The best plants and gardening practices for Minnesota gardeners, homeowners and hobbyists to grow healthy lawns, landscapes and gardens.
Good plant selection reduces plant stress. Use this tool to select plants with growing requirements that match your site conditions.
Starting garden plants from seeds indoors can be an enjoyable project for any gardener. It's a relatively inexpensive way to grow a wide variety of plants. Many garden favorites are found in a greater variety of colors, sizes and growth habits as seeds rather than as started plants.
Know which turfgrass species and characteristics you want for your lawn before shopping for seed.
Recognize and treat common fungal, bacterial and viral diseases of plants
Diagnose problems in the yard and garden caused by insects, diseases and nonliving factors
Find research-based information on helpful and harmful insects, spiders and insect relatives. Identify insect damage on plants and in the landscape and learn how to prevent and control common household insect infestations.
Annuals, perennials and native flowers for northern gardens
How to grow fruits in a northern climate
Light requirements, pests and diseases, forcing bulbs, fertilizing
Native grasses, prairie plants, wildflowers and pollinator habitat
Selecting, planting, watering, trimming, pruning, fertilizing, disease and insect pests
Planting and growing everything from asparagus to zucchini
Common weedy plants in Minnesota, characteristics and control strategies
Guides to planting, growing and caring for plants year-round
Our Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Education Program works with Minnesota’s produce farmers to develop and implement on-farm food safety plans.
Composting, soil testing, and nutrient management for home gardens
Grow bee lawns and pollinator friendly plants
Harvesting and storing fruits and vegetables, food safety, canning and preserving
Practice water conservation when watering lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs
Plant selection, maintenance, environmental benefits, bee lawns, special projects
Planting, growing, fertilizing, watering, dethatching, repairing
Resources and information for pesticide applicators and people working in lawn care, landscaping and nursery and greenhouse management
Master Gardeners will answer your yard and garden questions by email, in person or over the phone.
Master Gardener volunteers promote healthy landscapes, healthy people and a healthy planet.
Find out how to apply to be a Master Gardener and register for the core course.
Find the latest garden tours, landscaping seminars and other fun and educational activities to ignite your love of gardening this season.
There’s a silver lining to this arctic blast: emerald ash borer (EAB) larvae overwintering in ash trees may die in high numbers.
Focus on winter plant protection, watch for environmental damage to lawns and landscapes, and match indoor plant care to seasonal conditions. Consider using your holiday tree as habitat for winter wildlife.
Proper pruning now sets the stage for healthier plants and better fruit and flower production later. Done right, it’s one of the most rewarding winter tasks for Minnesota gardeners.
Timely information to help you care for your yard and garden.
Extension works in all of Minnesota's counties. Find your local resources.
© 2026 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
