We are seeking presenters for the Minnesota School Garden Conference on March 21, 2025. Presenters will share information, lead experiences, and connect with attendees during 45-minute breakout sessions. The conference will be held from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Minnesota Department of Education (400 Stinson Blvd NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413). Educators, administrators, parents, gardeners and anyone interested in youth gardening programs are encouraged to attend!
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will provide a $35 conference registration and a $100 stipend to support travel and materials for each breakout session.
A recent survey of individuals involved with Minnesota school gardens identified the following areas of importance. Please consider these topics while preparing your proposal.
Overcoming School Garden Challenges:
- Effective strategies for teaching in the garden
- Securing financial resources for garden programs
- Recruiting and retaining staff/volunteers for garden programs
- Managing school gardens during summer months
- Building and sustaining a local garden community
- Adapting garden practices to support students with disabilities
Garden-Related Topics:
- Companion planting
- Soil amendments
- Planning and designing a school garden
- Starting seeds indoors
- Weed Control
- Composting
- Cultural connections of garden practices/food
- Utilizing indoor growing spaces (greenhouses, hydroponic towers, etc.)