Gardening in COVID-19

As we move forward with our growing season within the pandemic, it’s valuable to understand the risks associated with gardening around COVID-19. In this presentation, Jackie Froemming will explain the exemption process from the Master Gardener Volunteer Program as a part of the University of Minnesota Extension for participation with in-person activities as a volunteer. Afterwards, Annalisa Hultberg will explain the risks associated with COVID-19 as it relates to the garden, and ways you can mitigate this risk as you work in your own garden or with exempted projects. 

Annalisa Hultberg is a statewide Extension Educator in Food Safety at the University of Minnesota. Jackie Froemming is an Extension Educator on the Master Gardener Volunteer State Leadership Team. 

If you have questions about the exemption process, first reach out and talk to your county coordinator or local leader. Take a look at the screening tool to get an idea of what you will be asked about. If you are a local leader and wish to make an exemption request, please email mgweb@umn.edu for next steps. 

Resources

• COVID-19 For Gardeners: What Do We Know? Presentation Slides by Annalisa Hultberg 

• COVID-19 response plan template and FAQ for community gardens from the University of Minnesota Extension

• Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture:  Compilation of resources relating to COVID-19 for MN

• Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 information and resources

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture COVID-19 information and resources