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 Photo courtesy of Shoreview Natives
11 Simple Tips for Getting Started
with Native Plant Gardening
In honor of Earth Day, there’s no better time to dig into a new planting project, and native plants are a great place to start. Adding native plants is an easy and rewarding way to transform your outdoor space with Minnesota’s natural beauty – plus, they’re easy to maintain and support pollinators!Â
To help you get started with confidence, we spoke with four Minnesota Grown native plant growers and put together 11 tips to help you get started, no matter your level of experience. Â
Let's Get Growing
Dreaming of a flower-filled porch or a backyard veggie patch? Whether you're starting small with a sunny windowsill or going big with garden beds, Minnesota growers are ready to help new (and seasoned!) gardeners bloom.
Use our easy-to-search directory to find local growers offering:
🪴 Ready-to-go porch pots & hanging baskets for instant color and charm
🌼 Show-stopping annuals & perennials to brighten every corner of your space
🌱 An abundance of vegetable & herb seedlings for the freshest flavors of the season
👩‍🌾 Local compost & soil boosts to set your garden up for success
No matter if you're planting your very first seed or just adding a pop of color to your patio, growing with Minnesota Grown means you’re supporting local farmers and having fun while you’re at it. Ready, set, garden!
Tune In for a Healthy Garden
Did you know the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has a podcast? On Smarty Plants, experts from the MDA's Plant Protection division cover important topics engaging the public in efforts to protect our environment.
The episode, Making Plans for a Healthy Garden, is a great place to start! In just 23 minutes, you’ll get tons of helpful tips to kick off your garden right and keep your plants happy and healthy. New episodes drop monthly, so tune in on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
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 Photo courtesy of Fellers Ranch
Fire Up the Grill — Local Flavor Starts HereÂ
Are you one of those folks who starts dreaming of BBQ season the second the snow melts? We see you—tongs in hand, grill fired up, and the scent of sizzling goodness in the air.
Whether it’s juicy burgers, brats with a snap, or perfectly grilled chicken, your best backyard cookouts start with locally-raised meats. Minnesota’s livestock producers bring the flavor with care you can taste. Support your local farmers and become the neighborhood grill hero? That’s a win-win.
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 Photo courtesy of The Gothic Farmstead
Chickens, Ducks & Geese at The Gothic Farmstead
Since starting The Gothic Farmstead, partners Nadia and Diane have been building a farm rooted in regenerative practices and a commitment to community. Right now, their farmstand is stocked with fresh, pasture-raised chicken eggs! Â
Find an egg producer near you, and follow Minnesota Grown on Facebook and Instagram to read about the folks who roll up their sleeves every day to bring you the best farm-fresh goods in the state.
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