First Year Beekeeping (including the winter!) August 15 and 16, 2026

Due to popular demand, we are now offering a First Year beekeeping and Preparing your bees for winter class in one weekend!

Saturday August 15, 2026 will be an in class session, taking place at Humble Bee (601 Burlington Street East, Hamilton). It will run from 12 noon - 130pm.

Sunday August 16, 2026  will be an in the bee yard and will take place at our yard in Stoney Creek. It will run from 12 - 2pm.

Topics covered are:

(First Year Beekeeping):

• what equipment you need and how to use it
• how to install your nuc
• how to grow a strong colony
• hive inspections and decision making
• how to interpret hive conditions
• how to setup honey harvest equipment,
• legal responsibilities for beekeepers

(How to prepare your bees for winter):

• winter bees vs. summer bees, the differences, why they matter, what it means for your colony management
• factoring in the fall honeyflow into your winter management plans
• setting up a hive for winter; wraps, entrances, bottom boards, and more
• different methods for feeding bees; when and why
• treatment options, when to apply, how to decide
• our own tried and true methods of successfully wintering of bees

This 2 day course will allow you to get through your first year as a beekeeper with the knowledge and confidence you need!