Growing Green

By Robin Trott, Extension Educator

University of Minnesota Extension is excited to announce its Winter Garden College workshop series, offering in-person sessions in six counties across Minnesota this winter.

Winter Garden College provides a two-hour, in-depth exploration of backyard gardening and small-scale farming topics. Participants will gain practical knowledge on how to improve soil health and extend the growing season, making it an ideal opportunity for both beginners and experienced growers.

What You’ll Learn:

This workshop features two 45-minute presentations followed by a 30-minute hands-on activity.

• Session One: Learn how to integrate cover crops into your home garden to enhance soil health by preventing erosion, building organic matter, and feeding beneficial microbes for a more productive growing season.

• Session Two: Discover strategies to extend your growing season with practical tools and techniques.

• Hands-On Activity: Build confidence in reading and interpreting soil tests, and practice creating a garden plan incorporating cover crops for better soil health.

Additional topics include:

• Growing degree days and sowing dates

• Solutions for weather-related challenges

• Tips for optimizing production in northern climates

Workshop Locations and Dates:

• Hutchinson: Thursday, Jan. 23, 6-8 p.m., McLeod County Extension Office, 840 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson, MN 55350

• St. Cloud: Thursday, Feb. 6, 6-8 p.m., Stearns County Service Center, 3301 Co Rd 138, Waite Park, MN 56387

• Alexandria: Thursday, Feb. 13, 6-8 p.m., Douglas County Public Works Meeting Room, 526 Willow Drive, Alexandria, MN 56308

• Moorhead: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 5-7 p.m., Clay County Family Service Building, 715 11th St N, Moorhead, MN 56560, Meeting Room 4

• Fergus Falls: Monday, March 3, 5-7 p.m., Fergus Falls Public Library, 205 E Hampden Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

• Park Rapids: Tuesday, March 11, 5-7 p.m., The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave S Suite 2, Park Rapids, MN 56470

Registration and

Additional Information:

This event is free, but advance registration is requested. For more details and to register, visit z.umn.edu/WGC2025.

Join us for this engaging workshop to grow your gardening skills and prepare for a successful growing season!

For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extdigest@umn.edu. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.