Sustainable
Beginning Beekeeping
(is NOT for Dummies!)
What makes
this class
better than others?
It's 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 your bees alive and healthy!
There's a hands on apiary session with real live bees - the fun part!
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, conversations with beekeepers, researchers and extension.
And, seriously, Beekeeping is NOT for Dummies.
The focus will be on 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 ecology - where bees fit into the world
>Bee biology - worker-queen-drone development, functions, nutrition, genetics, behavior
>Apiary setup - factors to consider when lacing your hive(s)
>Equipment for you and your bees (please wait for the class before you invest in any equipment)
>Starting with a package, nuc(leus) and where to get bees
>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.**
Spring 2024 Schedule
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 hives set up and ready to welcome them home!.
Format: Custom for those receiving nucs from Highland bees Sat 4 May, but all are welcome
Thursday 2 May 7-9 pm and Sat 4 & 11 May 1-4 pm
Format: Four 2 1/4 h weekday sessions
(For those who like shorter sound bites, are evening people, or have major weekend commitments)
TBD
If you're interested in taking a class, please sign up as soon as you can since there's a class minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10. We'll be able to see how classes are (or aren't) filling up and it makes scheduling a lot easier. We'll split into smaller groups for the hands-on session once the weather permits, TBD. If you really want a time slot and there aren't enough (4) signed up, find a friend or 2 or 3 and we can work something out!
The cost will be $200 and includes a V-Check varroa monitoring jar and instructions. I'm requesting a 50% non-refundable deposit this year to reduce past problems with no shows. Payments can be made by Venmo, Zelle, or, (best!) cash. The balance can be paid at the first class meeting. Classes will be held at my house, 2430 Corey St, Longmont, CO 80501. If you have questions, just email me.
The book we'll use is The Beekeeper's Handbook by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile 5th ed. Amazon and Barnes and Noble carry it. It's a great book to have even if you don't take the class.