considerations and expectations to determine if beekeeping is for you

Building your beehive with effective design and straightforward construction

Protecting your hive from common threats and keeping them healthy

How to find the necessary support to avoid costly mistakes

And much more.

Some people are resistant to starting bee colonies because the thought of being around a lot of bees can be intimidating.

The key is to wear the right gear, start small with just a couple of colonies, and practice the techniques to build facility and confidence. After a while, the bees become just a normal part of the routine.

If you want to level up your garden and do something epic this year, scroll up and click the 'Add to Cart' button.