Introduction to Beekeeping

If you’re thinking about starting your own backyard beehive—or simply want to better understand what beekeeping involves—this introductory class is the perfect place to start.

Our next session is just around the corner, and there’s still time to join in time to receive your bees for the 2025 season. If you’re planning ahead for next year, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to move forward when the time is right.

Designed specifically for beginners, this lecture-based class requires no prior experience. You’ll walk in knowing nothing about bees—and walk out ready to begin your own beekeeping journey.

Topics we’ll cover include:

• How to get started and where to place your hive
• Different hive styles and the pros and cons of each
• Equipment essentials—what you need, what to buy, and where to find it
• How to source healthy bees
• Basics of hive inspections, including how often, what to look for, the best time of day to perform them, and the general time commitment of beekeeping (it’s probably not as much as you think)
• Regenerative approaches to managing common pests like varroa mites and wax moths, along with alternative strategies
• How and when to harvest honey and wax responsibly 
• Preparing your hive for winter

Weather permitting, we may also have the chance to open a hive and observe the bees in action.

Whether your goal is to harvest honey, support your garden’s pollination, contribute to local ecological health, or simply enjoying the pure joy having a hive in your garden brings, this class will set you on the right path.