Mark Ruchko Blog

The co-op farms of the Twin Cities provide a vital service to the region, starting with the fresh, delicious produce that they supply to residents and restaurants alike. On July 16, 2022, many local farms will be hosting a Co-op Farm Tour, with fun, educational activities for the whole family to enjoy. Even if you can't make it out for the official tour, many farms offer activities for the public throughout the summer. Here are the details on Twin Cities co-op farms for you to tour this summer.

• JD Rivers' Children's Garden – 2900 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55405
  If you want to get your kids involved with farming at a location close to Minneapolis homes for sale, it's tough to top the experience at the JD Rivers' Children's Garden. In addition to activities during the Co-op Farm Tour, this farm offers youth farming programs throughout the summer, including weekly programs and week-long camps. While you're there, be sure to stop by the on-site Produce Market to pick up fresh, delicious produce throughout the summer and fall.

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As a homeowner, you're likely familiar with those pesky weeds that pop up in your yard and garden every year. Keeping weeds from taking over is not a simple task, but it can be accomplished by following a seasonal routine that ensures a healthier lawn.

If you're considering buying or selling Maple Grove homes for sale or Minnetonka homes for sale, you want a lush, green landscape that increases your property value. To achieve your goals, you need to focus on important lawn care tips to prevent weeds.

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Hobby farming can be a rewarding experience the whole family can appreciate. But, don't let the moniker fool you: It's also a lot of work and can in many ways become a second job. The key to doing it right is to do your research before you get started and to plan ahead so that you can find the right balance.

• Set a Budget
  One of the first things you need to establish is your budget. How much do you want to spend, and how much will it cost to achieve your goals? In most cases, you'll want to establish steps and plan over the course of several seasons to achieve your goals. This will let you build your hobby farm gradually so that you don't have to front the cash all at once.

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Chocolate is delicious. Ice cream is also delicious. What do you get when you combine the two? Well, you get chocolate ice cream, which just so happens to have its own holiday! National Chocolate Ice Cream Day is June 7th, 2022, and we highly recommend visiting one of these Twin Cities ice cream shops in celebration. Take a break from looking at Minneapolis homes for sale and St. Paul homes for sale, and treat yourself to a scoop.

• La La Homemade Ice Cream & Luncheonette: 3146 Hennepin Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55408
  La La Homemade Ice Cream makes their own ice cream in-house, using top-quality ingredients like Madagascar vanilla beans. They have a range of flavors, with about 12 to 16 being served at any one time. On National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, some of the top ones to try would be Chocolate Brownie Sundae and Cocoa Chocolate. The Non-Dairy Dark Chocolate Sorbet is an awesome choice if you can't eat dairy.

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Festival season has arrived in the Twin Cities, with some great events coming up for anyone who loves art. Kick things off with the unique, experimental Northern Spark art festival near St. Paul homes for sale this June, then circle the last two days of July on your calendar for the Loring Park Art Festival around the corner from Minneapolis homes for sale. Here's a look at what to expect from two of the best upcoming art festivals in the Twin Cities.

Northern Spark – University Avenue & Downtown St. Paul – June 11, 9 PM to 5:30 AM

• An All-Night Art Festival in St. Paul
  The times that you read above are not a misprint. One of the unique things about Northern Spark is that it takes place starting around dusk and lasts straight through the wee hours of the morning. The first part of the festival takes place along University Ave. from 9 PM to 2 AM. After that, Northern Spark moves to Raspberry Island in downtown St. Paul, with a closing event that lasts from 2 AM through 5:30 AM.

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Would you like to actively contribute to the environment when taking care of your lawn? You should try composting. Homeowners are recognizing how valuable compost can be on their lawn when used in top dressing. Our Edina homes for sale and Glenwood homes for sale have enough backyard space to give you enough room to make compost. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to start composting.

Why You Should Compost

 Compositing is essential because it:

• Reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions
• Helps recycle essential nutrients 
• Strengthens the soil texture and structure, promoting healthy plant growth
• Encourages a prolific soil ecosystem by attracting microorganisms and critters good for the soil
• Eliminates or reduces the need for synthetic fertilizer

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Worked up a thirst after a busy day viewing Minneapolis homes for sale and St. Paul homes for sale? Raise a glass to our country's entrepreneurial spirit during National American Craft Beer Week, celebrated May 10-16, at one of these great local breweries around the Twin Cities.

• Able Brewery - 1121 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
  Farm-to-table has been one of the hottest trends in dining over the last few years. Able Brewery puts the same emphasis on sustainability with their craft beers. Located in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, Able Brewery partners with Minnesota farmers and vendors to create brews such as Honey Cream Ale, sweetened with local honey, and On the Fritz, a collaboration with Misfit Coffee. Hours are 4 - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, noon - 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.

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Have you ever noticed that some homes look brand new after an interior paint job, while others look like an old house with fresh paint? If you're considering adding your house to the inventories of Coon Rapid homes for sale or Detroit Lakes homes for sale or sprucing up a new place yourself, you can achieve that pristine appearance yourself by following a few simple tips. 

• Protect the Space
  Cover floor and furniture that can't be moved out so that you aren't constantly chasing messy drips as you work. Plastic works well for furniture and electronics but is dangerously slippery underfoot. Use canvas drop cloths for maximum protection of flooring. Assemble rags and other supplies in a convenient place, including painter's tape, trowels, and edger tools. Make sure you have a clear path to running water and a clean bucket of water for rollers and brushes.

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