Course: Beginner’s Beekeeping (2017-6)

This course is an introduction to beekeeping. There are no prerequisites. The course offers participants both theory and practical field experience. Classes are small with a maximum of 9 students in Victoria. Experience beekeeping while learning as we work with live bees in the classroom. To register, please download the info/registration form by clicking on your preferred course date to the left or go directly to the on-line registration form.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course is comprised of 6 class room sessions of 2 1/2 hours each plus two field sessions of about 2 hrs each for a total of 19 hrs.

CURRICULUM

• History of beekeeping
• The honeybee society
• Honey bee physiology
• Honey bee health
• The hive
• Getting started
• Field Day #1, hands on with beekeeping equipment
• Honeybee products
• Spring and summer management
• Integrated pest management
• Fall and Winter management
• The harvesting and marketing
• Putting it all together
• Field Day #2, getting familiar with live honey bees
• Field Day #3, optional – setting up an apiary

NOTE

A bee veil for over the head protection during the field sessions is required. Course material is included. I will assist in starting your new apiary by sourcing beekeeping and beekeeper equipment and guaranteeing the availability of at least 1 NUC (starter hive) of locally bred bees from my private stock, typically available by the end of April.

If you are unable to attend a scheduled course, please advise of a date when you are available by email. When there is sufficient interest, I will definitely consider scheduling another course.