Tri-County Winter Webinar Series: Growing kiwiberries in MN

The second annual Tri-County Winter Webinar Series will be held on Tuesday afternoons from September to December, allowing gardeners to learn from experts during the day. This informative series will feature expert speakers covering a range of gardening and landscape topics, perfect for the beginner gardener or homeowner. Session information: Curious about growing a tropical-tasting perennial fruit in your garden? Join University of Minnesota Extension horticulturist, Laura Irish-Hanson, and kiwiberry expert, Dr. Seth Wannemeuhler, as they provide guidance on best practices for growing kiwiberries in Minnesota and showcase simple trellis designs to get you started. Laura Irish-Hanson is the statewide Extension Educator for Resilient Managed Horticultural Landscapes with the University of Minnesota. She leads efforts to promote climate-adapted, efficient, and ecologically supportive landscape systems in collaboration with property owners, community organizations, and urban stakeholders. With over nine years of teaching and extension experience, she brings expertise in sustainable gardening, resilient plant use, and practical maintenance strategies. Laura also appears regularly on WCCO Radio’s Smart Gardens show and enjoys growing food year-round in her backyard greenhouse. Dr. Seth Wannemuehler is an assistant professor of woody landscape plant breeding at the University of Minnesota. His previous research focused on evaluating kiwiberry (Actinidia spp.) germplasm for fruit quality and genetic diversity, with the goal of advancing its potential as a specialty crop for northern climates. He currently supports broader efforts in woody landscape plant improvement and education. Additional series sessions: September 30: Dormant seeding your home lawn with Dr. Jon Trappe, UMN Turfgrass Extension Educator October 7: Plant propagation for indoor and outdoor plants with UMN Extension Master Gardener, Bill Cook October 21: A beginner's guide to houseplants with Emily Lindenfelser, Tri-County Extension Educator, Horticulture November 4: Growing, storing, and enjoying dahlias with UMN Extension Master Gardener, Jackie Burkey November 18: An introduction to rain gardens with Tarah Young, Hubbard County Extension Educator, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Natural Resources December 16: Climate ready IPM with Marissa Schuh, Extension Educator, Integrated Pest Management Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your gardening skills with advice from local and regional experts! Can't make the webinars? All webinars will be recorded and posted to the Meeker County Extension YouTube page.