Cornell Cooperative Extension Community Horticulture

Are citizens in your county going nuts about food gardening? Are you getting a lot of calls about food gardening?

Well, I am getting calls from media folks including CNN, NY Times, wall Street Journal, Washington Post…so tell me is this media hype or are people really following through with vegetable gardening? I hope they are and they check out our gardening home page where we have highlighted some of our many resources www.gardening.cornell.edu

Including this press release which I strongly encourage you to reprint: http://hort.cals.cornell.edu/cals/hort/news-events/20090324_vegetable_gardening.cfm

And Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners is the best place to find the right plant for the right location. Take advantage of the search engine on that site. Type in resistant and find disease resistant varieties of many crops. Type in bolt and find those leafy greens that tend to bolt or resist bolting. Looking for heirloom varieties type in heirloom… http://vegvariety.cce.cornell.edu/

And more articles from the media…

What’s a home garden worth?

White House Garden… Find the article about this garden here.

another article from the NY Times: Obamas to Plant White House Vegetable Garden

and Washington Post:
Shovel-Ready Project: A White House Garden

And here’s what growing at the big white house :

http://www.farmfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/sam-kass.jpg

Spread the word!

Registration is open for the 2009 New York State Master Gardener Volunteer Conference: A Showcase of Cornell Campus Resources.

This event is exclusively for active Cornell Cooperative Extension volunteers and educators!

Check out all the details and register at: http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/mgconf/

The core conference features 4 concurrent educational sessions with 20 topics from which to choose. There is an optional post-conference session with 6 choices.
Also consider adding these pre-conference events to add to your itinerary:
July 21: Cornell Floriculture Field Day - Featuring the Sixth Annual Kathy Pufahl Container Design Competition
July 22: Living Sculpture Conference - One-day, hands-on conference on creating art with plants.

New and long time active Master Gardener Volunteers and other Community Horticulture Volunteers like Tree Stewards,  Master Composters,  Citizen Pruners…are sure to find excellent opportunities to connect with Cornell experts.

Opportunity to network with some of the more than 2,000 other active CCE Volunteers from across the state will also abound starting with our Wednesday night gala banquet and social. Then a special one hour Thursday afternoon break and poster share fair.

Come and enjoy quality information and good garden conversation.

Check out the website to register and get  more details as well as download a powerpoint side you can use to advertise this event at your next MGV meeting.

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/mgconf/

Sincerely,
Lori Bushway
State Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator

Greetings:

What do sod furniture, topiary, willow domes, large scale earth art, and table top vegetable art have in common?  They’re fun, of course – and also a way to meaningfully engage in the outdoors by creating art with plants.

Join us for a hands-on day of workshops that address these topics and more. Learn how to do a project that takes an hour, or an afternoon – and regardless of how simple or challenging, will show you how plants can transform lives in unique ways.  By popular demand, this highly engaging event will be held Wednesday, July 22 on the Cornell campus and at the nearby Cayuga Nature Center.

To learn more, print a program brochure, to register, and to find out more about what’s happening in the Ithaca area, please visit:

http://hort.cals.cornell.edu/cals/hort/news-events/livingsculptureworkshop.cfm

We encourage you to forward widely to your audiences!

All the best,
Marcia Eames-Sheavly
Cornell Garden-Based Learning Institute
Department of Horticulture, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/gbl
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/art

As I am sure you are aware Cornell Cooperative Extension is committed to Equal Program Opportunity

Two of the responsibilities this brings to you:

1) You must put the following statement on every single extension printed publications which includes program brochure, advertisement, promotional material… Consider it part of your CCE or program logo.

Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

2) You must include the following statement on announcements of events and activities. Fill in the italic sections with your local information.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by calling (person or office) at (telephone number) by (date) to ensure sufficient time to make arrangements. Requests received after this date will be met when possible.

For more details see CCE’s Equal Program Opportunity webpage

http://staff.cce.cornell.edu/administration/program/epo.htm

You will find this 18 minute presentation most valuable:

 Narrated EPO Staff Presentation

Our latest suggestions for vegetable varieties that perform well in most of New York.

directly at this link here

or from the link on these pages:

http://vegvariety.cce.cornell.edu/gardenInfo.php

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/

When: February 3, 2009, 8:30 – 3:00 PM ­

Where: Best Western/University Inn, Ithaca, NY (Directions: http://www.bestwesternnewyork.com/hotels/best-western-university-inn-ithaca/)

Organizers: Karl Pillemer (Human Development) and Linda P. Wagenet (Development Sociology)

The Cornell Program on Aging and the Environment is hosting a symposium that will explore the relationship between America’s growing older population and environmental sustainability.  Featured speakers for the event are Kathy Sykes, Director of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Aging Initiative, and Dr. Lenard Kaye, Director of the University of Maine Center on Aging and the creator of a model program to encourage safe drug disposal by older persons (and therby reducing pharmaceuticals in the water supply).  Additional presentations will examine issues of smart growth and liveable communites, and methods of promoting environmental civic engagement and volunteerism among older people.  Findings will be presented from the Retiree Environmental Stewards Program, which was successfully piloted in Tompkins County in 2008. We encourage Cornell Cooperative Extension educators to invite a representative from your county Office for Aging and/or Retired Senior Volunteer Program to attend.

There is no charge to attend the symposium; however, since space is limited, a reservation is required on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, please contact Jennifer T. Parise (jtp75@cornell.edu) by Tuesday, January 27, 2009. For more information about the symposium, contact Linda P. Wagenet (email: lpw2@cornell.edu; phone: 607-254-7460). A continental breakfast (at 8:30 a.m.) and lunch will be provided.

New NRAES publication coming this Spring. Details below.

You can get a FREE copy for your Cornell Cooperative Extension office …

If by June 5th there are at least 5 people from your county registered for our  2009 Master Gardener Volunteer Conference I’ll send your county a FREE copy of this new resource.

So tell your volunteers now to SAVE THE DATES July 22 to 24th for our State Master Gardener Volunteer Conference. More details on the line up and how to register on line will be coming in February at www.gardening.cornell.edu/mgconf

Broadleaved Shrubs and Shade Trees: Problems, Picture Clues, and Management Options

After observing the problem in a shrub and shade tree, the reader will then follow the guide’s easy-to-use, photo-based problem key to zero in on the cause. Management strategies are suggested for most problems. The guide will be an invaluable resource for home and master gardeners, students, educators, and horticultural consultants. It will also be a useful addition to garden-center bookshelves and landscape-oriented mail-order catalogs.

Features of the guide include:
•    Pictures and descriptions of over 125 abiotic problems, diseases, insects, and more.
•    430+ color photos
•    200+ pages
•    Introductory chapter on diagnostics and nonchemical management strategies
•    Photo-based key to symptoms and possible causes
•    Compact, spiral-bound design with laminated cover
•    Glossary

Chapter List

Chapter 1:     IPM, Diagnostic Skills, and Problem Management
Chapter 2:     Symptoms and Possible Causes: Broadleaved Woody Ornamentals Problem Key
Chapter 3:    Abiotic Problems
Chapter 4:    Diseases
Chapter 5:    Insects
Chapter 6:    Wildlife
Chapter 7:    Miscellaneous Organisms

FLIER on pre-ordering discounts

Note from Lori:

I will order 50 copies in bulk and resell individual copies to counties for about $25 each. I assume most counties would just want 1 copy so if you think you might like multiple copies tell me as then I might order more to start.

My calendar says we decided on January 15th for our next PWT meeting and that date is here next week!

I’d like to go ahead with a short one as I could use county educators input on plans for the summer Master Gardener Volunteer Conference which will include an educator track(essentially a in-service).

I don’t have any other pressing items to put on the agenda but do also want to hear from you..what good things do you see coming in this new year and what worries you. I can also give you some an update on a few staff professional development efforts on the horizon.

I have reserved Rice room 109 on campus which has video conference abilities so we can connect with 3 other locations. Let me know if you want to connect from your county. If we have too many we have to make some choices.

timeframe will be:

10 am to noon

lunch break

12:30 to 2:30

Lori

PLEASE RSVP

bushway@cornell.edu

607.255.5918

Cornell University will be moving its commercial soil testing and plant tissue analytical services currently conducted through the Cornell Nutrient Analysis Lab (CNAL) to Dairy One Cooperative under a collaboration named Agro-One.  The following is a list of questions and answers intended to address common concerns.

Q.  Why is the transfer of CNAL commercial soil and plant tissue analytical services taking place?

A.  The move away from providing commercial laboratory services is consistent with Cornell’s focus on research and spinning off commercially-viable technologies to the private sector.  The opportunity to free up resources previously dedicated to routine soil and plant tissue analytical services will allow Cornell to enhance its research capabilities and focus on the development of innovative and expanded agro-environmental analytical services.  Through Agro-One a critical analytical resource will be preserved and enhanced over time.  Please see November 11, 2008 Agro-One announcement.

Q.  What is the timetable for this transfer?

A.  It is anticipated that the transfer will be completed by late winter 2009, in time for early spring soil samples.  Until a formal announcement of the transition, soil samples can still be submitted to CNAL for analysis.  There will not be an interruption of soil and tissue testing services in the transition.

Q.  Will samples be tested the same way Cornell tested them in the past (Morgan) or will they be run by Mehlich III  with a calculated Morgan equivalent value?

A.  It is the goal of Agro-One to provide soil and plant tissue testing services that are consistent with how Cornell has performed them in the past.  Interpretations of soil test results based on Cornell’s recommendation system will remain in place.  A Morgan extraction method will be available through Agro-One.

Q.  What quality control measures will be in place to ensure accuracy of Agro One soil & tissue analysis?

A.  Dairy One uses a variety of industry-leading quality control measures in all of its laboratory operations.  Specifically, Agro-One will follow QC guidelines developed cooperatively with Cornell and also work within the framework of the Soil Science Society of America’s North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) program. .

Q.  Can I use my pre-paid Cornell soil test kits?

A.  Cornell pre-paid soil test kits can be used as long as supplies last and will be honored at Agro-One. Pre-paid soil kits can still be ordered through CNAL until further notice and will be honored.

Q.  Where do I get new Agro One soil & plant tissue test sample kits, and what submission procedures will be implemented?

A.  Information will be forthcoming on how and where to get new sample kits. Cornell and Agro-One will provide appropriate options for sample submission and forms consistent with past offerings and stakeholder expectations.

Q.  Will the Agro-One kits be pre-paid or pay-as-you-go?

A.  Details on Agro-One service packages and pricing will be forthcoming, but will include an option for pay-as-you-go.

Q.  How will I get Agro-One results (mail, email, fax, etc)

A.  Analysis results will be available via mail, email, and fax.  Results will be formatted to pull in to widely used nutrient management software.

Q.  Who will make recommendations?

A.  The Cornell recommendations system will continue to be used through Agro-One for the wide variety of crops and soils it has supported in the past.  Cornell will maintain and develop the system as it has traditionally done.

Q.  What is the expected turn around time?

A.  Dairy One’s current average turn around time for soil tests is four days.  It is anticipated that this will be the same or better under Agro-One.  If non-routine tests are requested, turn around time may be affected.  Dairy One prides itself on its laboratory turn around times and customer focus.

Q.  What services will be offered by Agro One?

A.  Services currently available from Dairy One will continue as well as a “Cornell Package” that is anticipated to be very similar to current CNAL packages of services.  Agro-One will be working with Cornell to improve testing technology as well as bringing new test to market for the benefit of farmers and their advisors.

Q.  What will the Agro One soil test & plant tissue analysis services cost?

A.  Testing charges will be competitive with similar testing services.

Q.  Will Extension staff get copies of submitted soil samples from their counties?

A.  Agro-One will work with CCE personnel to receive or access soil sample data similar to past practices and providing flexibility to producers and CCE.  Dairy One has extensive experience in providing data in a variety of formats and channels and will collaborate with Cornell on making data accessible in efficient and confidential formats.

Q.  I would like to use the Dairy One pick up point in my area to send my soil samples. How do I go about doing that?

A.  Agro-One plans to take advantage of the Dairy One transportation network for sample receiving.  Detailed information will be forthcoming.

Q.  Can I still get the Cornell Standard, Low Range or High Range pH kit? Where do I order them? What will they cost?

A.  The pH kits will remain available through Cornell.  Detailed information will be forthcoming.

Q.  How will future Cornell soil fertility research be done?

A.  It is anticipated that Cornell soil fertility research will continue as it has in the past.  All aggregate soil test data through Agro-One will be available to Cornell for research and extension purposes.

Q.  Who do I call if I have a question about a sample or recommendations?

A.  Information will be forthcoming, but it is anticipated that people will call Agro-One regarding samples and results.  Cornell and CEE will remain responsible for questions related to interpretation and recommendations.

Q.  How will this impact CNMP development.

A.  This should have little or no impact on CNMP development and the Cornell recommendations will basically remain available..

Q. Can I still submit soil samples for analysis to the Cornell Nutrient Analysis Laboratory?

A. Cornell is moving away from routine soil and tissue testing, and will focus on research, analytical innovations, emerging agro-environmental issues, and special requests.  Cornell will offer new analytical services, such as the soil health test, for a limited time until they become viable for commercialization through Agro-One and other labs.

Cornell University and Dairy One are planning to combine their strengths to provide soil and plant testing services to farmers and farm advisors.

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Dairy One Cooperative, Inc. are collaborating through Agro One to insure that farmers and farm advisors in New York and the Northeast continue to have high-quality soil, plant tissue, and nutrient laboratory testing services available to them now and into the future.  Additionally, the collaboration will provide a mechanism for delivery of new analytical services and systems in the future.

Through this collaboration, Cornell will move its routine soil and plant tissue analysis to the Agro One laboratory housed at Dairy One’s Ithaca facility.  This allows Cornell to focus on soil and plant research and the development of innovative analytical methods, while Agro One will focus on providing routine soil and plant tissue analysis to farmers and their advisors.  Agro One will provide soil and plant tissue testing services as have been available through the Cornell Nutrient Analysis Laboratory along with additional analytical services. Key input regarding analytical methods and quality control will be provided by Cornell, and Cornell nutrient management recommendations will continue to be provided through Agro One.  Stakeholders will therefore continue to receive the same services as in the past.

Agro One will bring together the strengths of Cornell’s knowledge and research in agronomy and horticulture with Dairy One’s industry-leading analytical capabilities and customer service.  The Dairy One sample transportation system that blankets the Northeast will become available for soil and tissue samples being submitted to the Agro One lab.  Agro One will also provide an expanded set of analytical data for use by Cornell researchers.

The move away from providing commercial laboratory services is consistent with Cornell’s focus on research and spinning off commercially-viable technologies to the private sector.  Freeing up resources previously dedicated to commercial soil and plant tissue lab services will allow Cornell to enhance its research capabilities while improving the amount of data available through Agro One.

There are many logistical issues to be worked out in the coming weeks.  Cornell and Dairy One are committed to making a smooth transition for farmers, farm advisors, extension educators, and Cornell personnel.

Dairy One Cooperative, Inc. is a 501 (c) 5 educational not-for-profit cooperative that provides dairy herd improvement services (DHIA) and software to dairy farmers in 13 northeast U.S. states and analytical services for forage, milk, water, soil, and manure to customers in the U.S. and around the world.

Our 2009 Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners in New York State report is out and available from www.gardening.cornell.edu (right column below the vegetable picture is a link)

2009 Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners in New York State

Also remember that our Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners web-based project aims to recruit gardeners to share their opinions on how well varieties are performing in their NYS gardens. To date we have over 900 NYS gardeners registered on the site and they have collectively submitted more than 1,000 reviews. These reviews are already helping shape our recommended list especially with regard to tomatoes. We need your gardeners to weigh in to make Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners the premier tool for vegetable growers to looking to find something that tried and true or new.

Though our on-line library of vegetable variety descriptions is approaching 6,000 gardeners continue to bring to our attention varieties they are growing (and want to review) that we don’t yet have in our list. Registered gardeners have also offered a number of features they would love to see added to the site. Our resources are limited but we have managed to add a few features including images to some of the varieties thanks to seed companies who have sent us their photos. We have nearly 6,000 varieties so we hope many more seed companies are able to share their photos with us. Gardeners can also share their photos of specific varieties with us through the rating form.