Gardening workshop offered in Staples

Growing vegetables and other horticulture crops in northern and central Minnesota can be a challenge because of the cool, short growing season and irregular weather pattern.

The free session is for all growers, including Master Gardeners. Lunch will be available on your own at the restaurant. For more information contact the University of Minnesota Crookston Regional Center at 1-888-241-0781 or the University of Minnesota Central Regional Partnership at 1-877-997-7778.

Following is the schedule:

8:30-9 a.m. -- Registration, coffee, rolls, socialize.

9-9:45 a.m. -- Season extension techniques for central and northern Minnesota.

9:45-10:30 a.m. -- Fundamentals of high tunnel production, including why they work, sight selection, construction.

10:30-10:45 a.m. -- Break.

10:45 a.m.-noon -- Production of tomatoes, cucumbers and other crops in high tunnels.

Noon-1 p.m. -- Lunch.

1-2 p.m. -- Drip irrigation in high tunnels and in the field.

2-2:30 p.m. -- Balancing the nutrients in your soil.

2:30-2:45 p.m. -- Break.

2:45-3:15 p.m. -- Varieties for northern Minnesota.

3:15 p.m. -- Open discussion.