We are seeking presenters for the Minnesota School Garden Conference on March 13, 2026. Presenters will share information, lead experiences, and connect with attendees during 10-15 minute lightening talks or 45-minute breakout sessions. The conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318). Educators, administrators, parents, gardeners and anyone interested in youth gardening programs are encouraged to attend!
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will cover your conference registration fee and provide 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
- Strategies for using the garden for social and emotional learning (SEL) and positive mental health
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.)