two honeybees facing each other

Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping
~Part Four~
Fall and Winter
08/05/2023

$95.00

Date: Saturday, August 5, 2023
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET
Location: Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary

 

Out of stock

Description

Suggestions for a successful overwintering and new start in the spring

In this workshop we will not only look at what needs to be done in the fall in order to let the hives go into the winter as strong and healthy as possible, but we will also take a look at the winter and early spring months, probably the most difficult and treacherous time of the year for the bees. We will take a closer look at the various illnesses and probable causes, as well as share our methods of hive feeding, wrapping, and consolidation for best possible over-wintering success. This is the fourth class in our four-part series on basic beekeeping.

Note: Light snacks will be provided. Please bring your own lunch.

Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping – FULL PROGRAM

 

Principles and Practices of
Biodynamic Beekeeping
Part One		 Principles and Practices of
Biodynamic Beekeeping
Part Two
March 3, 2023 March 4, 2023

Introduction

  • Beekeeping History and the Current State of the Honeybee Crisis
  • Landscape Considerations—the bees and flowers as a unity
  • Tools and Equipment—less is more, know what you need to get started!
  • How to introduce a Package, Nuc, and Swarm
  • Health checks and care for the first 10 days

The Spikenard Method

  • Theory and practice of working with natural wax comb—without foundation
  • Theory and practice of working with natural queens
  • Understanding the hive as an organism
  • Discussion at the hives, bee forage walk
  • Feeding
  • What is biodynamic beekeeping?
Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping
Part Three		 Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping
Part Four
May 13, 2023 August 5, 2023

Health and Hive Management
Spring and Summer Beekeeping

  • Expansion in the hive
  • Swarming—How to catch and work with swarms
  • Understanding health of the honeybee hive
  • Dealing with pests
  • Using a debris tray
  • Beekeeping Tasks from May to August

Health and Hive Management
Fall and Winter Preparation

  • Contraction in the hive
  • 1:1 Ratio
  • Feeding demonstration
  • Hive wrapping/insulation
  • Dynamics of the winter cluster
  • Beekeeping tasks from August to April