Where Do Specialty Crops Grow?
Not every crop can grow everywhere.
Each crop needs the right resources to grow well. Some crops need warm weather. Some need lots of water. Some need rich soil. Some need a long growing season. Farmers learn what each crop needs.
Apples
Apples grow well in Minnesota because our winter weather provides many hours of cold temperatures. These are called chilling hours. Minnesota has the chilling hours apple trees need to create crisp, sweet fruit.
Sweet Corn
Sweet corn grows well in Minnesota because our summers are warm. Farmers plant it after the soil warms up in spring. It is ready to pick in late summer.
Almonds
Almonds grow well in California. Almond trees bloom early and need mild winters. Minnesota spring freezes can hurt the flowers before nuts can grow.
Oranges
Oranges grow well in Florida. Orange trees need warm weather most of the year. A Minnesota winter would be too cold for orange trees.
What specialty crops grow near you?
Look at the Minnesota Grown Directory with your class. Can you find fruits, vegetables, flowers, nuts, or other specialty crops grown in your community?
SCAN THE QR CODE or visit www.minnesotagrown.com/.
