University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners will again host their spring gardening education workshop, Let’s Get Growing, with a new half day format! Join us Saturday, April 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 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.

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, MN SEED Project, Executive Director
This presentation will cover arugula to zucchini of vegetables, herbs and fruits that 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 planning for spring.

The Foodscape: Celebrating the Beauty of Food by Julie Weisenhorn, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota, Associate Extension Professor and Educator
Foodscaping aims to demonstrate edible plants are not only consumable, but also aesthetically pleasing, and provide a way to increase food security, availability, and accessibility. Designed and installed by Extension horticulture educator Julie Weisenhorn at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Foodscape is a landscape that celebrates the beauty of food and showcases diverse plants and growing techniques, as well as sustainable landscape techniques that gardeners of all kinds can use to incorporate food plants into their own yards and gardens.

Educational booth topics include protected growing environments, books about nature for children, backyard bird feeding, making and using soil blocks for seed starting, growing sweet potatoes in West Central Minnesota to name a few.

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