Experience a one day beekeeping course for beginners with Alf and Sharon who have 35 years experience handling bees and producing honey in Victoria. The day is divided into two sessions:
10am-12 noon will involve a presentation by the beekeepers and display of beekeeping equipment.
1pm-2pm. Lunch provided, cuppa and sandwiches.
2 pm-3pm Opening beehives and observing bees here at our property at Upper Beaconsfield.
There will be a maximum of 5 students per lesson. Protective clothing will be provided unless you wish to bring your own.
The course will include:
- description and display of 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 the castes and life cycle of the bee,
- description of the main races of the honeybee available in Australia and their characteristics,
- a description of the biology of the flower and it’s relevance to the honeybee,
- description of the causes and practical methods of prevention of swarming,
- a description of bee pests and diseases, their symptoms and prevention,
- details of communication among honeybees in the hive,
- discussion of the issues that arise in the keeping of bees in a suburban backyard and the Apiary Code of Practice,
- registration requirements and food safety issues.
In the afternoon the practical observation of hives will include:
- a demonstration of the correct method of opening a hive and use of protective clothing,
- use of the smoker and the hive tool,
- examining brood and honey frames and finding the Queen.
The course cost is $180 and a non refundable deposit of $40 will be payable to secure your booking . The balance of $140 will be payable one month before the course date. We will contact you at that time. You can read a participant’s review of our course at her blog.
Please contact us at anna@vichoney.com.au to make your booking. Dates for next summer’s courses will be published here later this winter.