Beekeeping – A Honey of a Hobby
Each winter AABA offers a beginning beekeeping course for anyone interested in learning the basics of beekeeping. Our 2026 Beekeeping Shortcourse is opening registration on Monday, November 3, 2025. The cost of the course is $50.00 for the primary student, $35.00 for additional family members.
The Exciting, Rewarding, and Sweet Hobby of Beekeeping
Each winter Anne Arundel Beekeepers Association (AABA) offers the AABA Beekeeping Short Course. This course is extremely helpful in ensuring that beginning beekeepers have the knowledge they need to be successful in their first and subsequent years of beekeeping. We will cover everything from basic biology, hive management, equipment, keeping your hives healthy, hive products, and of course honey!
The 2026 Beekeeping Short Course will be held in person primarily at the Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center (975 Indian Landing Rd, Millersville, MD 21108) on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
You will also need to purchase The Beekeeper’s Handbook, by Diana Sammataro & Alphonse Avitabile, 5th Edition, approximate cost is $25.00. You can use 4th edition of the textbook but please note that page and chapter references will not align. Beekeeping is a science that is constantly evolving, particularly with pest management.
The first year of beekeeping comes with some initial costs. The cost of starting with two hives will be approximately $1000.00. This will depend on what type of hives, frames, protective bee clothing, and equipment that you decide on. Beekeeping is not setting up your hives and leaving them. Bees need management. For spring management, you will need to assess your hives approximately every 10 days. In summer and fall, you will assess your hives every 14 to 21 days. Being a first-year beekeeper, you might give approximately 45 minutes to each hive when opening the hive. Winter will involve planning for spring. This information may help you decide if the short course in beekeeping is right for you before registering.
Questions about the short course, please email: shortcourse@aabees.org
Planned Short Course Schedule 2026:
Registration for the 2026 session will open Monday, November 3, 2025
Course Dates:
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30-8:30 pm. Introduction to Beekeeping and Honey Bee Biology
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Equipment Lab
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Spring and Summer Management
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Fall and Winter Management
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Maintaining Healthy Bees
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Nectar Sources. Products of Hive and Honey Harvesting
Field Day Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9 am – 1 pm. This is weather-dependent. Will be held at Arlington Echo’s apiary.