Extension at the University of Minnesota

Open for exploration

Dedicated University of Minnesota Extension Master Naturalist and Master Gardener volunteers have worked to keep the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center open on weekends, in addition to providing ...
Extension at the University of Minnesota

Cottage food spotlight: The art of developing a signature product

Deana's cottage food journey didn’t begin with a generations-old recipe or a lifelong passion for baking. Instead, it started as a passing joke.
Extension at the University of Minnesota

New weather and climate checklists help Minnesotans protect their homes

New checklists help residents protect their homes with science-based steps tailored to major climate and weather threats: wind and hail, flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, and snow and ice.
Extension at the University of Minnesota

2026 Volunteer Week highlights outstanding Minnesota 4-H volunteers

University of Minnesota Extension 4-H spotlights the impact volunteers have on youth and their communities through the Salute to Excellence award and the Northern Lights honor.
Extension at the University of Minnesota

Extension, State Fair announce $35 million campaign for 4-H Building

University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota State Fair have partnered to begin a major renovation of the iconic three-story 4-H Building at the State Fairgrounds and an expansion of the ...
Extension at the University of Minnesota

A Minnesota guide to garden timing

Successful gardening starts with good timing. With wide temperature swings, late frosts, and a short growing season, planting based on soil temperature, air temperature, and crop type is far more ...
Extension at the University of Minnesota

Summer learning, from garden science to healthy bites

Children at Friendship Place in Rochester’s Meadow Park neighborhood learn science, wellness and gardening skills, guided by caring Extension volunteers and staff.
blog.lib.umn.edu

Keep food safe with time and temperature control

Not cooked to the recommended minimum internal temperature. Not held at the proper temperature. Not cooled or reheated properly. Temperature danger zone: 41 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The longer food ...
blog.lib.umn.edu

Native plants

Plants that are native to Minnesota are often easier to grow than non-native varieties. They are already adapted to our soil and climate and need minimal care to grow and thrive. Here are a few ...
blog.lib.umn.edu

Tier 2 cottage food course

This Tier 2 cottage foods producer food safety training is required for cottage foods producers with $7,665 to $78,000 in gross annual sales. This course is approved to meet the Tier 2 training ...
blog.lib.umn.edu

Multicolored Asian lady beetles

Multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) is also known as Asian lady beetle, Halloween lady beetle, and Japanese lady beetle. The multicolored Asian lady beetle looks very similar to ...