Beyond the backdoor: from garden to homestead
Beyond the backdoor: from garden to homestead
Join us for an inspiring and educational event celebrating the art of home grown produce. Designed for growers of all experience levels, this program explores key topics including season extension, seed starting, composting, and succession planting. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and innovative strategies to enhance their harvests and foster a deeper connection to the gardening process. Whether you're expanding an established garden or just beginning, you'll leave equipped with the tools, insights, and community support to help your garden thrive—well beyond the backdoor.
Location
First Lutheran Church
1655 18th Ave E
Alexandria, MN 56308
Date/times
January 17, 2026 from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
(Alternate date: February 21, 2026, weather permitting)
Cost
$25 in advance | $30 at the door
Event Highlights
Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, this program is designed to equip you with practical knowledge and innovative strategies to help your garden thrive. Topics include
- Season Extension Techniques
- Seed Starting Essentials
- Composting for Healthy Soil
- Succession Planting for Continuous Harvests
You'll leave with tools, insights, and community support to deepen your connection to the gardening process—well beyond the backdoor.
Event contact
Robin Trott, 320-762-3890, trot0053@umn.edu
Registration questions
Extension Registration, ext-reg@umn.edu
If you experience difficulties logging in
Contact the University of Minnesota IT Help Line at 612-301-4357. Please mention you are using a guest account to register for a non-credit event.
To register by phone, Extension registration professionals can assist you.
- Use this link to request phone registration: z.umn.edu/registrationhelp (preferred)
- Or leave a voicemail at (612) 626-5174. Someone will respond within three business days. Please contact us at least two weeks prior to your retreat. Phone registration requests do not guarantee your registration spot.
When you leave a message to request phone registration you will be asked for the course number and name. Please reference the "Beyond the backdoor" in your message.