UMN Extension Stevens County MN Master Gardeners

Save the Date!

Out of Minnesota's 525 native bee species 32% or 165 of them are specialist meaning they only use one type of plant family.

Learn more at U of M Bee Lab Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/vilkaZevBO8?si=oBgYjXXHUBCMFtKn

The Fruit and Vegetable Production webinar series kicks off today at noon! 🥕 🥬

Do you sell vegetables or fruit at your local farmers market, grocery or restaurant? Or are you thinking about doing so?

Small to medium-sized farmers, as well as aspiring farmers, are invited to join University of Minnesota Extension educators, industry experts and experienced farmers for webinars focused on the finer points of fruit and vegetable production.

Each week, at noon on Wednesdays, all winter long, we will cover a technical topic related to the successful management of fruit and vegetable crops, from planning to irrigation to pest management. Learn more and register at: z.umn.edu/az8o

📅 Weekly topics include:

• Jan. 7 – Finding and selling to new markets
• Jan. 14 – Crop planning to meet production goals
• Jan. 21 – Adding fruit to your farm
• Jan. 28 – High tunnel decision-making
• Feb. 11 – Pumpkin integrated pest management
• Feb. 18 – Tomato problems
• Feb. 25 – Integrated w**d management
• March 11 – Supporting pollinators on specialty crop farms
• March 18 – Vegetable plant diseases
• March 25 – Understanding your soil test report
• April 1 – Packsheds for small farms
• April 8 – Packsheds for large farms
• April 15 – Postharvest equipment
• April 22 – Building coolers on the farm

Come learn about pollinators!

Curious about the best ways to support Minnesota’s native bees and strengthen pollinator habitat where you live? Interested in the newest research on bee health, habitat needs, and conservation strategies? This year’s three-part webinar series from University of Minnesota Extension brings together expert educators, researchers, and Master Gardeners to highlight keystone plants and “Soft Landings” designs, share the latest findings from the UMN Bee Lab, and showcase successful pollinator projects from across the state. Learn practical, science-based steps you can take to help pollinators thrive in any space—large or small. Join us January 26, 27, and 28 from 1:00–2:30 p.m. CST for this free webinar series. Pre-registration is required at z.umn.edu/BeeSeries to receive the webinar links.

Remember to leave the leaves this fall! Leaves act as insulation for many insects to over winter in.

🍂 A Pile of Leaves = A Living City
One leaf pile can shelter 100+ species: moths, beetles, salamanders, earthworms, millipedes, spiders, and pollinators overwintering in safety.
• Bagging them doesn’t just “tidy up” → it evicts an entire ecosystem your garden relies on for pest control, pollination, and soil health.

🌱 Leave the leaves. Protect the life beneath.

We will be at the Stevens County Fair until 8 pm tonight and back Sunday from 2 to 7 pm. Come check out the booth!

Interested in joining the Master Gardener program? Applications are open now through October 1!

Stevens County Master Gardener Volunteers are active throughout the county, volunteering at events, advising the public, maintaining gardens, and so much more. Join us and make a difference in your community!

Check out this page for more details:

Become a Master Gardener volunteer Find out how to apply to be a Master Gardener and register for the core course.

We just want to thank everyone who made it out to Horticulture Education Day! It was a wonderful time.

We will see you at the Stevens County Fair!

It's officially horticulture Education Day followed by horticulture night! We are excited to see you!

We will be at the Farmers Market today selling these beauties for $10! And answering any gardening questions.

This little guy is a Monarch catapillar fresh out of its egg!