Visiting an orchard to pick apples is fun, but have you considered growing your own? Delicious Minnesota hardy varieties on trees small enough to fit into most backyards are readily available. This introductory class will provide the information you need to grow apples at home or better manage trees that you already have. Topics covered include; site considerations, Minnesota varieties, pollination, rootstocks, planting, pruning, organic and conventional disease and pest control and harvesting. This class will be taught as an interactive, online webinar through Zoom by a Master Gardener using University research-based information. Materials and Zoom link will be sent by email prior to the class.

Trees and shrubs are an investment that can improve the beauty of your home landscape, but require pruning and regular maintenance for a long life. Understanding tree growth habits, we will show why, how and when you can do corrective pruning as well as a plan of action to care for and prune shade trees, evergreens and fruit trees. Shrubs can often get too large, crowd sidewalks and make your yard look unkempt. You will learn techniques for pruning and rejuvenating shrubs to help show off the beauty of your home. Don’t miss this class, early spring is the best time for pruning!

Learn the basics of vegetable gardening to successfully grow fresh produce. Practical, simple advice on where to begin: what defines a good location, the right size garden bed, soil preparation, deciding what to plant, buying seeds or transplants, how and when to plant, best time to harvest and much more. Using University of Minnesota research-based information and the instructor’s many years of successes and failures, this class will get you excited to grow and harvest your own vegetables!

Learn how easy it is to grow your own vegetables, including tips on site selection, soil preparation, seed starting, fertilizer, garden design and layout. Get the essentials of disease, pest and weed control techniques, composting, the best time to harvest and how to extend the growing season.