Urban Beekeeping at the Garden

In 2011 the TBG Honeybee Hives were installed in the pollinator garden off the Weston Family Library and classes began the next year. In 2023 the hives were moved to a sunnier spot surrounded by many beautiful pollinator plants. Including in-class and ‘in-hive’ (hands-on) components, this series provides grounding in basic beekeeping. Led by experienced apiarists, students participate in seven sessions beginning in spring through fall. Once classes are completed students who have completed and attended all seven sessions of the program will receive the TBG Urban Beekeeping Certificate of Completion.

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.

TBG Urban Beekeeping Certificate of Completion

The TBG Urban Beekeeping Certificate of Completion will be given to all students who have completed and attended all seven sessions of the program.

Please choose Group A or Group B when registering. See below for dates. Some sessions combine both groups.

Session 1: Introduction to Bees and Hive Equipment

Groups A and B: Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Session 2: Design and Plant a Pollinator Garden

Groups A and B: Saturday, May 18,10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Session 3: Plan the Season and Check the Spring Hive

Group A: Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain Day: Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Group B: Sunday, June 9. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Rain Day: Sunday, June 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Session 4: The Summer Hive Check

Group A: Saturday, July 13. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain Day: Saturday, July 20. 11-2 p.m.)

Group B: Sunday, July 14. 10 a.m. to1 p.m. (Rain Day: Sunday, July 21. 10-1 p.m.)

Session 5: Honey Harvest

Groups A and B: Sunday, August, 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Session 6: Honey and Wax Processing

Groups A and B: Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Session 7: Putting the Bees to Bed

Groups A and B: Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Group A

Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain Day: Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain Day: Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Sunday, August 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.

Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Group B

Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday, June 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Rain Day: Sunday, June 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Rain Day: Sunday, July 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Sunday, August 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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!

Protective equipment is not provided but is required. PPE required includes goatskin beekeeping gloves, beekeeping suit with hood, light-coloured bottoms (if you’re using a jacket with a hood), long light-coloured socks.

All classes take place on-site at the Toronto Botanical Garden and the TBG Bee Yard. Please contact if you have additional inquiries or would like to pay with cheque/cash.

Host or Publisher Toronto Botanical Garden