Description This year we are offering our beekeeping classes for beginners in a set of four separate workshops. This set is intended to give participants a solid foundation, from starting a hive, through the summer development, and into the fall and winter tasks. The first two classes are introductory classes. The third and fourth classes cover hive management and will offer plenty of practical experiences. The biodynamic/sustainable beekeeping methods we practice and teach are founded on more than 40 years of experience and they really work. The cost of the full package is $195.00, a savings of $25.00 over taking the classes individually. Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping – Part One – Getting Started (Recording) Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping – Part Two – The Spikenard Method (Recording) Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping – Part Three – Spring and Summer (Recording) Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping – Part Four – Fall and Winter (Recording) Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping Part One Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping Part Two March 5, 2022 March 12, 2022 Introduction Beekeeping History and the Current State of the Honeybee Crisis Landscape Considerations—the bees and flowers as a unity Tools and Equipment—less is more, know what you need to get started! How to introduce a Package, Nuc, and Swarm Health checks and care for the first 10 days The Spikenard Method Theory and practice of working with natural wax comb—without foundation Theory and practice of working with natural queens Understanding the hive as an organism Discussion at the hives, bee forage walk Feeding What is biodynamic beekeeping? Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping Part Three Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping Part Four April 2, 2022 August 13, 2022 Health and Hive Management Spring and Summer Beekeeping Expansion in the hive Swarming—How to catch and work with swarms Understanding health of the honeybee hive Dealing with pests Using a debris tray Beekeeping Tasks from May to August Health and Hive Management Fall and Winter Preparation Contraction in the hive 1:1 Ratio Feeding demonstration Hive wrapping/insulation Dynamics of the winter cluster Beekeeping tasks from August to April
