Is a SweeTango apple tender or crunchy and does it taste sweet or tart? Describe the sensation of biting into this superstar fruit, featured in the New Yorker magazine, in 50 or fewer words. If chef, restaurant owner and author Art Smith picks your entry, you'll get a check for $5,000 and your creative prose will promote the SweeTango in stores during the 2013 season. The Next Big Thing, a Growers' Cooperative based in Lake City, Minn., is holding the "Juicy Details" contest. To enter, go to www.sweetango.com. The deadline is Oct. 12.
Mini beauties African violet fans can add to their collections and get reblooming tips from experienced growers at the North Star African Violet Council show, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S. A large selection of African violet varieties and other gesneriads will be on display and for sale. Call 612-861-7311.
Put your yard to bedHead to a local library to get tips on planting fall bulbs and preparing your lawn and garden for winter from master gardeners. The free programs are at 6 p.m. Thursday at Linden Hills Library, 2900 W. 43rd St., Mpls., 612-543-6825, 6 p.m. Thursday at Pierre Bottineau Library, 55 NE. Broadway, Mpls., 612-543-6850 and 1 p.m. Saturday at the Brooklyn Park Library, 8600 Zane Av. N., 612-543-6225. Programs are free.
Urban farmingLearn how to design, plant and maintain an organic vegetable garden on a compact city lot at 10 a.m. Oct. 16, Whole Foods, 3060 Excelsior Blvd., Mpls. Cost is $10. Call 612-927-8141.
