Beginning Beekeeping is NOT for Dummies!
Spring 2023
Beginning Beekeeping is NOT for Dummies
What makes this class better than others?
There's a hands on apiary session with real live bees!
I've been working with bees and students for 40 years and have a solid, diverse background in both.
I stay up to date - conferences, scientific and trade journals, conversation with beekeepers.
This is about responsible, sustainable animal husbandry. Without a good class (and hopefully an experienced mentor) most (80%) beginning beekeepers lose their bees every year for about three years. Learn to keep them alive and healthy!
And, seriously, Beekeeping in NOT for Dummies.
These dates may seem early, but bees start arriving in April, and we (the bees and I) want you to have enough time to get your heads around bees, get your bees and equipment ordered, and get their new homes set up.
Four 2 h sessions
(A. cancelled)
B. Sat @2-4pm on 4, 11, 18, 25 February
or
D. Sun @10am-12pm on 5, 12, 19, 26 March
or
E. Sun @2-4 pm on 5, 12, 19, 26 March
or
Two 4 h sessions
C. Sun @10am-2:30pm, 19 & 26 February (1/2h break)
If you're interested in taking a class, please sign up on this Doodle Poll .
We'll be able to see how classes are (aren't) filling up and it makes scheduling a lot easier. Class size is limited to 10, with a minimum of 4, and we'll split into smaller groups for the hands-on session once the weather permits. If you really want a time slot and there aren't enough (4) signed up, find a friend or 2 or 3!
The focus will be understanding bees and beekeeping in Colorado so that you'll have a scaffold on which to hang new information and a foundation for evaluation and problem solving. I want to get you and your bees through the first year and point you toward what you'll need for years 2-5. Here are the topics we'll cover with opportunities for questions:
>Bee biology - worker-queen-drone development, functions, nutrition, genetics, behavior
>Apiary setup
>Equipment for you and your bees
>Starting with a package, nuc, swarm
>How to work with your bees
>Pests, predators, parasites, diseases common to Colorado
>VARROA mites
>You and your bees through the seasons in Colorado
In addition, as part of the class, we'll have a HANDS ON APIARY SESSION at my house in spring when the weather is good for working bees.
**This class will be especially helpful for those who have lost their bees and want to try again.**
**Package bee and nuc suppliers are requesting that customers take a beginning beekeeping course.**
The cost will be $180, Venmo, Zelle, check (email me so I know it's coming) or, (best!) cash. Price includes a V-Check varroa monitoring jar and instructions. Please let me know which date(s) you plan to attend. Classes will be held at my house, 2430 Corey St, Longmont, CO 80501. To register, just email me.
The book we'll use is The Beekeeper's Handbook by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile 5th ed.
It's a great book to have even if you don't take the class.