Backyard Beekeeping

Thinking about raising bees in your backyard or garden? This beginner-friendly, non-credit course at CÉGEP Heritage College introduces you to the fascinating world of beekeeping. You’ll learn about hive setup, bee biology, seasonal care, common challenges, and how to harvest your own honey. Whether you're looking to support pollinators, grow your self-sufficiency, or simply try something new, this hands-on course offers the practical skills and knowledge you need to get started—no prior experience required.

Our expert beekeeper-teacher Bob Valcov, is passionate about his work. Bob has been keeping honeybees in Aylmer as a hobby for almost 40 years. His honey has won many awards including first prize at the 2023 National Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. He has taught Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping at CÉGEP Heritage College for 10 years. Sharing his expert knowledge and experience, he consistently earns high level course evaluations and recommendations from his students. Bob guarantees that, after taking this course, you will be able to keep honey bees and produce your own honey!

This workshop covers:

• a brief history of beekeeping
• simple biology of the honeybee
• pollination
• basic requirements and needs for getting started
• seasonal hive management
  • feeding
  • queens
  • swarms,
  • over-wintering
• diseases and pests
• harvesting and processing of honey and beeswax.

Hopefully, a visit to an apiary is possible during the course, but not guaranteed.