Class meets from February to September every second Wednesday at 6 to 9pm.

Below is a rough outline of the course materials. So that the beekeepers can prepare for the following month, the materials are presented a month in advance of when activities are usually needed. However, since we will all be experienced beekeepers, the material will be altered to reflect the participants’ needs. Seasonally relevant questions will be welcome. The intermediate class is designed the person who has kept bees for at least one year and who want to advance their beekeeping skills to the next level. The class will meet once a month February through September. Each class will present information that will apply to beekeeping activities in the following month.

Main topics

February: Honey bee biology and winter survival mechanisms

March: Swarm control methods and important sources of nectar and pollen

April: Catching swarms and preparing for the honey flow.

May: Biology of the colony after the swarm has left and harvesting honey

June: Varroa control and preparing summer nucs

July: Honey bee diseases and pests

August: Using beeswax and preparing for Fall

September: Preparing for winter; more on varroa treatments and overwinter small colonies