Four sessions: April 12, 19 and 26 & April 30 (time tbc)
Participants will learn about equipment, how to locate and set up a hive, purchasing and installing bees, bee castes, common issues like swarming, integrated pest management, products from the hive, winterizing and more. There will be opportunities to ask questions and meet the other "newbees" in the class. This class will be in person unless health orders require us to go online via zoom. The last class will be a field trip where participants get to visit and view a working beehive. Participants will receive a certificate on completion.
Note: A veil is required for the field trip. We have a limited number available for those that do not have their own. Veils can be purchased from various suppliers. Please contact us if you need a recommendation - [email protected]
HCP Members $275.00/Non-Members $295.00
Register Online
Session 1:
• why keep bees
• products of the hive
• intro to bee castes
• intro to woodenware
• apiary set up/location
• how to get bees e.g. swarms, packages, splits and nucs
Session 2:
• intro to main honey bee pests and diseases
• varroa
• IPM
• swarming and increase
• main flowers for Vancouver Island
• Plants for bees
• Feeding bees
Session 3:
• seasonal changes in the colony: a year in the apiary
• winterizing colonies
• traits to look for
• intro to VSH
• brief intro to queen/nuc production
• class test (multiple choice)
• checklist for hive inspections
Session 4 (practical day)
• hive inspection: queen finding, checking for brood, bee temperament, sugar shake test, checking for stores and handling frames
Instructor Bio: Gordon Mackay
Gordon hopes to share some of his enthusiasm and experience working with the bees. Along with being a beekeeper, Gordon is also an arborist and nurseryman, with a particular addiction to dwarf conifers and alpine plants.
Register Online Below or call 250 479 6162
