We all know the benefits of compost at this point. It improves soil health, structure, drainage and water holding capacity. It reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides in your lawns and gardens. Bigger picture, it reduces odors, methane and polluted water at landfills. What’s not to love? If ...

Conservation is a collective responsibility shared by individuals across the globe. Protecting the planet and ensuring its future has never been more important, as various organizations and environmentalists warn that, without immediate action, many of the more harmful effects of climate change coul...

“Backyarding” – the art of taking indoor activities to the outdoors – is a trend that has caught on. As winter begins to wind down, thoughts of playing in and working in our yards often kick into high gear. Perhaps you are already dreaming of family gatherings, grilling and eating in your backyard. ...

Spring may be upon us, but winter is reluctant to let go. In the meantime, we’re all eagerly awaiting the time when we can head back to our gardens and get them into shape for the coming growing season. If you didn’t do so during garden downtime in January and February, now is the time to order seed...

The last full week in March is designated as National Agriculture Week by the Agriculture Council of America, a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern societ...

Ring-necked pheasants stride across open fields and weedy roadsides in the U.S., southern Canada and the Finger Lakes area of New York State. They have graced our landscape since 1892 when they were successfully established on Gardiner’s Island, near the eastern end of Long Island. By the 1920s they...

Personalization is the name of the game these days, from our clothing styles to the curated advertisements the algorithms give us on our social media apps of choice. If you can set the light bulbs in your home to the colors you want, shouldn’t you also be able to build a greenhouse made specifically...

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program is reminding you that local maple is always in season. There are many local maple producers in Chautauqua County and across New York State. Chautauqua Grown, a source for all things local foods in Chautauqua County, is availabl...

There are people out there, like my dad, who believed “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” He used his grandfather’s pitchfork for a number of duties on our little four-beefer operation, and despite its age, it worked wonderfully. There are others that like to jump on the latest technology, those “ear...

It’s that time of year when the groundhog has retreated back into its burrow, but the temperature tempts us with the possibility of spring. We all know there’s still plenty of snow and cold weather yet to come. On those days, when the world outside is gray and dreary, the walls surrounding us can se...

Even as the meteorologist says another storm will be dumping snow on parts of the Northeast soon, spring is just around the corner. Garden supply and feed stores are putting out seeds, potting soil and trays, and in some of those stores you can hear little peeping sounds. It’s always fun to look at ...

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate a return to gardening than to share its magic with children? It’s not too early to start planning now. Consider dedicating a small piece of the garden this summer as a spot where the kids in your life can experience the magic of gardening firsth...

Beginning with a big breakfast in the morning, food and diet are an integral part of our day. Food can affect our physical and mental health – food can heal. A yummy bit of a favorite dish can brighten any mood. Food is the great equalizer and a wonderful connector! Our differences fade away when we...

Virginia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week will be observed March 6 – 10, just in time for the unpredictable spring storm season. But late winter/early spring weather can negatively affect all of us, so we’re fortunate the Old Dominion State is willing to share some tips with us. Hosted by the VA Depa...

Many families with young children are often faced with the challenge of needing to prepare quick, healthy, tasty meals on a pushed schedule. Add to the task that picky eating behavior is common for many children ages 2 – 5. They may eat only a certain type of food or refuse foods based on texture or...