The Alaska Farm & Garden Show
The Alaska Farm and Garden Show is in February. Snow is still on the ground, but we all know how fast summer arrives… This show is an opportunity to get in the mindset and prepare for the rapidly approaching Alaskan Summer.
You will find dozens of vendors, of course, offering everything you need for homesteading endeavors for your garden, farm, home, or remote cabin, plus the advice you need to help your projects succeed, and to even monetize your efforts if you are so inclined.
Traditionally, a “homestead” refers to a house and the surrounding land, often a farm, occupied and worked by a family. Homesteading often embraces the concept of living off the land – growing your own food, raising animals, preserving food, using renewable energy, reducing waste, and generally trying to produce more of what you need rather than just consuming.
But what is YOUR Alaskan “homestead?” Maybe it consists of 1,000 acres of fertile farmland in rural Alaska? Or maybe it is a raised flower bed in your suburban back yard? Perhaps you’re thinking of adding a few chickens to supply you and your family with meat and eggs? Do you want to raise goats for milk, cheese, soap, (and assistance with your yoga routine)? Maybe you’re just seeking the right plants to beautify your home and to place on the sill of your kitchen window?
Your Alaskan homestead is simply the core idea of building a home and life that provides for you and your family as much as possible. You will find it all at the show, from farming implements, alternative energy solutions, chicken coops, feed, seeds, flowers, greenhouses, outbuildings, and landscaping advice to heavy equipment like tractors, trailers, and snow removal gear.
Seminars At the Alaska Farm & Garden Show are free, and these classes are happening all weekend! Learn all about raising, feeding, and butchering livestock and chickens, and growing fruit trees in Alaska. There will be seminars on baking sourdough, milling your own flour, raising bees, caring for pets, gardening, learning about the Alaska Farm Bureau, and so much more! Check out the seminar descriptions and presenters HERE.
Vendors
You’ll meet hundreds of vendors at the Farm & Garden Show. Most of these vendors are Alaskan businesses, and they come with a wealth of information, experience, and products for all of your garden, farm, or homestead needs.
Seminars & Presentations
The full list of seminars and the schedule is available under the Seminar tab. Seminars will include information on starting your Alaskan garden, food preservation, chicken farming, sourdough bread baking, and so much more!
Greenhouses
You will find information from various vendors on building your own greenhouse, having a greenhouse built to suit your needs, or purchasing a stock greenhouse! With Alaska’s varying summer weather (you never know what you’re going to get!), generally cooler temperatures, and shorter summers than what you would find in the lower 48, a greenhouse can really expand your growing potential!
Landscaping & Gardening
Visit with several landscaping businesses or other vendors to explore your landscaping needs. You will find vendors with a wealth of information and resources for growing your own vegetable or flower gardens.
Chickens, Eggs, & Coops
Have you ever thought of owning chickens? It seems to be a growing hobby or lifestyle recently! Or perhaps you are interested in connecting with farmers selling local eggs. Find all your chicken information or needs here!
Raising Livestock in Alaska
Alaska has unique factors to consider when raising livestock or other animals, particularly in regards to our weather and darkness challenges. Connect with local farms to learn everything you need to know about raising animals.
Solar and Alternate Energy
Whether you are on the grid or off the grid, solar and other energy alternatives can help you achieve the self-sufficiency you are looking for in a viable Alaskan homestead.
Vegetable Gardening
Vegetable gardening in Alaska offers unique challenges and rewards. For example, we are home to several giant, record-setting vegetables! We have various vendors and seminars to help you plan a successful summer garden.
Pest Control
Ok, so you figured out your garden plan and everything is going swimmingly. That is, until you notice the slugs and aphids moving in. Come by to learn ways to mitigate those pests! You will also find resources and vendors that work to control mosquito populations, carpenter ants, and other Alaska pests. You may also want to visit our fencing distributors for those larger pests – i.e. if you have ever had to yell at a moose to stop eating your garden!
Beekeeping and Honey
Visit our local honey distributors or learn about doing your own bee keeping.
Food Preservation and Storage
Has the challenge of food preservation felt overwhelming or perhaps you just don’t know where to start? Come learn about food canning, freeze drying, and other forms of preservation. Additionally, you will find vendors simply selling local preserved foods if you prefer to let someone else do the work!
Outbuildings and Fencing
Find resources to build or purchase greenhouses, chicken coops, barns, sheds, and more!
Sourdough Bread Making
Sourdough bread making is easier than it seems! It is a lower glycemic bread with more health benefits than most other breads and it contains very few ingredients. Come learn how to get started, grow your practice, or simply connect with local bakers to purchase bread.
MATSU Events LLC
MATSU Events LLC is a family-owned event and promotion company located in Willow, Alaska. We are proud to sponsor large annual specialty trade show events in Southcentral Alaska such as the Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show, the Alaska Farm and Garden Show, and the Alaska Wave & Wheel Expo!