how are we handling BEEKEEPING 101 classes?
We are holding our classes in person and via Zoom and doing “one on one” time with our students in the spring and summer. Although this class time is extremely important and will give you a good base of education of what to expect, the actual hive side time is just as important to becoming a successful beekeeper.
You can sign up for online classes at https://www.whitemountainapiary.com/store/class-2022/bees-e8839
You can sign up for in person classes at https://www.whitemountainapiary.com/store/2024-bee-school or email us and we’ll send you the registration form.
WHAT IS BEEKEEPING ALL ABOUT PRESENTATION
A 60 minute introduction as to what beekeeping is all about. The hows and whys. The challenges and rewards. What you can do to help save our bees. A perfect program for your group or organization. We always encourage a question and answer period afterwards.
how to split a beehive - the basics
A 2 1/2 hour hands on class - date to be determined in June, 2024 from 10 am to 12:30 pm. (weather permitting) $35
Learning how to split a beehive is a useful skill for any beekeeper. When colonies become over crowded they are prone to swarming. By splitting a hive successfully, the beekeeper does not lose bees to a swarm. Also, this is also a great way to increase your hive numbers. However, done improperly or at the wrong time – hive splits can lead to a loss of both colonies.
Class will be held in one of our bee yards at 595 Kimball Hill Rd, Whitefield
You’ll need to wear long pants and closed toed shoes/boots, jacket/suit and veil. We will provide nitrile gloves. Bring your lunch if you want to hang a little afterwards.
INTRO TO BEEKEEPING, HIVE MATERIALS AND TOOLS, OVERVIEW
A one hour presentation followed by Q & A
Will I be a good beekeeper, Why Bees Rock, Benefits of bees, Types of hives, Building hive & frames, Location requirements, Site discussion, Clothing recommendations, Keeping a notebook, Maintaining healthy bees, Predators & loss prevention, Electric fencing & other products, Purchasing used equipment +/-, Smokers & fuel, Tools & equipment, Coping with stings, Clubs and mentors, Top beekeeping books and videos.
BEEKEEPING 101 - CLASS ONE
Via Zoom $35
Welcome, getting started, benefits of bees, types of bees, origins and features, females casts/drones, life cycle - duties - behavior, communication, when to get your hive, other resources; Q & A
alling your package or nuc of bees, Biology basics, Bees & pheromones, The jobs bees have, Feeding your bees, Common races of bees, How to inspect hives, Bee viruses and diseases, To treat or not to treat.
BEEKEEPING 101 - CLASS TWO
Via Zoom $35
Location of hive, electric fencing, predators & loss prevention, purchasing used equipment, types of hives, hive parts, hive equipment, clothing, tools, smoker/fuel, how to light a smoker, accessories, building equipment, coping with stings, clubs/mentors, 10 frame vs. 8 frame/med. vs. deeps; Q & A
BEEKEEPING 101 - CLASS THREE
Via Zoom $35
Unwrapping wintered over colonies, biology basics, bees & pheromones, jobs bees have, package/nucleus installation, feeding, spring management, building up, inspections/checklist, swarms and splitting, record keeping; Q & A
BEEKEEPING 101 - CLASS FOUR
Via Zoom $35
Pests & mites, testing, IPM, brood diseases, monitoring & testing, treatments; Q & A
BEEKEEPING 101 - CLASS FIVE
Via Zoom $35
Reading frames, summer management, preparing for dearth, prevention of robbing; Q & A
BEEKEEPING 101 - CLASS six
Via Zoom $35
Fall/winter management, winter readiness, prevention of robbing, mouse guards, disappearing drones, fall feeding, how to clear honey supers, extraction & labeling, how to store bee equipment. ordering your bees & equipment; Q & A
EXTRACTING AND WINTER PREPARATION
September, 2023 - Saturday date to be determined - 10 am to noon (2 hrs of in the hives or classroom via zoom) $30
Winter management expectations, How to clear honey supers, Proper use of honey extractor, Extracting & bottling honey, Disappearing drones, How to store bee equipment. In the hives - what to look for and proper technique. In the bee room - what fun!
KidS LOVE BEES too!
Stay tuned for information about our educational classes for children. Or if you’d like us to present a child program for your group, give us a ‘buzz’