Growing Green

By Robin Trott, Extension Educator

University of Minnesota Master Gardens will once again be hosting their spring gardening education workshop, Let’s Get Growing, with a new half day format! Join us on Saturday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Discovery Middle School (510 McKay Ave. N, Alexandria) for this popular in-person event with sought after specialists. Visit numerous educational displays staffed by University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners and vendor booths. This workshop has something for everyone, from the beginner to the expert gardener. Attend these three sessions to gain an understanding of the latest and greatest in the gardening world.

Plant Selection for Changing Climate by Julie Weisenhorn, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota

Dry spells, violent storms, late fall, bitter winter…. how is a garden supposed to keep up? University of Minnesota Extension horticulturist, Julie Weisenhorn, provides guidance to gardening in our somewhat unpredictable climate. Creating healthy gardens that give properly selected plants a leg up on storms and drought, as well as ways to make landscaping more fool proof (and still fun for the gardener) will be discussed.

Building Soil Health by Joe Storlien, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, St. Benedict and St. John’s University

Soils serve as the foundation in our gardens and landscapes. Building soil health should be a goal of many gardeners. Improved garden yields, healthy plants, and creating resilient ecosystems are some of the many benefits of a healthy soil environment. We will explore the various management practices gardeners can perform each year to boost the health of the soils in their backyard.

A-Z of Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits by Courtney Tchida, Community Programs Director, Minnesota State Horticultural Society

This presentation will cover arugula to zucchini of vegetables and herbs and fruits you can grow in Minnesota. Using a cold climate, permaculture context, we will talk about both the easiest and the hardest crops to grow with tips for every crop along the way. We will also touch on pest and weed control strategies for the beginning grower. This class will help get you started in planning for spring.

Educational booth topics include growing and enjoying garlic, landscape design principles, wise up to neonicotinoids, using soil blocks for seed starting, let’s talk tomatoes, protected growing, sweet potatoes, children’s gardening books, recipes with vegetables and ask a master gardener.

Come early between 7:30-8:30 a.m. to register, enjoy refreshments and visit the displays and vendors. Cost is $20 per person at the door (cash or check, no credit cards accepted). Please call the Douglas County Extension office with questions at 320-762-3890 or email mnext-douglas@umn.edu. We hope to see you there!

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A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust. ~Gertrude Jekyll