Dakota Master Gardeners

Welcome To The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners in Dakota County

Upcoming Classes to Get You Thinking Spring

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Whether it looks like mid-January or not, spring is just a few months away.  Master Gardeners have some great FREE classes lined up to get you thinking about the gardening season ahead. And don’t forget Let’s Get Growing. Full details on all upcoming classes can be viewed on our Event Calendar, but here’s what is coming soon.

Let’s Talk Gardening! Planning and Planting a Successful Vegetable Garden

Saturday January 26, 2019 – 10:30 am – Noon

Dakota County – Farmington Library
508 Third Street
Farmington, MN 55024

Learn how to read a seed packet and decide which varieties are best for your garden.

Starting Your Seeds Indoors / Seed Swap

Saturday Feb. 23, 2019 – 10:30 am – Noon

Dakota County – Farmington Library
508 Third Street
Farmington, MN 55024

Ever thought about starting seeds indoors? Join Dakota County Master Gardeners Rachael Cochrane and Barb Webb for this fun and interactive workshop! We will learn different ways to start seeds indoors, from planting in empty milk jugs or starting seed trays under grow lights, to a more elaborate greenhouse setup.

Getting Your Garden Ready for Spring

Thursday Feb. 28, 2019 – 7:00 – 7:45 pm

Hosted by Apple Valley Garden Club

Apple Valley Community Center
14603 Hayes Rd.
Apple Valley, MN 55124

2019 is starting out in a very unpredictable way with unusually mild temperatures in January and little to no snow in the Dakota County area. It  almost seems like Spring is right around the corner but don’t be fooled. Regardless of when spring really decides to show its face, it is important to take care of spring yard and garden clean-up at the right time; keeping in mind starting too early may cause some issues and waiting too long might delay your garden.

Let’s Get Growing 2019

And don’t forget the main event – Let’s Get Growing held Saturday, March 2nd at the Rosemount Community Center where you have fun and learn a lot about gardening too!

Let’s Get Growing Keynote Speaker

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Each year, Let’s Get Growing offers a fantastic keynote speaker and this year is no exception.  Saturday, March 2nd we welcome Alan Branhagen, Director of Operations at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum presenting Native Plants of the Midwest.

Alan’s presentation is based on his 2016 book by the same title, Native Plants of the Midwest. Alan states that he wrote the book as a practical resource that helps gardeners be successful in selecting, growing and maintaining Midwestern native plants.  Alan states that there are widespread misunderstandings about how to define native plants and why they are so valuable to a healthy environment.  These questions and more will be answered in the presentation. Books will be available for sale and signing.

Alan Branhagen is Director of Operations at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where he supervises capital improvements, horticulture and natural resources, plant curation, facilities, and information technology. In addition to his book on native plants, Alan has written The Gardener’s Butterfly Book, plus articles for Fine Gardening, Landscape Maintenance and Restoration, and other gardening articles.

Don’t miss this great event and register for Let’s Get Growing today.  Space is limited.

Visit us at the Expos

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Visit the Dakota County Master Gardeners at one of the upcoming community spring home and garden expos.  You will find our booth filled with information on our upcoming events and  classes along with knowledgeable Master Gardeners to answer your questions as we all start to think spring.  Master Gardeners will also be teaching seminars during the Eagan show. Be sure to stop by and say hi!

Lakeville Landscape & Home Show – March 10, Lakeville North High School

Eagan Home & Leisure Show – March 16 – 17 , Eagan Civic Arena
    • Friday, March 16 @ 6PM, Building a Backyard Greenhouse on a Budget by Barb Webb
    • Saturday, March 17 @ 12:30, Growing Blueberreies by Tori Clark
    • Saturday, March 17 @ 1:30, Gardening 101 by Michelle Scullard

Intro to Seed Saving

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Let’s Get Growing 2018 is full of fun, educational sessions this year.  If you are interested in learning the ins and outs of seed saving then the Intro to Seed Saving class is just right for you.

Dakota County Master Gardener Barb Webb will introduce you to the wonderful world of seed saving. She will discuss some of the easier seeds to save and you will learn about the differences between saving seeds from heirloom, open pollinated and hybrid plants. Barb will talk about self-pollinating vs. cross-pollinating flowers, and best practices for selecting, identifying and ensuring that the seeds you harvest and save will produce true plants the following year. You will leave with a better understanding on how to harvest, dry and store some of your favorite seeds.

Event details and registration information are located at Let’s Get Growing.  Space is filling up fast so register today!

Save the Date!

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SAVE THE DATE! 

Please join the University of Minnesota Master Gardeners of Dakota County for our annual 2018 Spring Expo.

Saturday, March 3

8:00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. 

Rosemount Community Center

Let’s Get Growing is an expo for home gardeners of all skill levels looking to learn more and have a fun time! This amazing event is jam packed with informative classes, a special keynote speaker, delicious food, a fun silent auction and a chance to win fantastic door prizes.  Classes are taught by U of M Master Gardeners as well as seasoned horticulture professionals.

Be sure to save March 3, 2018 on your calendar.  You won’t want to miss it!  Registration opens in January so check-back after the New Year. 

Save the Dates!

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As the 2017 gardening season winds down you can look forward to all of our fantastic opportunities planned for 2018 starting with our  spring expo,  Let’s Get Growing on Saturday, March 3.  Check out all these fun events and watch our website and follow us on facebook to get the latest information.