Welcome to Garden Variety Bees
This page may contain affiliate links. Learn more.
Whether you’re brand new to beekeeping or have kept hives for years, you’re in the right place—especially if you’re keeping bees in Arizona’s wild and challenging desert climate.
At Garden Variety Bees, we help everyday people become confident, successful beekeepers with Arizona-specific guidance, tools, and support.
We know what it’s like to wonder what’s normal in your hive—or how to handle extreme heat, aggressive bees, or the swarm that just moved into your sprinkler valve box. We’re here to make it simpler (and sweeter).
Who is This Site For?
New and aspiring beekeepers in Arizona
- Backyard beekeepers who want healthy, thriving hives
- Bee lovers interested in native pollinators
- People who want local, practical help with their bees
Start With These 3 Steps
1. Read Our Most Popular Blog Posts to get up to speed with the basics, Arizona-style:
- Can I Keep Bees in Arizona?
- How to Prepare for Your First Beehive
- The Truth About Africanized Bees
- How to Get Rid of Bees
2. Join the Weekly Bee Tips Email
Every Monday, we send out practical tips to help you care for your hives in Arizona’s unique conditions.
Join the Email List
3. Explore the Honeybee Bootcamp
Just getting started? Our $47 mini course is designed specifically for first-year Arizona beekeepers.
Learn More About Honeybee Bootcamp
My Most Helpful Tools
Helpful Products
- Beekeeping Planner
- Honeybee Brainyfile
Free Downloads
- Checklists, printable guides, and quick-start resources.
- Explore Free Resources
Blog Archive
- Seasonal tips, how-to guides, and real-life Arizona beekeeping advice.
- Read the Blog
About Garden Variety Bees
Hi, I’m Cricket.
I’m a beekeeper, desert gardener, and teacher. After years of helping Arizona beekeepers get started and troubleshoot tricky hive issues, I created Garden Variety Bees to offer grounded, local guidance you won’t find anywhere else. No fluff, no fear-mongering—just honest info to help you succeed.
I believe beekeeping should be joyful, manageable, and community-driven. Let’s keep Arizona buzzing together.
Stay Connected
Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, how-to videos, and the latest updates:
@garden_variety_bees
Need help or have a question?
Reach Out
Welcome to Garden Variety Bees
This page may contain affiliate links. Learn more.
Whether you’re brand new to beekeeping or have kept hives for years, you’re in the right place—especially if you’re keeping bees in Arizona’s wild and challenging desert climate.
At Garden Variety Bees, we help everyday people become confident, successful beekeepers with Arizona-specific guidance, tools, and support.
We know what it’s like to wonder what’s normal in your hive—or how to handle extreme heat, aggressive bees, or the swarm that just moved into your sprinkler valve box. We’re here to make it simpler (and sweeter).
Who is This Site For?
New and aspiring beekeepers in Arizona
- Backyard beekeepers who want healthy, thriving hives
- Bee lovers interested in native pollinators
- People who want local, practical help with their bees
Start With These 3 Steps
1. Read Our Most Popular Blog Posts to get up to speed with the basics, Arizona-style:
- Can I Keep Bees in Arizona?
- How to Prepare for Your First Beehive
- The Truth About Africanized Bees
- How to Get Rid of Bees
2. Join the Weekly Bee Tips Email
Every Monday, we send out practical tips to help you care for your hives in Arizona’s unique conditions.
Join the Email List
3. Explore the Honeybee Bootcamp
Just getting started? Our $47 mini course is designed specifically for first-year Arizona beekeepers.
Learn More About Honeybee Bootcamp
My Most Helpful Tools
Helpful Products
- Beekeeping Planner
- Honeybee Brainyfile
Free Downloads
- Checklists, printable guides, and quick-start resources.
- Explore Free Resources
Blog Archive
- Seasonal tips, how-to guides, and real-life Arizona beekeeping advice.
- Read the Blog
About Garden Variety Bees
Hi, I’m Cricket.
I’m a beekeeper, desert gardener, and teacher. After years of helping Arizona beekeepers get started and troubleshoot tricky hive issues, I created Garden Variety Bees to offer grounded, local guidance you won’t find anywhere else. No fluff, no fear-mongering—just honest info to help you succeed.
I believe beekeeping should be joyful, manageable, and community-driven. Let’s keep Arizona buzzing together.
Stay Connected
Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, how-to videos, and the latest updates:
@garden_variety_bees
Need help or have a question?
Reach Out
