UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu
Welcome letter
Dear readers,
After a winter full of farmer conferences and pruning workshops, the 2026 growing season is rapidly approaching for many fruit crops throughout Minnesota. A big welcome to those who are joining this series...
The holiday season is an enjoyable time of year for a variety of reasons. Individuals get to spend time with friends or family members they may not see very often; gifts are purchased and exchanged; and plenty of delicious foods and beverages are consumed. The holiday season can be an indulgent...
Shopping is a big part of the holiday season, and data regarding retail sales bears that out. According to the National Retail Federation, roughly 19 percent of total retail sales during a five-year period beginning in 2019 occurred between November and December.
NRF data is a testament to how much...
Hunting is a popular pastime across North America. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) reports there were 14.4 million hunters across the United States in 2022, noting those hunters spent a total of $42.5 billion. According to Statistics Canada, Canadians spent $678.6 million in the second...
Families have their own unique holiday traditions, and such customs help to make this time of year so special. Baking together as a family is a popular holiday tradition that rewards everyone with some tasty treats after a fun-filled day in the kitchen.
Incorporating a holiday theme into baked...
Gatherings with loved ones are a big part of what makes the holiday season such a special time of year. As families grow and spread out across the map, they may not get too many chances to spend quality time with one another. But the holiday season is a time each year when families make a concerted...
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu
Lilacs blooming out of season are referred to as being "remontant." Photo: Allan Paul Eilen
Lilacs usually bloom in spring, but many people are seeing them bloom again now. Why?
Like so much in Minnesota, the weather has a lot to do...
Many sports enthusiasts feel there's no better tradition than mingling with fellow fans while tailgating. Tailgating entails arriving at a stadium parking lot several hours early on game day; icing down beverages in a cooler; heating up the grill; and seeing some familiar, perhaps fanatical, faces...
A family movie night makes for a great way for families to bond and enjoy some relaxing time together. Such nights are a tradition in households across the globe, and they can even become a fun way for extended families to celebrate the holiday days together. When hosting overnight guests this...
Gatherings with family and friends are an integral component of the holiday season. Certain rooms in the house are on display more than others, with kitchens, dining rooms and living areas serving as popular places to congregate. Of course, fireplaces also serve as popular gathering spots in homes...