ALEXANDRIA
— Many of you may be familiar with the Douglas County
Master Gardeners’
popular spring program, Let’s Get Growing. This year, our amazing group of volunteers decided to try something new.
On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, we’re inviting you to
“Beyond the Backdoor: From Garden to Homestead,”
a half-day event designed to help you take your gardening skills to the next level.
Hosted at First Lutheran Church, 1655 18th Avenue E., in Alexandria from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to grow smarter, eat healthier, and live more sustainable. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you’ll find practical tips and inspiration to make the most of Minnesota’s growing season.
The event will feature Robin Trott, Douglas County Extension horticulture educator, sharing strategies for season extension, including row covers, tunnels, and cold frames, to help you grow beyond the frost dates.
Participants can then choose between two concurrent sessions:
Starting Vegetables from Seed with Dave Vaske, owner of
Miltona Greenhouses.
He will be covering timing, tools, and techniques for successful seed starting.
Backyard Composting with Arthur Pattengale from
Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management.
He will be teaching how to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil.
Finally,
Meg Cowden
, author of “Plant Grow Harvest Repeat,” will inspire attendees with proven techniques for succession planting and maximizing yields, helping you enjoy fresh produce longer.
Along with expert advice, attendees will receive printed resources and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners. This event is about more than growing food, it’s about building community and creating a more sustainable lifestyle.
Registration is $25 in advance or $30 at the door, and the deadline to register online is January 16. Don’t miss this chance to grow your skills and connect with others who share your passion for gardening and sustainability. For details and registration, call the University of Minnesota
Extension Office
in Douglas County at 320-762-3890, or visit
extension.umn.edu/event/beyond-backdoor-garden-homestead.
Until next time, happy gardening!
Robin Trott
is a horticulture educator with University of Minnesota Extension. Contact her at 320-762-3890, or at
trot0053@umn.
Robin Trott
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