It’s beginning to feel like the peak of our summer season has arrived in the Finger Lakes. The signs for me are when I finally seemed to have a grasp on my pollen allergy and can breathe again, those fields of wheat have turned a golden color and are now being harvested and the farmers market is a b...

If you don’t already grow purple coneflowers in your garden, you’ve most likely seen this purplish-pink, daisy-like flower adding a pop of color in someone else’s yard. They’re a great choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-grow, native perennial. Coneflowers are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 – 9...

What makes good soil and what does “good” mean? Most of us would likely answer that good soil is full of readily available nutrients for our vegetables and flowers to uptake and robustly grow. There is, of course, more to good soil than nutrients. Otherwise, why would we bother to grow plants in soi...

Everyone knows that horses don’t thrive on their own – they flourish because of a devoted network of people who give them expert care, steady support and daily attention. Behind every polished performance, healthy stride or peaceful trail ride is a team of caretakers, including fellow equestrians, w...

It’s the height of summer, and the weather is hot, hot, hot! That doesn’t mean work in the garden is done, though. Instead, venture outdoors in the early morning or late in the afternoon. Avoid working in the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you’ve been putting off addressing a shady chall...

With agricultural fairs in full swing across the Northeast, UConn Extension has released a new fact sheet to help fairgoers stay healthy while enjoying animal exhibits. The resource, available at http://s.uconn.edu/animals , emphasizes the importance of practicing proper hygiene after interacting wi...

Many common flowering plants that grow on roadsides and fields are more beneficial than you might think. One of these plants that you should consider letting flower this year is goldenrod. Native to the Northeast, goldenrod is an incredible host plant for caterpillars and a pollinator plant for butt...

Saving seeds from your vegetables crops is a fun and easy way to benefit from nature’s generosity. With a little knowledge and some advanced planning, you can restock your seed supply for next year’s planting at no cost. When you purchased your vegetable seeds this year, you may recall that some var...

Trees are among the hardest working plants in the landscape. Even the smallest yard can accommodate at least one or two of these botanical powerhouses. Trees with unique leaf shapes are like artwork for the landscape, making them a good choice for any yard. Photo by Amy Simone Adding a tree will pro...

University of Vermont (UVM) Extension and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets are urging Northeast cherry growers and U-pick customers to be on the lookout for the European cherry fruit fly. This insect has been detected in western New York as well as in Ontario and Quebec, with new in...

UConn Extension has released an updated fact sheet titled “Microgreens: Easy to Grow and a Superfood,” offering valuable guidance for home gardeners, educators, farmers and food enthusiasts interested in growing these nutrient-packed greens. What’s inside: What Exactly Are Microgreens? – Microgreens...

Milkweed may seem like a weed because of its name, but it’s actually an incredibly important plant. The leaves of milkweed are the primary food source for monarch caterpillars. The flowers provide nectar for the adult monarch butterfly and countless other pollinators and insects. The monarch (Vermon...

Many people enjoy the possibilities that outdoor living offers and admit they would spend more time outside if the exterior spaces of their homes featured more amenities. According to a 2024 survey by Allstate Protection Plans, Americans love outdoor living and entertaining. Seventy-six percent of t...

As the Northeast enters the summer season, UConn Extension is reminding farmers and agricultural workers to prioritize safety for themselves, their animals and their operations. From extreme heat to barn fire risk and tractor accidents, summer conditions increase the potential for injury or loss on ...

As Connecticut’s – and the entire Northeast’s – black bear population continues to grow and expand its range, encounters between bears and managed beehives are becoming more common. A new fact sheet from UConn Extension provides beekeepers with science-based guidance for protecting their hives and r...