Urban beekeeping is the practice of keeping honeybees in urban areas, such as cities and towns. One of the main concerns in urban areas is the availability of forage and at Toronto Botanical Garden in addition to learning about bees, you'll be introduced to the pollinator friendly flowers, herbs, and trees that provide their essential nutrition from early spring to mid-autumn.
If you are interested in getting started with urban beekeeping, register for this seven-session course, beginning in spring through fall. As a bonus, additional in-hive practical sessions will be available throughout the season. Led by experienced beekeepers (apiarists), you’ll explore the basics of urban beekeeping, including the benefits, challenges, and steps to get started!
Saturday, April 13 - Saturday, October 26, 2024 .
TBG Member $375 Public $412
Session Descriptions and TBG Urban Beekeeping Certificate of Completion,
Please see Urban Beekeeping Program for session descriptions. Students who have completed and attended all seven sessions of the program will receive the TBG Urban Beekeeping Certificate of Completion.
Please view the schedule when registering. See below for dates.
Schedule
Session 1: Introduction to Bees and Hive Equipment
Saturday, April 13, 1-4 p.m.
Session 2: Design and Plant a Pollinator Garden
Saturday, May 18, 1-4 p.m.
Session 3: Plan the Season and Check the Spring Hive
Sunday, May 26, 1-4 p.m. (Rain Day: Saturday, June 15, 11-2 p.m.)
Session 4: The Summer Hive Check
Sunday, June 23, 1-4 p.m. (Rain Day: Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Session 5: Honey Harvest
Sunday, September, 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (or until finished)
Session 6: Honey and Wax Processing
Sunday, September 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Session 7: Putting the Bees to Bed
Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
To ensure the program develops students’ knowledge based on the same set of skills, TBG does not offer exemptions on prerequisites for mandatory courses to those with outside experience. All classes must be completed in the year of registration.
Protective equipment, including beekeeping gloves and suit with hood, is not provided but is required. Specifications and a recommended list of suppliers for PPE will be provided. Cost of PPE is approximately $200.
All classes take place on-site at the Toronto Botanical Garden and the TBG Bee Yard. Please contact programsupport@torontobotanicalgarden.ca if you have additional inquiries or would like to pay with cheque/cash.
Join Toronto Botanical Garden
Join the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) as a member to get a discount on this program, upcoming events and classes, and free parking. A TBG membership helps you deepen your knowledge and connection to the natural world, become a part of a dynamic community of plant people, and be inspired! Become a member!
Safe Program Access
- To ensure the safety of our participants and instructors, all staff, volunteers, and participants are welcome to wear masks indoors and maintain physical distancing.
- To learn more about what we’re doing to make your next visit safe, enriching, and uplifting, please review our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
- Please review our Health and Safety Policies and Refund Policy and Terms of Agreement.
- This is an in-person, indoor, Adult Education program at the Toronto Botanical Garden.
We appreciate your support and cooperation.
