Introduction to Beekeeping

Join us at the Ajax Urban Farm for the first of three hands-on days of earning all about beekeeping!

We will kick off the morning diving into key theory and we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with your own hive —so come ready to learn, ask questions, and connect with fellow participants!

When the morning session wraps up, we will break for a one hour lunch . While there’s no food available onsite, you’re welcome to bring your own lunch or drive to the plaza down the road to grab a bite.

After lunch, we will focus on applying theory, you’ll put your new skills to the test. Practice basic hive handling techniques and experience the buzz of working with bees up close.

To participate in the afternoon session, you must bring your own personal safety equipment including the following:

• Beekeeper gloves and veil
• Hive tool
• Covered shoes, long pants with thick material, jacket or thick long sleeve shirt.

Information Covered in Workshop:

• General knowledge & biology of honeybees, including body parts, functions, and the function of different castes of bees in the hive (ex. Queen, Workers & Drones)
• Hive dynamics and roles within the hive
• How to get started with bees and keep your own hives
• Educational resources, support for continued education
• How to register your hives with the OMAFA
• Types of beekeeping equipment, highlighting personal safety
• What to look for in a healthy hive and how to identify pests and disease at a basic introductory level
• Tips on how to find your queen, swarm control (prevention & capture)
• Different splitting methods, feeding, hive placement & relocation tips

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

The workshop is for Adults who are 18 + and all participants will be required to sign and submit a liability and risk form to participate.

• The workshop is rain or shine and non-refundable.
• There is a minimum participant number of 6 people, if this is not met you will be reimbursed your ticket fee.

Stay tuned for Upcoming workshops:

• July 19th 2025: Honey Harvesting Workshop
• September 13th 2025: Mite Treatment and Winter Prep

Also check out other Workshops in Ajax.