Let’s Get Growing 2021 is underway! You can register anytime to enhance your gardening knowledge through nine online classes all from the comfort of your home! Just like the in-person event, the virtual sessions will be taught by U of M Master Gardeners as well as horticulture professionals.
A new, exciting session will be held each Tuesday and Thursday in March each starting at 6:30 PM using the video-conference service Zoom and will last approximately one hour plus a live Q&A session to get your questions answered. Attend just one or all nine!
All classes will be FREE and are open to all interested gardeners. We invite you to make a donation of $25.00 (any amount is appreciated) to support the many educational programs the Master Gardeners of Dakota County offer to our communities. Donations can be made by check or credit card.
Already registered but can’t find the link? Click here to join the session.
Session Schedule
Gardening on Your Home Deck – Tuesday, March 2, 6:30 PM
Presented by: Linda Stein, Master Gardener
Gardening on your deck or patio adds beauty and provides an option to individuals who do not have access to a yard. Plants on decks and patios can also provide edible plants close to your kitchen. People with physical limitations can have the opportunity to enjoy the experiences of gardening when it is within their physical reach.
Growing Orchids in Your Home – Thursday, March 4, 6:30 PM
Presented by : Paul Wood, Master Gardener
In this class, Paul will cover how to select orchids, their environmental needs, and approaches to keeping them happy and healthy. A handout with additional care notes and sources for more information will be provided.
Growing Vegetables for a Changing Climate – Tuesday, March 9, 6:30 PM
Presented by: Natalie Hoidal , Extension Educator
Natalie will share how increased rainfall and unpredictable shifts in our weather add an additional challenge to growing. Learn how to raise healthy plants that are resistant to stressors, and consider ways to manage your site in the face of a changing climate.
References:
https://mccc.msu.edu/covercroptool/
https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/news/hot-water-treatment-of-seeds
Landscaping with Native Plants – Thursday, March 11, 6:30 PM
Presented by: Nancy Schumacher
Nancy will show you her property and share information on how you can landscape with native plants for a better environment.
The World of Hydroponics – Tuesday, March 16, 6:30 PM
Presented by: Jim Hewitt, Master Gardener
In “The World of Hydroponics” class, Jim will share videos of the work and spaces created by his company. As noted in the company literature, hydroponic greenhouses can produce 10 times the amount of crop per acre compared to a standard farm field, and they produce 12 months of the year. Statistics show that hydroponic crops use about 10% of the water that field grown crops use. Growing food hydroponically saves water and eliminates pesticide needs.
Home Hydroponics – Thursday, March 18, 6:30 PM
Presented by: Jim Hewitt, Master Gardener
In “Home Hydroponics,” Jim will share ways the home gardener can efficiently use hydroponic systems. He will share easy-to-use methods gardeners can grow vegetables which range from spaces and containers in their basements to owning their own greenhouses.
Herb Gardening – Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 PM
Presented by: Shari Mayer, Master Gardener
Shari has extensive experience growing herbs in her own backyard. She has had lots of success with both the common and the unusual herbs that can be grown in Minnesota and has talked to gardening groups all over the metro area. In this session, Shari will share her herb growing knowledge and discuss how to use herbs.
Herbs to the Rescue: Fending Off Deer with Aromatic Plants
Pruning Bushes and Trees – Thursday, March 25, 6:30 PM
Presented by: Sally McNamara and Janet Poore, Master Gardeners
Sally and Janet will demonstrate and explain the step-by-step process to successful pruning of bushes and trees. Effective pruning takes advantage of the plant’s need to flourish and propagate. With this in mind, pruning can create a yard satisfying to the plant and gardener, and create a plant that is healthy, controlled, and flowering and fruiting.
Square Foot Gardening in Home Landscapes Tuesday, March 30, 6:30 PM
Presented by: John Zweber, Master Gardener
Learn the basics of Square Foot Gardening, the practice of planning small, but intensely planted gardens. Understand how to select a proper site, construct a square foot garden, select the correct amount of plants and learn their proper care. Discuss harvesting and methods to extend the growing season. Benefits include less work, water savings, less weeding, pesticide/herbicide free, small space utilization and accessibility.
Registration
Click here to register for Let’s Get Growing 2021.
Sign-up to get Master Gardener email updates and follow us on facebook. A complete list of sessions and speakers is available for download.