Emily Tepe

Teaching Specialist

she/her/hers

[email protected]

UMN Fruit Research

Fruit | UMN Extension

Education

M.Ag. University of Minnesota, Horticulture 2009
M.F.A. University of Minnesota, Theater/Design 2000
B.A. University of Toledo, Theater/Design 1997

Areas of Interest

Sustainable fruit production, apple rootstocks, ecological gardening, edible landscaping, online course design

Biography

I got into horticulture mid-career after an early career in design. After designing museum exhibits for the Cranberry Discovery Center in Warrens, Wisconsin, I became fascinated with local fruit production and small farms.

Returning to the U of M, I joined a research team focused on improving fruit production in cold climates. Our projects included cold-hardy apple rootstock trials, pollen compatibility studies among Prunus species, season extension strategies for small fruits, and sustainable weed management in perennial fruit crops.

On the side, I explored and practiced edible landscaping - incorporating food plants into ornamental landscapes. I managed a demonstration garden on campus for a few years, which led to a blog, which led to a book, The Edible Landscape.

Having discovered horticulture as an adult, I am passionate about introducing others to it, which is why teaching is now my focus. I am also fascinated by online course design and delivery. I teach online exclusively, work with other faculty to help design their online courses, and developed a publicly available Coursera specialization, launched in Spring 2026, to help our department reach a broader audience.

I also grow award-winning garlic!

Teaching

I love helping people discover horticulture, from gardening to design to fruit production systems to local food, and our place in all of it. My online courses are comprehensive and fun, and focus on flexibility, clear organization, accessible content, community-building, and practical application.

HORT 1003: Organic Gardening, offered online every Spring semester, is an introduction to horticultural science through the lens of ecological gardening.
HORT 1014: Our Edible Landscapes, offered online every Fall semester, explores our relationship with various landscapes and how we adapt them to produce food, improve communities, and stretch the limits of what gardens and farms can be.

Outreach

I contribute to Extension publications on home and commercial fruit production, as well as food safety on farms and in school gardens. I manage the UMN Minnesota Fruit blog, which aims to bring our research to the public.

Select Publications

Google Scholar

Honors and Awards