How to learn beekeeping
Take a class
Many beekeeping groups give beekeeping courses, generally over two years. Take a good beekeeping course. You are going to tell me how to know in advance if the course will be of quality? Here are the features you should be aware of:From practice
Beekeeping cannot be learned from a book. It is necessary to practice. Does the course you plan to take include at least 50% of practical sessions? Does your school have an apiary?Owning a beehive
In a good course, it is compulsory to have a beehive. Beekeeping is not learned by looking but by practicing. A good beekeeping group will offer you a school apiary where you can leave your hive for the duration of the course. It is important that there are several beehives to see and understand special cases that other students are facingCourse content
Compare several programs with each other.The experience
Try to meet beekeepers who have taken the course at this school in the past. They are in the best position to describe the strengths or weaknesses of the training to you.Learn in companionship
Companionship consists of learning beekeeping in the field by following a beekeeper. This is a great method if it is supplemented by a course afterwards. In companionship, it is often possible to have your own hive with the beekeeper. Keep in mind that having a beehive means visiting it regularly in season.The quality of the training obviously depends on the rigor and the didactic talent of your trainer.
You must of course adapt to the pace of your trainer. He teaches you beekeeping either for the pleasure of sharing his passion (most often) or to get a helping hand.
Do not hesitate to do one or two seasons with a beekeeper. They are generally passionate people, who like to share their knowledge. You will learn lots of tricks, tricks of the hand. The beekeeper, over time, develops his own method. This is perhaps the only downside to this way of learning: you will probably not see all the possible techniques but only those used by your teacher.
And to go further
Reading good beekeeping books is essential especially at the beginning. This gives you time to study a technique, to think about it before putting it into practice. Please note: I am not saying that beekeeping is learned by reading.The book is only there as a complement to a good course to study or review poorly learned or not yet applied practices.
Beekeeping 101 is good one, and i advise you to read it, you can buy it from this link (They offering the three other books in the picture below for free)
The solidarity of beekeepers in the event of a hard blow or for the loan of equipment often comes in handy, especially at the beginning. The first year when you only have one or two hives, it is rare that you have already invested in a honey extractor.
Work with others
Sharing his passion with other beekeepers is very informative and also very enjoyable. Keep in touch with people who have taken the same course as you. Register in a beekeeping section near you.The solidarity of beekeepers in the event of a hard blow or for the loan of equipment often comes in handy, especially at the beginning. The first year when you only have one or two hives, it is rare that you have already invested in a honey extractor.
