What: Williams Honey Farm teaches an annual beginning and advanced beekeeping schools at Green Door Gourmet in Bellevue, TN (10 min from downtown Nashville).

When: Late March every year!.

Why: We believe that beekeeping schools should be taught better so 9 years ago, we created our own comprehensive, supportive, and challenging school.

To do list:

1. Beginning December of every year, click on the link or go to the products page in the shop and buy a ticket for the upcoming spring school (this school sells out every year so do this early).
2. Decide if you need woodenware (beehives) and place a note in your order how many kits you’d like (always start with 2 and you’ll pick these up at school). Don’t forget to bring cash or check to school to pay for the woodenware separately from this order.
3. Decide if you will be needing nucleus colonies of bees to place in your woodenware (beehives). Send us an email and we can connect you with endorsed local beekeepers who raise bees in-state. **Note, we do not support the use of packaged bees!**
4. Read some of the beekeeping books from our reading list and get ready to learn!

Or if you’d like a more detailed description of the whole process read on from last year's posting...

On March 22,23,24 2024, Williams Honey Farm will host our eighth annual Beginning Beekeeping School weekend at Green Door Gourmet! Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a beekeeper?  Are you overwhelmed by all the conflicting information found on the internet?  Do you need a little more education than just a textbook at home?  Do you want to train on the actual equipment you will be using?  We’re trying to change the way beekeeping schools are taught and this is your chance to jump on board.

We’re also offering our Sophomore Beekeeper Reboot Class on Friday night (3/22) again this year. During this 3 hour class we will discuss queen rearing and timing in nucs, hive manipulation techniques, and DIY grafting using the punch method!  If there’s time we may even demonstrate how to mark your queens!

Special group rates available for parties of 4 or more!  Email info@williamshoneyfarm.com to sign up your group.

Please note: to sign up for our “4-pour” honey and wine tasting please click on the link to Green Door Gourmet’s website for tickets.  Tickets will be processed separately from bee school seats. Click here for honey tasting tickets.

Unfortunately due to equipment and materials rental, there will be no refunds within 7 days of the start of your class.

Ticket price is a la carte.  If you plan to purchase woodenware for your bees, this will be an additional charge.  All woodenware will be available for pickup Saturday of Bee School if pre-ordered at least 7 days prior to school.  Additional woodenware will be available for purchase in-person however supplies are limited so pre-order is highly recommended.  Please note: only cash or check will be taken for woodenware orders at bee school.  Please plan accordingly! Simply note in the order comments how many beehive kits you are interested in buying and our vendor will get them ready for you to pick up at school.

Our 2-day Beginner Beekeeping School is comprised of 16 hours of intense beekeeping training. Instruction is delivered in the form of lecture, hands on practice, and low stress testing. You’ll get the chance to bond with other new beekeepers, ask as many questions as you want, and pick up any extra tools/equipment you might have overlooked.

Our “4-pour” honey, wine, and small bite pairings will be led by Jay Williams and Green Door Gourmet and feature some of the finest honeys from around the country.  Let us show you how to taste, smell, and experience these amazing vintages the way mother nature intended. This will be a truly bonding experience for all involved.  Be sure to sign up for the honey tasting separately for this event only via Green Door Gourmet via this link.