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Specialty Crops in Minnesota

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Northeast

  • Rough terrain
  • Short frost-free season, lots of snow

Northwest

  • Fertile prairie soils
  • Not as much moisture as other Minnesota growing regions

Central/Southeast

  • Hilly with moisture
  • A variety of soil types

Southwest

  • Fertile soils with lots of moisture
  • More southern location creates a longer growing season
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Activity: Where Does It Grow?

Look at the map of Minnesota. For each specialty crop below, use the clues to name the region where it grows. Which direction is that from where you live? Write your answers on a sheet of paper.

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Potatoes

  • Well-drained, fertile soil
  • Warm days and cool nights
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Sweet Corn

  • Moist, fertile soil
  • Warm temperatures and sun
  • Long growing season
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Christmas Trees

  • Adapt and survive in a variety of conditions
  • Thrive in well-drained soil and cool temperatures
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Apples

  • Well-drained soil
  • Lots of sun
  • Prefer to be planted on slopes

AgK - Plant Animal or Both
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