ALEXANDRIA — Robin Trott can’t wait for the upcoming gardening workshop, but she still hears echoes of last summer’s struggles. Many gardeners were reaching out, puzzled by their poor crop yields.
“The sunlight was really weak, filtered through smoke and heavy clouds,” says Trott, an Extension Educator in Douglas County. “Even healthy-looking plants weren’t producing. Some had great tomato yields, while others just gave up.” She calls it “one of the weirdest growing seasons” she’s ever seen.
Despite the challenges, gardeners remain hopeful and busy. This winter, Trott is especially excited about the new workshop, “Beyond the Backdoor: From Garden to Homestead,” happening on January 17. It replaces the long-standing “Let’s Get Growing” event but brings fresh energy with a new group of master gardeners eager to share their homesteading insights.
“Many think you need land to be a homesteader, but that’s not true,” Trott explains. “You can cultivate a homestead right in Alexandria. Growing your own food is possible, even if you’re in a small space.” She reassures that container gardening is a viable option for those with limited sunlight. Cooler crops like lettuce and broccoli thrive even without full sun exposure.
Trott hopes this workshop becomes an annual event to explore various gardening topics. She will kick off the day, focusing on extending the growing season. “I’ll share tips on when to start seeds and which plants to choose for longer harvests,” she adds.
Participants can choose between two engaging breakout sessions. One features Dave Vaske from Miltona Greenhouses, who will cover the essentials of starting seeds, including key tools and timing. The other session, led by Arthur Pattengale from Pope Douglas Solid Waste, will demystify backyard composting.
Many see composting as too complex, but Trott has a different perspective. “It’s like following a recipe. If you balance your materials right, it’s manageable,” she says. Pattengale will share techniques for creating easy compost bins and maintaining quality without unpleasant odors.
As the highlight of the event, Minnesota author and podcaster Meg Cowden will speak on succession planting. Her book, “Grow, Harvest, Repeat,” offers proven strategies for continuous vegetable harvests throughout the growing season.
Attendees can also explore booths from local vendors, including Miltona Greenhouse and the Alexandria Country Store, alongside resources from master gardeners.
The event takes place at First Lutheran Church (1655 18th Ave E) with doors opening at 8:15 a.m. Pre-registration online is $25, while day-of registration is $30. Workshops like this one reflect a growing trend of urban homesteading, where city dwellers increasingly seek ways to grow their own food and live sustainably.
In fact, a recent survey by the National Gardening Association found that home gardening participation in the U.S. jumped by 25% during the pandemic. People are investing in their green spaces more than ever, focusing on sustainability and food security. As gardeners unite to share tips and tricks, we can only expect more success in the coming seasons.
For more details, you can visit the University of Minnesota Extension’s official website.
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