'Raiders' casting call

Go on a dinner date with your spouse or other family member, and come home to a surprise room makeover. That's the concept of HGTV's "Renovation Raiders," which is casting Twin Cities homeowners with "any ugly room that needs an update" to appear on the show's second season. Chosen participants will receive a new room designed by professionals — all paid for by the cable show, according to Magnetic Productions.

Submissions require photos and/or video of the space you want remodeled. For details, go to www.magneticproductions.com/casting. And be sure to keep secret that you've applied for the show.

Talk and tea

Martin Stern, owner of Squire House Gardens, will lead two lively Saturday gardening presentations at Squire House, 3390 St. Croix Trail, Afton.

"Perennials — the Finer Points" covers selection, care and aesthetic qualities of the popular plants, at 1 p.m. Saturday. "Amazing Edible Plants" offers tips for successful vegetable gardening, at 1 p.m. March 29. Tea will be served. Programs are free, but reservations are required. Go to www.squirehousegardens.com or call 651-436-8080.

Winter farmers markets

Cold weather hasn't deterred the vendors from the Kingfield and Fulton farmers markets. A winter version will move indoors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis.

Visitors can shop for locally grown and produced cheese, meats, canned goods, crafts and some fresh produce in the warm greenhouse. Beth Dooley will give a presentation and sign copies of "Minnesota's Bounty," her guide to cooking with food from your local farmers market, from 10 to 11 a.m. There will also be demonstrations and kids' activities. The last farmers market is March 22. Call 612-861-7600.

Think spring

Learn how to start seeds, plant an edible landscape and design a fairy garden at Gertens' Super Seminar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The event features six free gardening and birding seminars and a tour of the Gertens greenhouse and production facility at 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. Register at www.gertens.com/events or call 651-450-1501.

LYNN UNDERWOOD