How will the mild winter affect spring/summer gardening?

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Extension Office • 2503 Rice Lake Road • Duluth, MN 55811 • (218) 733-2870

307 First Street S., Suite 105 • Virginia, MN 55792 • (218) 749-7120

www.stlouiscountymn.gov

Patty Swedberg
Extension Administrator

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
March 28, 2016

CONTACT: Patty Swedberg

St. Louis County Extension Administrator

(218) 733-2879


Spring gardening event focuses on adapting to climate change

The mild winter may have been a relief from a shoveling perspective, but what impact could it have on gardens? After a very mild winter, there is a strong possibility of an early spring followed by a warm summer. This has area gardeners wondering whether and how to adjust their gardening plans. St. Louis County Extension will focus on this and more during the annual Spring Gardening Extravaganza, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Hermantown High School.


This year’s theme is sustainable gardening and adapting to climate change. The event will feature a key note speaker followed by small group demonstrations and eight breakout sessions. Dr. Kenneth Blumenfeld, Senior Climatologist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and University of Minnesota Climate Office, will speak on “How Climate May Affect Gardening in Northern Minnesota”.


Small group demonstrations/displays will include soils and composting, taking cuttings from houseplants, improving habitat for monarch butterflies, creating a diverse and “bee friendly” lawn, perennials for the sustainable landscape, and propagating succulents. Breakout sessions  will include: growing carrots in the “Year of the Carrot”, growing warm season vegetables, understanding soil fertility and growing “green manure” cover crops, creating the sustainable landscape with pleasing perennials, controlling garden and landscape pests, resources for gardeners on adapting to climate change, and gardening activities for youth and adults.


The Spring Gardening Extravaganza fee is $30, which includes the program, resource book, and refreshments. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Complete program and registration information is available at stouiscountymn.gov/ext or by calling (218) 733-2870 or (218) 733-2879.

 

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