What you'll learn

Choose the perfect bee species for your climate and goals
Select and assemble essential beekeeping equipment
Set up your first apiary with proper safety measures
Understand basic bee behavior and hive dynamics
Perform your first hive inspection safely
Navigate local beekeeping regulations and requirements
Plan your beekeeping calendar for the first year
Join the beekeeping community and find mentors

This course includes:

6.5 hours on-demand video
25 downloadable resources
Full lifetime access
Access on mobile and TV
Certificate of completion

Course content

8 sections • 45 lectures • 6h 30m total length

Introduction to Beekeeping

Welcome to Beekeeping 12:30
Why Start Beekeeping? 15:45
What to Expect in Your First Year 18:20

Choosing Your Bees

Italian Honeybees 14:15
Carniolan Honeybees 12:30
Russian Honeybees 11:45
Making Your Choice 16:20

Essential Equipment

Hive Types: Langstroth vs Top-Bar 22:10
Protective Gear and Safety 18:45
Essential Tools and Equipment 25:30
Equipment Shopping List 08:15

Setting Up Your Apiary

Choosing the Perfect Location 20:15
Hive Placement and Orientation 16:40
Safety Considerations 14:25

Getting Your First Bees

Package Bees vs Nucs 19:30
Installing Your Bees 28:45
First Week Care 15:20

Basic Hive Management

Your First Hive Inspection 32:15
Reading the Hive 24:30
When to Add Supers 18:45

Seasonal Management

Spring: Building Up 26:40
Summer: Honey Flow 22:15
Fall: Winter Preparation 20:30
Winter: Hive Monitoring 16:20

Next Steps

Joining Beekeeping Associations 12:45
Finding a Mentor 14:30
Planning Year Two 18:15

Requirements

  • No prior beekeeping experience required
  • Access to outdoor space (backyard, farm, or community garden)
  • Basic budget for initial equipment ($300-500)
  • Time commitment: 1-2 hours per week during active season
  • Willingness to work with live insects

Description

Ready to start your beekeeping journey? This comprehensive beginner's course will guide you through every step of setting up your first hive and becoming a confident beekeeper.

From choosing the right bee species for your climate to performing your first hive inspection, you'll learn everything you need to know to get started safely and successfully. We'll cover essential equipment, proper hive setup, and basic management techniques that will set you up for long-term success.

This course is designed specifically for complete beginners who want to start beekeeping the right way. You'll avoid common mistakes and learn proven techniques that experienced beekeepers use.

Throughout the course, you'll get practical, hands-on guidance that you can immediately apply to your own beekeeping operation. We'll also cover important topics like local regulations, safety protocols, and how to find support within the beekeeping community.

By the end of this course, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to install your first package of bees, perform basic hive inspections, and manage your hives through all four seasons. You'll also understand how to expand your operation and continue learning as you grow as a beekeeper.

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Instructor

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Master Beekeeper, Agricultural Educator, and Sustainable Farming Expert

4.8 Instructor Rating
12,456 Reviews
45,231 Students
12 Courses

Sarah Mitchell is a Master Beekeeper with over 15 years of experience in beekeeping, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural education. She has helped thousands of students start successful beekeeping operations and has managed commercial apiaries across multiple states.

Her expertise spans across multiple domains including hive management, queen rearing, honey production, and sustainable farming practices. Sarah has worked with agricultural universities, extension services, and beekeeping associations, bringing real-world experience to her teaching.

She believes in practical, hands-on learning and ensures that all her courses include real-world scenarios that students can apply to their own beekeeping operations.