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

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

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

Lesser celandine: An invasive plant making its way across the Upper Midwest

Professionals are working on existing populations to keep lesser celandine at bay in Minnesota. Community members are encouraged to report any new sightings.
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.
Extension at the University of Minnesota

4-H Tasty Tuesdays: a flavorful fiesta

Join us for a lively virtual cooking experience designed for youth in kindergarten and up. Participants will learn about the traditions and celebration of Cinco de Mayo and then prepare a dish ...
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 ...
blog.lib.umn.edu

Raspberry cane diseases

Spur blight, anthracnose and cane blight are fungal diseases that infect raspberries. Cane diseases can kill part or all of the raspberry cane. This reduces yield the following year. Cane disease ...
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

Extension news and highlights

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 ...