Intro to Beekeeping Course: From Curiosity to Confidence

Curious about beekeeping but not sure where to start? This two-day in person course is designed to give you the skills and confidence to care for your first hive — from setting it up to managing it through the seasons.

Led by Rachel Halliwell, founder of Home Grown Bee and an experienced Vancouver Island beekeeper, you’ll learn through a mix of hands-on demos, interactive activities, and practical guidance — all in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment.

What You’ll Learn

• Honeybee biology: queens, workers, drones, and colony behaviour.
• Choosing the right hive location and equipment.
• Hive inspections and introducing your new colony (nuc or package).
• Seasonal management: feeding, supering.
  
• Identifying and managing common disease/pests and challenges.

Course Format

• Two days indoors.
  

• Optional Field Day in May (when weather warms up): hands-on hive experience in our apiary at Home Grown Bee.

Dates & Pricing

February 21 & 22 | 9 AM- 1 PM (both days)

Two-day indoor course: $245 + GST

Optional Field Day (3 hour): $75 + GST

Bundle: $288 + GST

Why Take This Course?

You’ll leave with the knowledge, hands-on experience and confidence to start your first hive, plus a connection to a local community of beekeepers. Students also enjoy 10% off Home Grown Bee products during the course weekend.

📍 Location: Home Grown Bee, Merville, BC

Spaces are limited!

Tea, coffee and a some sweet snacks provided.