
A little about me and my beekeeping life.
A brief look at the history of beekeeping in the world. Let's travel through time and see how beekeeping has changed.
Who is the honey bee and what does she contribute to our world.
A discussion about some reasons you may want to be a beekeeper. Different reasons will influence how you keep bees!
The hive is a masterpiece of organization. Each bee has a job. We will look at who they are and what jobs they do to run such an efficient house.
This section will look at the types of honey bees, such as Italian, Russian , and what their traits may be.
How will your bees get to you? this section goes over the various ways you might acquire bees.
Installing a nuc to a ten frame hive. Installing during warm weather and a nectar flow is just slightly different than a Spring install when the weather may not be as settled.
Where will you get your bees? We explore swarms and existing colonies.
An overview of the types of hives that are available. Each hive type has it's pros and cons. It is up to you to chose which fits your preferences.
The basics about a typical Langstroth hive set up. This is the hive that most folks think of now in beekeeping.
This video will show how to light your smoker and smoker safety
Let's do an inspection.
First inspections do not need to be long. You are mainly concerned with your hive having good population and a queen. Every inspection interrupts the hive so be care but do not linger long in the hive.
Taking a look at the honey bee beginning with her exterior.
More about our little bee and her interior!
Beekeeping has a calendar of chores that provide a guide to what to expect and how to prepare.
There are more bugs in the hive than just bees!
This section will go over those bugs that are pests.
This hive was over run by small hive beetle. We call it slimed due to the slime that they make. I had fun with this video but the lesson remains.
A short look at what the wax moth can do to the hive.
An overview of some diseases to become more aware of over time.
This will be the beginning of your personal journey in beekeeping:
Encouragement and enlightenment for your choices in beekeeping.
Everyone starts as a beginner.
Here you will find no judgement, just encouragement.
Learning beekeeping can start you on the path to Zen in your busy life.
I like not wearing my bee suit, forgetting myself and getting as close to the bees lives as they will let me, remembering in the process that there is more to life than the merely human and accepting the humbling truth that bees know better than I do.
I have experienced many of the challenges faced by beekeepers and understand your fear and frustrations caring for these amazing creatures. I designed this for the new beekeeper and those that want to keep bees and harvest honey, to make available information that will allow you to learn, enjoy and thrive at keeping bees. Since I am an organic beekeeper I lean towards treatment free, holistic and natural management.
**This course has been updated for 2024 - 25 with added videos from in the apiary. Field work to show real work work with the hives.
This is a comprehensive class in beginner beekeeping.
You will understand :
beginning beekeeping terminology
know the types of equipment
brief bee biology
* the role of the Queen
* the role of the Drone
* the role of the Worker
how to install bees
how inspect your hive.
You will gain insight toward honey harvesting and the seasonal tasks of a beekeeper. Using the quotes of Zen masters, I will guide you to your first experiences in the hive.
Included as downloads are
Hive Inspection Sheet
Beekeeper Calendar
PDFs on Multiple Pests
Gear Checklist
Plans for Warre Hive
and much more!
“You’ve got to go at the rate you can go. You wake up at the rate you wake up.”
Students are encouraged to ask questions and never stop learning!