Growing Green

By Robin Trott, Extension Educator

So many garden education opportunities, so little time…just a reminder of the many offerings available in the coming months:

Start Bedding Plants in the Dead of Winter

ZOOM Webinar: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, 12 p.m. In this class we will explore the basics of starting a variety of bedding plants to get your summer garden off to an early start. We will cover deciding when to plant and what tools and supplies you will need. As well as care for your seedlings from germination to planting in their permanent home outdoors. Presented by Crow Wing Master Gardener Volunteer Dan Lee. Register for free at https://umn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P7h9Y6IyRCeUPWNki4kwDA

Gardening from the Ground Up

ZOOM Webinar: Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 – Friday, Feb. 24, 1-2:30 p.m. Central time

Monday, Feb. 20: Establishing resilient trees and shrubs

When we plant a tree, we are often thinking of the future and what this tree will do for our landscape in 10, 20, 50 or even 100 years. In order for our trees and shrubs to live to their full maturity, we must give them their best chance from the very beginning. In this session, Extension educators Katie Drewitz and Quincy Sadowski will share insight on preferred soil types for different trees, planting considerations, and common mistakes to avoid. We will also lay the groundwork for the rest of the week’s sessions.

Tuesday, Feb. 21: Managing pests of trees and shrubs

Insects and diseases can stress our trees and shrubs, but there are several things we can do as homeowners to ensure our trees are in good health overall and are more resilient to stressors. Extension educators Emily Hansen and Claire LaCanne will talk about managing pests by addressing overall tree health and using the principles of integrated pest management.

Wednesday, Feb. 22: Growing healthy fruit trees and shrubs

From blueberries to plums, apples to honeyberries, Extension educators Troy Salzer and Tarah Young will explore management techniques for woody perennial fruit. In this session, we will discuss varietal selection, pruning of trees, shrubs and bushes, mulching, fertilization, wildlife management, irrigation, and harvest techniques to help you find success in growing fruit at home.

Thursday, Feb. 23: Managing invasive species in woodlands

Dandelions and creeping Charlie tend to plague our lawns and gardens, but what is taking over the woods in the backyard? Extension educators Robin Trott and Shane Bugeja will dive into invasive bushes, plants, vines, and trees that damage Minnesota’s forests. How do you identify these woodland weeds from lookalikes? Do we need to report these plants? What’s the best way to control these invasives without hurting native plants nearby? Tackling these important questions (and more!) will be our goal for the day.

Friday, Feb. 24: Confronting common conifer concerns

Over the past three years of Gardening from the Ground Up, we have received many questions about coniferous trees. While several of our sessions have touched upon these issues, we felt it was time to dedicate an entire session to conifers. Extension educators, Shane Bugeja and Katie Drewitz will showcase the common problems of our needled friends, as well as tips for keeping evergreens on your landscape for longer.

Gardening from the Ground Up is brought to you by University of Minnesota local Extension educators across much of Minnesota, representing Benton, Blue Earth, Douglas, Hubbard, Le Sueur, Meeker, McLeod, Morrison, Rice, Sherburne, Stearns, Steele, St. Louis and Wright counties. Registration is free: https://umn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iqlc3VS5RkqLgr_PWaR4lQ

Stearns Gardening Education Day

Saturday, March 4, 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. College of St. Benedict-Gorecki Center$40 early-bird sale until Feb. 20; $45 after Feb. 20, 2023 register online at: https://84402.blackbaudhosting.com/84402/Stearns-County-Gardening-Education-Day

Douglas County Master Gardeners Let’s Get Growing

April 1, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Back by popular demand! New half-day format. Three renowned speakers: Julie Weisenhorn, Dr. Joe Storlien, Courtney Tchida PLUS educational booths, vendors, refreshments and inspiration! No pre-registration. $20/person payable at door, cash or check only. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

For more information on these and other events, visit extension.umn.edu, click on courses and events.

Until next time, happy gardening!

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“Surely as cometh the Winter, I know

There are Spring violets under the snow.” ~R.H. Newell