Beginner Beekeeping Course [Flow Hive / Langstroth]
Learn how to get started from scratch! We’ll show you what you need to know to get your first
hive set up and buzzing successfully,
Welcome!
How to navigate the site
How to log in to the site From the landing page at TheBeekeeper.org, select Login in the top r…
1: Secret Life Of Bees: The Beehive
The three types of bee in a hive
Presented by Cedar Anderson Humans and bees have a long history together, with evidence of domestication
Beehive basics (featuring Frederick Dunn)
Glossary of beekeeping terms [TEXT ONLY]
Assessment (Optional)
2: Tips & Tricks Before You Get Your Bees
No smoker without fire... (featuring Emily Grace PhD)
The smoker is a really important beekeeping tool. It helps to keep the bees calm and gentle while
Suiting up
Tool of the trade
Flow Hive assembly guide [TEXT ONLY]
Sealing your hive [TEXT ONLY]
Extinguishing your smoker (featuring Chuck Rau)
3: Where To Put Your Hive - Save Yourself Some Pain!
Where to situate your hive, and why
Deciding where to put your beehive is one of the first and most important decisions you will have…
Registering your hive [TEXT ONLY]
Q: Do I need to register my hive? A: Yes you probably do. The regulations on beehives vary greatl…
Biosecurity contacts [TEXT ONLY]
As a beekeeper, it is important to be aware of the local regulations regarding the treatment and …
Beekeeping safety [DOWNLOAD]
Safety is a priority when beekeeping! Download this safety guide and read it carefully.
Assessment (Optional)
4: Getting Broody - Frames & Comb
Types of brood frames [TEXT ONLY]
There are various types of frame available for use in the brood box, and each beekeeper will have…
Introduction to naturally drawn comb
Naturally drawn comb has many benefits, and we recommend using foundationless frames to allow the…
Foundationless beekeeping (featuring Hilary Kearney)
Presented by Hilary Kearney For more information and tips on foundationless beekeeping, see the …
Assessment (Optional)
5: Four Ways To Get Bees
Overview - How to get bees
So you’ve got a hive, but you still need the most important ingredient – some bees! There are 4 …
Method 1: Buying a nucleus (nuc)
A nucleus or “nuc” is a small beehive that you typically purchase from a bee breeder. It usually ..
Method 2: Getting a split
One way of getting a new hive is to split an existing hive into two. Here’s how to do it: T…
Method 3: Catching a swarm
Catching a swarm is the most exciting way to get a new hive started. Here’s how: Swarming …
Method 4: Buying a package (featuring Michael Bush)
Presented by Michael Bush You’ve received a package of bees – here’s how to get set up. A pa…
Bonus method: Setting up a bait hive [TEXT ONLY]
One way to get bees is by attracting a swarm into an empty bait hive. This is most likely to work…
How to move a swarm [TEXT ONLY]
If you want to move a swarm to a new location, there are some precautions you will need to take. …
Races of Bees [TEXT ONLY]
While all honey bees belong to the same species, different breeds have characteristics that can i…
A quick note about feeding [TEXT ONLY]
It’s best to get a new colony in springtime when there’s lots of forage available. However, if t…