Beekeeping Lessons for Beginners

**EXTRA DATE ADDED – 10th MARCH 2012.  Must Book NOW!!**

We are providing beekeeping lessons for beginners at our apiary in Upper Beaconsfield.  Experience a one-day beekeeping course with Alf, a beekeeper with 35 years experience of keeping bees and producing honey in Victoria.  The morning session, from 10am to 12noon, will consist of a presentation by the beekeeper with the opportunity to ask questions.   Lunch will be provided, (cuppa and sandwiches) followed by the afternoon session of practical observation of beehives at our apiary (1pm to 3pm).

Outline

The course will include a basic outline of the following:

  • Description and display of bee equipment required to set up your own hive
  • A short history of the Langstroth hive and the significance of the ‘bee space’
  • The biology of the honeybee including a description of castes and life cycle of the bee
  • The biology of the flower
  • A description of bee diseases, symptoms and prevention
  • Communication among honeybees
  • A description of the causes and methods of prevention of swarming
  • Apiary code requirements in Victoria
  • Advice on the siting and issues associated with keeping bees in a suburban backyard
  • A description of the major nectar producing eucalypt species in Victoria

Some practical experience of the following will be provided:

  • How to correctly use a smoker when opening a beehive
  • The use of protective clothing and the hive tool
  • The correct method of opening a hive and removing frames to observe bees
  • Looking at the differences between brood and honey frames and distinguishing between worker and drone brood
  • Searching for the queen
  • Looking for signs of a failing hive and disease

The maximum class size will be five people.  Protective clothing will be supplied unless you wish to bring your own.

Feedback

One of our students has written about her experience attending our one-day course and you can read her blog!

Dates and Fees

One date left!!!  3rd March – FULL, 10th March – still places left.   More dates may be made available depending upon demand.  A one-day course will cost $160 inclusive.

How to enrol

Please email us at anna@vichoney.com.au specifying your preferred date.

Students are required to sign a declaration that they are not allergic to bee stings.  Payment for course must be made four weeks prior to date of course by either cheque or electronic funds transfer (EFT).  Details will be provided.