I recently moved to Elba, MN. I’m excited to start gardening on my property but I’m brand new to this, so I’m hoping for some guidance to get me started on the right foot! I’d like to plant a mix of native wildflowers, fruit trees, and a privacy hedge to block noise from a nearby highway. I have a few questions and would greatly appreciate your expertise. Soil Testing: I want to test my soil to understand its characteristics (like pH and nutrients) for gardening and planting fruit trees. Can you recommend the best way to collect and submit a soil sample to the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Lab? Are there specific tests you suggest for a beginner gardener? Well Water Testing: I plan to use well water for irrigation. Should I test it to ensure it’s suitable for plants, and if so, what parameters should I check for? Can you recommend a lab or process for testing well water in my area? Native Wildflowers: I’d love to plant native wildflowers to support local pollinators. Could you provide a list of native species that would thrive in Elba’s climate (Zone 4B)? Also, does Minnesota offer any programs or resources to purchase native plants or seeds at a discount? Privacy Shrubs: I’m looking for a fast-growing, low-maintenance shrub or plant to create a privacy barrier along a highway. What species would you recommend for my area that can handle road noise and winter conditions? Additional Questions: Are there any beginner-friendly workshops or resources through the Extension for learning about gardening in Minnesota? What are some common mistakes new gardeners in my area make, and how can I avoid them? Thank you so much for your time and help! I’m eager to learn and make my garden a success, so any additional tips or resources you can share would be greatly appreciated. Best regards, Elba, MN Im new to gardening and not even sure if im asking the right questions lol. So handle me with kid gloves haha.