During the hectic holidays, an eye-catching display of plants may seem like the perfect gift solution, particularly at the last minute. But is it? Is the intended recipient a plant lover? Will they welcome the gift, or will it be something they’ll feel obligated to water (when they remember) and fee...

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, with cranberry sauce playing a supporting role in traditional holiday feasts. While the question “whole berried or jellied?” may come to mind, what do you really know about cranberries? Native to the northern U.S. and Canada, they grow in rich, moist soil in b...

While many management activities for insect pests of trees and shrubs end when the frost arrives (like most, if not all, insecticide treatments), some are still applicable in the cold winter months. Examples include: • Scout for egg masses and act accordingly. Many (not all!) insect pests overwinter...

Storing garden tools is likely one of the last projects you’ll tackle when putting your garden to bed. You could just stash everything in the garage or garden shed and be done with it until spring. Instead, take the time now to clean, inspect and make any needed repairs. If you do, they’ll be ready ...

UConn Extension’s new fact sheet series is helping farm operations prepare for extreme weather. The first in the series, “Preparing Farm Operations for Extreme Weather: General Strategies for Producers,” is authored by Diane Dorfer, Sara Tomis and MacKenzie White. This timely resource is designed to...

Autumn is in full force. Green leaves have turned to brilliant shades of red and gold that flutter to the ground in their yearly dance. The garden is winding down in preparation for its long winter nap – the perfect time to think about spring. If you’ve never planted spring blooming bulbs, don’t let...

Perennial plants return to our gardens each growing season, but after several years, they may outgrow their original space. Dividing perennials in autumn or early spring can help keep these plants healthy while allowing you to build your ornamental beds over time. Overcrowding may cause a lack of fl...

The New York Nut Growers Association announces that their 2025 Fall Meeting will take place on Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Ramble On, 3383 Colegrove Rd., Trumansburg, NY. Breakfast starts at 9 a.m., and the program begins at 9:30 a.m. Speakers and discussion topics will include Jeff Zarnowski (“...

The recent cold snap – with widespread frost and even a freeze in some spots – likely marked the end of the season for pumpkins and winter squash. Unless your area escaped the frost or you covered these crops, their tender foliage succumbed to the autumn temperatures. In general, the timing of pumpk...

Hiking, hunting, harvesting? Going for a walk in the woods? Riding your horse? Mowing your lawn? Picking apples? Beware of yellowjackets. “Historically, they always come out this time of year to feast on aster and goldenrod,” said Mary Wigmore, owner of Ashfield, MA-based Wigmore Forest Resource Man...

Oak trees are some of the most beautiful and beneficial trees you can have in the landscape. When given enough space to grow, these trees can become massive specimens that provide many functions. Oaks provide food and shelter for hundreds of caterpillar species. Supported by the oak tree, these cate...

It won’t be long before gardening season draws to a close, but if you’re thinking about expanding your garden next year, autumn is a great time to do the prep work. Select the location now, while trees are still fully leafed out so you can more accurately judge how much sun the area receives. Be sur...

September is both National Chicken Month and National Food Safety Education Month. As part of National Chicken Month, the National Chicken Council (NCC) invites you to keep watch for in-store promotions and online contests, recipes, fun facts and more. The average American will consume about 83 lbs....

Once the grass gets its final cut and the leaves are handled, it’s time to swap out the mower, blower and trimmer for the snow thrower, generator and chainsaw. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) says a little prep now means less stress – and fewer repair bills – later. “Your end-of-season ...

Do you have a passion for gardening and a desire to give back to your community? Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Herkimer is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Program. This comprehensive training and volunteer program equips local residents...