TWIN CITIES METRO GROWERS NETWORK

What's the Twin Cities Metro Growers Network?

We bring together growers in and around the Twin Cities who grow production-scale fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops and who seek to share knowledge, networking and collaboration. We organize farm tours, learning events and social meet-ups. Whether you grow for market, personal or community use, or want to learn what’s growing in your neighborhood, this group is for you!


The Twin Cities Metro Growers Network is a networking group of the Sustainable Farming Association, and is coordinated in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Extension in Hennepin County.


Info: Lia Spaniolo, University of Minnesota Extension, spaniolo@umn.edu

Learn about Lia here.
Katie Feterl, Sustainable Farming Association, katie@sfa-mn.org

Upcoming Events

Fall Social

Thursday, October 22     4:30 - 6:30 PM

Bang Brewing Company: 2320 Capp Rd. St Paul, MN 55114

Come celebrate the end of the growing season with the Twin Cities Metro Growers Network participants and friends. We'll also share our member survey results from this past season and announce gift card winners. Gardeners, farmers, supporters of local foods -- all are welcome.

Meet us in Bang Brewing's barn. Hope to see you there!


Registration: Advance registration is requested, walkups welcome.


Eats: Light bites provided, beverages available for purchase.


Info: Katie Feterl, katie@sfa-mn.org


This event is funded through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture AGRI Urban Agriculture grant.


From Seed to Community:
Minnesota Native Pollinator Plant Seed Saving & Growing

Monday, November 16  |  9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Gibbs Farm, St. Paul

Join farmers, educators, and conservation leaders for a hands-on train‑the‑trainer workshop focused on seed saving and expanding gardens and landscapes that support pollinators while protecting Minnesota’s water and soil resources.


Participants will gain practical skills in collecting, cleaning, and sowing native wildflower and grass seeds, and will learn how to teach these techniques in their own communities. Community garden organizers, farm managers and conservation professionals are all encouraged to register.


Advance registration is required. To make this workshop more accessible, we are offering a reduced-cost option alongside the full-cost registration. Please select the level that's affordable for you when you register:

  • $25 (covers lunch and material costs)
  • $45 (supports the full cost of the event, including materials, lunch, speakers, and facilitators) 


What should I bring? The day's activities will include a mix of outdoor walking and sitting indoors at tables. Dress for the weather with walking shoes or boots. Lunch is included with registration.


For accessibility questions or requests, please contact Lia Spaniolo, spaniolo@umn.edu.


Info: Katie Feterl, katie@sfa-mn.org


This event is hosted by the MN SEED Project, Sustainable Farming Association and University of Minnesota Extension with funding provided by NCR SARE.


Save the Date: Radish Farm Stop Tour

Wednesday, December 2

Radish Farm Stop, Minneapolis

Lily Gross opened Radish Farm Stop in Minneapolis earlier this year as an alternative market option for small scale growers to sell their products to local consumers. Learn about this innovative direct-to-consumer model while hearing from Lily about her first season operating the business.


Registration coming soon.

Blog posts

Urban Roots Farm Tour and Soil Discussion

By SFA of MN • October 23, 2023
Twin Cities Metro Growers Network event, September 11, 2023 Writing and photos by Lia Spaniolo, University of Minnesota Extension Educator “Prepping the beds” and “harvesting” are Nana’s and Malachi’s responses when asked about their favorite farming activity on the farm. They both are youth interns who work at Urban Roots, a non-profit organization based on… The post Urban Roots Farm Tour and Soil Discussion appeared first on Sustainable Farming Association.

TC Growers Farm Tour is Sept. 11 at Urban Roots Rivoli Bluffs Farm

By SFA of MN • August 30, 2023
Join us for an educational tour and reunite with the Twin Cities Metro Growers Network for our last event of 2023, set for 3:30-6 p.m. Mon., Sept. 11, at Urban Roots Rivoli Bluffs Farm, 749 Arkwright St, St. Paul. Take a guided walking tour and learn from Market Garden Farm Manager Skyler Hawkins and youth… The post TC Growers Farm Tour is Sept. 11 at Urban Roots Rivoli Bluffs Farm appeared first on Sustainable Farming Association.

Networking Groups Welcome Lia Spaniolo

By SFA of MN • July 24, 2023
SFA is pleased to welcome Lia Spaniolo from the University of Minnesota Extension as our collaborator in coordinating two of our networking groups! Lia will work with us to co-lead the Twin Cities Metro Growers Network and Ecological Service Livestock Network. Keep a look out for events this fall with both networks. And, a special… The post Networking Groups Welcome Lia Spaniolo appeared first on Sustainable Farming Association.

Kernza Ale Taste & Tour

By SFA of MN • March 15, 2023
Enjoy a brew and take a tour with your friends at the Twin Cities Metro Growers Network at Finnegans! Join the TC Growers on a brewery tour featuring Finnegans’ new Buckwheat Honey Brown Kernza Ale on Thursday, March 30, 4:30-7:30 PM. Minnesota farmers and researchers are at the forefront of developing Kernza, a perennial wheatgrass with… The post Kernza Ale Taste & Tour appeared first on Sustainable Farming Association.

We want to hear from you!

To help shape our events and program offerings in 2026 and beyond, we want to hear about how you grow, your educational interests, and goals for the future.


Farmers, gardeners, ag service providers, and supportive community members are encouraged to complete the survey. Even if you haven't come to an event yet, your feedback is valuable!


After completing the survey, you will be offered the opportunity to enter into a drawing to win one of three $50 Visa gift cards.

Two great educational videos from UM Extension Horticulturist Natalie Hoidal:

Soil Health On A Small Scale: Cover Crops for Gardeners

Testing for lead in a garden:

Urban Farming Resources

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