Specialty Crops in Minnesota
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
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?
Potatoes
- Well-drained, fertile soil
- Warm days and cool nights
Christmas Trees
- Adapt and survive in a variety of conditions
- Thrive in well drained soil and cool temperatures
Sweet Corn
- Moist, fertile soil
- Warm temperatures and sun
- Long growing season
Apples
- Well-drained soil
- Lots of sun
- Prefer to be planted on slopes