Sarah Waddle, Extension Educator – Cook County
GRAND MARAIS, MN — University of Minnesota Extension educators will host the sixth annual Gardening from the Ground Up webinar series, airing online February 16–20, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. daily. This free, weeklong program provides practical skills for gardeners of all levels, covering everything from soil health to harvest storage.
2026 Session Schedule:
• Mon, Feb 16: Building Healthy Garden Soil – Improve soil structure, fertility, and test interpretations.
• Tue, Feb 17: Myth-Busting Soil Microbes – Learn the truth about beneficial insects and microbes.
• Wed, Feb 18: Decoding Product Labels – Navigate fertilizers, pesticides, and “weed-and-feed” products with confidence.
• Thu, Feb 19: The New Normal? – Adapt to shifting growing conditions, USDA zone changes, and air quality/smoke impacts.
• Fri, Feb 20: Harvest and Storage – Tips on succession planting, frost survival, and extending produce freshness.
Registration & Perks
Participation is free, but pre-registration is required at z.umn.edu/GardenUp. One registration grants access to all five live sessions and links to the recordings after the series concludes.
Exclusive Bonus: All registrants will receive an invitation to “Garden Buzz” for the summer of 2026. This monthly live Q&A session (second Tuesday, May–Oct) allows participants to drop in and get expert answers to their specific yard and garden questions.
About the Series
Gardening from the Ground Up is a collaboration of local Extension educators representing over 15 Minnesota counties. For registration assistance or questions, Cook County residents should contact Sarah Waddle at swaddle@umn. edu or 218-387-3015.
