MSUE Saginaw County

It sounds like you are interested in planting vegetables next summer, so you will need to start preparations in the spring. As soon as the soil dries in the spring, you should take soil samples that you can send in for a soil analysis. Here is a website that explains how to obtain the test and how to take your samples: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/
You probably do not want to use herbicides to kill of the grass plants, so your choices are physical removal (digging out) of the sod, or a form of smothering.
After the grass is removed or killed, you can add organic matter and the recommended fertilizer (per your soil test results). MSU recommends a no (or minimal) till culture for vegetable gardens. This involves only digging where plants are to be placed.

Register here - https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/avoiding-money-mishaps #:~:text=This%20self%2Dguided%20interactive%20course,course%2C%20click%20the%20Register%20button.

Michigan State University Extension offers a wide variety of educational programs — from mindfulness workshops to chronic disease management classes — to help people live healthy lives.

Browse our calendar of virtual health programs below!

Virtual Health Programs Calendar Michigan State University Extension offers a wide variety of educational programs — from mindfulness workshops to chronic disease management classes — to help people live healthy lives.

Learn about Michigan’s inland lakes online from MSU Extension

Registration is now open for the award-winning Introduction to Lakes Online course from Michigan State University Extension! Offered once a year, this six-week self-paced introductory class is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Michigan’s inland lakes—from lakefront property owners and concerned residents, to local leaders and decision-makers.

Led by MSU Extension experts and state agency professionals, the course explores a variety of topics including lake ecology, watershed management, shoreline protection, aquatic plants, Michigan water law, and community engagement. Participants learn about these topics through video lectures, interactive activities, and lively discussion forums. Additional resources are also provided for those looking to dive deeper. The course also features biweekly “Ask-an-Expert” webinars with guest speakers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. A certificate of completion is awarded to those who complete the class.

Registration is open now through January 27, 2026. The cost of the course is $115 per person. Register by January 5 for an early bird price of $95 per person. A limited number of scholarships are available. Current individual members of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association are eligible to receive a $95 reimbursement upon their first successful completion of the course.

Participants also can receive continuing education credits including 16 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification credits (8 commercial core and 8 aquatic) and educational hours in the MSU Extension Master Gardener, Master Citizen Planner, and Michigan Naturalist programs.
Ready to dive in? Learn more and register at www.canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.

MSU Extension’s new short documentary, Weathering Together, showcases Michigan farmers who share their powerful stories of resilience and hope in the face of challenges. This month, we're sharing resources and content that focus on optimism and encouragement. We're here to support our agriculture professionals from their health, business and more."

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MSU Extension We're 'Weathering Together' This short film, produced by Michigan State University Extension, highlights the voices of farmers as they share their experiences navigating the challenges ...

Many bees and other insects resemble honeybees. People commonly mistake wasp nests for established honeybee nests. MSU Extension’s article, “Getting rid of wasp nests,” has photos and descriptions of various kinds of wasp nests and suggestions for their removal.
Michigan State University does not provide bee or wasp removal services.
Link referenced:

Getting rid of wasp nests How to deal with wasp nests and decide when they need to be removed.