What is the Beekeeping Class?

The Montgomery County Beekeepers Association conducts a yearly beekeeping class which teaches persons with no prior knowledge of beekeeping what they needs to know in order to successfully establish and maintain a bee colony through its first year. We include the background material in our beginner's course so that you will understand why you should do certain things, and to help you appreciate the intricacies of this amazing animal.

The class usually starts around mid-February and consists of 6 - 7 weekly lectures.  The timing of the class allows interested participants can start their own hives immediately after graduation.

The course finishes with a couple of hands-on sessions in the apiary, where students are able to experience the excitement of working a hive.

As a prerequisite, we only ask that you be interested in learning about beekeeping. If you are unsure of your abilities, consider that bees have trained beekeepers for thousands of years, and they have gotten good at it.

Class Location, Schedule, and Cost

Unfortunately at this time the 2013 Beekeeping Class is full. You may sign up for the waiting list by following the list at the top of this page. If there are any cancellations, the spots will be filled in from the waiting list, in order.

The 2013 class will be held at the Holiday Park Senior Center near the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Viers Mill Road. The lectures are scheduled on Wednesday nights at 7PM and are about 2 hours long.

Classes will be held on the following dates:

• February 20
• February 27
• March 6
• March 13
• March 20
• April 3

Please note there is NO CLASS on March 27th.

Curriculum

The Beekeeping Class will discuss in detail the topics below:

• Understanding Bees, Colony Activities, Beekeeping Equipment
• Obtaining and Preparing for Bees, Working Bees, Package Bees, Feeding Bees
• Winter and Spring Management, Summer and Fall Management
• Products of the Hive, Bee Pests and Diseases
• Queens and Queen Rearing, Special Management Problems, Pollination and Bee Plants
• Field Day: hands-on training in the apiary (bring your veils!)

Understanding bees is an ongoing experience which offers lifelong learning opportunities, so new beekeepers are encouraged to join our monthly meetings.

Questions?

If you'd like to know more about the Beekeeping Class, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, or contact us directly.