Ready to tend bees the apicentric way? This mini course introduces the essentials of ethical beekeeping—putting colony health, local ecology, and humane practices at the center as you learn bee biology and behavior, low-stress apiary setup, gentle inspections, seasonal care, and integrated pest management that favors prevention over chemicals. We’ll also cover equipment basics, reading frames and brood patterns, swarming cues, and the do’s and don’ts of responsible honey harvesting.

By the end, you’ll be able to plan a pollinator-friendly yard and troubleshoot common issues like mites, queen loss, and dearth with confidence. The benefits go beyond honey: healthier colonies boost garden and farm pollination, improve overwintering, and strengthen neighborhood biodiversity. Whether you’re in a backyard, rooftop, or small acreage, you’ll leave with practical checklists and a clear understanding of keeping bees kindly and successfully in the real world.

I’m Jasmine Joy, an apiculturist, educator, and pollinator advocate who’s spent 15 years caring for hives in backyards and community apiaries, mentoring new beekeepers, and collaborating with local gardeners/farmers to create harmonious habitats. My work centers on gentle, science-informed practices that support biodiversity and resilient ecosystems—always putting the bees’ welfare first.

The Virtual Beelieve University (VBU) mini: Intro to Ethical Beekeeping is a reflection of that approach. In this course, I share pragmatic, humane techniques for hive management and seasonal care that will help you build confidence while respecting the natural ways of each colony. I’m passionate about guiding new and growing beekeepers to make thoughtful choices that benefit both the bees and their communities.