CCE Otsego Master Gardeners

CCE Otsego Master Gardeners Master Gardeners are community volunteers with extensive training from Cornell Cooperative Extension in many phases of the science and art of gardening.

Master Gardener Volunteers provide environmentally sound information and encourage individuals, communities, and horticulture professionals to implement horticultural practices that foster land and community stewardship. They educate the surrounding community about:
•Landscapes
•Vegetables
•Fruits
•Herbs
•Houseplants
•Beneficial and harmful insects
•Plant diseases
•Integrated pest management (IPM)


•Wildlife management
•Soils
•Birds
•Composting
•Water conservation
•And much, much more

Call the Master Gardener Helpline at 607-547-2536 ext. 228 for assistance.

What is Ecological Gardening?Ecological Gardening is a term that we see everywhere. While there is no set definition, C...
06/19/2026

What is Ecological Gardening?
Ecological Gardening is a term that we see everywhere. While there is no set definition, Cornell helps us understand the core principles and practices of the process of developing an ecological garden.

"Ecological Gardening is an environmentally conscious approach that uses natural ecosystems as a blueprint for cultivation. It focuses on maximizing biodiversity, improving soil health naturally, and minimizing artificial inputs like pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The goal is to build a resilient, self-sustaining landscape that works with—rather than fights—nature."

Putting these principles and practices in place is a process. Start where you are and integrate the practices. It is not a test of horticultural purity.

https://cals.cornell.edu/events/principles-and-practices-of-ecological-gardening

The Value of Zinnias in the GardenZinnias are a staple in ecological gardens and a major subject of botanical research, ...
06/18/2026

The Value of Zinnias in the Garden
Zinnias are a staple in ecological gardens and a major subject of botanical research, prized for their ability to attract pollinators, support natural pest control, and serve as subjects for agricultural and even aerospace studies. They are members of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. They are native to southern North America and South America, and there are many cultivars, colors, and a range of sizes available—from 8 inches to 4 feet tall. Zinnia is named in honor of Johann Gottfried Zinn, a German botanist.

Liberty Hyde Bailey highly recommended zinnias for American gardens. They were among his top choices for reliable and rewarding annuals. He organized and edited the first Cyclopedia of American Horticulture, published in 1917. The zinnia etching was one of several he included. Liberty Hyde Bailey (March 15, 1858 – December 25, 1954) was an American horticulturist. In 1903, Bailey founded the New York State College of Agriculture at Cornell and was the first dean. He was the cofounder of the American Society for Horticultural Science. Bailey was instrumental in establishing the Cooperative Extension System, 4-H youth development programs, the nature study movement, parcel post, and rural electrification.

To read more about the contributions of Liberty Hyde Bailey to American horticulture:
https://www.libertyhydebailey.org/post/annuals-the-best-kinds-and-how-to-grow-them

To read a fascinating history of zinnias as part of the Seeds that made America series:
https://www.harvesting-history.com › blog

Did You Know...?If you join the OCC Invasive Species Paddle, you will be cruising on The Captain John Smith Historic Wat...
06/17/2026

Did You Know...?
If you join the OCC Invasive Species Paddle, you will be cruising on The Captain John Smith Historic Water Trail.
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail is a 3,000-mile network of water routes spanning Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, and D.C. Managed by the National Park Service, it traces the historic 1607–1609 exploratory voyages of Captain John Smith and commemorates the Indigenous cultures of the Chesapeake.
This trail begins in Cooperstown at the headwaters of the Susquehanna River at Otsego Lake and ends where the river meets the Chesapeake. Click on the National Park link for a trail map of what you'll see and learn.

www.nps.gov/cajo/index.htm

Be Part of the SolutionJoin OCCA and CRISP on an iSpy Invasive Species Paddle | July 18th, 10:00 - 2:00 pm | Crumhorn Fi...
06/17/2026

Be Part of the Solution
Join OCCA and CRISP on an iSpy Invasive Species Paddle | July 18th, 10:00 - 2:00 pm | Crumhorn Fishing Access (Milford)

This is an opportunity to be part of the solution to identify and pull invasive plant and animal species that clog the Susquehanna River.
You'll learn how they were introduced, how they impact the environment and our communities, and how to identify them, all while enjoying a leisurely paddle. This stretch of river is slow, meandering, and suitable for most experience levels, though participants should be prepared for a 3-mile trip.

You will need your own watercraft. It's a beautiful cruise down the river while making a difference. For more info and registration:
https://www.occainfo.org/calendar/ispypaddle

DON'T MISS THE INFORMATIVE WORKSHOPWant More Yield in Less Space with Less Work?If that describes you, join the Otsego ...
06/16/2026

DON'T MISS THE INFORMATIVE WORKSHOP

Want More Yield in Less Space with Less Work?
If that describes you, join the Otsego Master Gardeners on
Monday, June 29, 2026, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
for the fun, fruitful, hands-on Square Foot Gardening Workshop. Developed by Mel Bartholomew, Square Foot Gardening is a planting method that can maximize space to grow abundant and diverse vegetables. Look at all you could grow from the chart. It's a great way to experiment with new vegetables.
The Square Foot Gardening Method is estimated to cost 50% less, uses 20% less space, 10% of the water, and only 2% of the work compared to single row gardening.
To learn how to harvest more and work less, register to join us
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties
Education Center
123 Lake St
Cooperstown, NY 13326
Registration: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/.../main/events_landing.cfm.

The Magic of a Moon GardenThe Old Farmer's Almanac has an inspiring idea for a different kind of garden - a Moon Garden....
06/15/2026

The Magic of a Moon Garden
The Old Farmer's Almanac has an inspiring idea for a different kind of garden - a Moon Garden. What is that? A Moon Garden is one that is to be enjoyed in a quieter time of the day - from dusk until dark. It engages our senses of sight, fragrance, and sound. When the air cools, the moon garden offers a serene, multi-sensory evening retreat, perfect for unwinding. It can be a small corner of your deck, balcony, or patio, or a dedicated garden space. The moon garden provides an enchanting evening escape. Click on the video in the article, and learn the actionable steps to take to provide this little spot of serenity where you are. Here are the basic elements. Imagine the serenity you'll feel after a hot, hectic day.

Luminous Flora: The plants are predominantly white or pastel, which catch and maximize lunar light, making the garden appear to "glow" in the dark.

Night Fragrances: Many plants in a moon garden are nocturnal bloomers that release strong, sweet fragrances to attract nighttime pollinators.

Reflective Foliage: Silvery or variegated leaves create beautiful contrast and shimmer.

Sensory Accents: Soft, rustling ornamental grasses and gentle water features are often added to engage your sense of sound.

https://www.almanac.com/how-design-moon-garden
Image:
https://sunset.com/home-garden/garden-basics/how-to-create-a-moon-garden

Want More Yield in Less Space with Less Work?If that describes you, join the Otsego Master Gardeners onMonday, June 29,...
06/13/2026

Want More Yield in Less Space with Less Work?
If that describes you, join the Otsego Master Gardeners on
Monday, June 29, 2026, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
for the fun, fruitful, hands-on Square Foot Gardening Workshop. Developed by Mel Bartholomew, Square Foot Gardening is a planting method that can maximize space to grow abundant and diverse vegetables.
The Square Foot Gardening Method is estimated to cost 50% less, uses 20% less space, 10% of the water, and only 2% of the work compared to single row gardening.
To learn how to harvest more and work less, register to join us
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties
Education Center
123 Lake St
Cooperstown, NY 13326
Registration: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/.../main/events_landing.cfm... See less

06/13/2026

Want More Yield in Less Space with Less Work?
If that describes you, join the Otsego Master Gardeners on

Monday, June 29, 2026, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

for the fun, fruitful, hands-on Square Foot Gardening Workshop. Developed by Mel Bartholomew, Square Foot Gardening is a planting method that can maximize space to grow abundant and diverse vegetables.

The Square Foot Gardening Method is estimated to cost 50% less, uses 20% less space, 10% of the water, and only 2% of the work compared to single row gardening.

To learn how to harvest more and work less, register to join us
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties
Education Center
123 Lake St
Cooperstown, NY 13326

Registration: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=Square_Foot_Gardening_Workshop_243

It's June - Time to Catch the Garlic Scapes!Garlic scapes are the "flower stalks" of hardneck garlic plants. Hardneck ga...
06/12/2026

It's June - Time to Catch the Garlic Scapes!
Garlic scapes are the "flower stalks" of hardneck garlic plants. Hardneck garlic produces a scape from the center of the leaves in June. Most researchers agree that it is beneficial to remove the scape. Research at the University of Maine has shown that leaving the scape on the plant will reduce the eventual size of the harvested bulb by as much as 48%. Removing the scape does not affect the in-season growth or the storage life of the harvested bulb. It is best to remove the scape early in its development, rather than waiting until the scape further elongates and curls as harvesting at this later point reduces the harvested bulb size by 9%, but it is amazing how fast they grow.

MG Chris Burrington experimented by cutting the garlic scape on one garlic plant, then leaving the scape on an adjacent plant. What do you see?

Some suggest pulling the scape from the center of the plant rather than snipping, but research reveals that leaving a hole in the center of the plant can lead to water collection and opening the plant to rot or disease. The easiest way is to snap the scape where it is emerging out of the leaves, and snap it with your thumb and 1st finger. Or you can cut the scape with sharp scissors. Young chopped scapes can be used in cooking to provide a mild garlic flavor or to make pesto. Woody scapes and the flower at the end do not have good flavor. Keene Garlic has a tasty recipe.
More information and recipes below:

https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2063e/
https://harvesting-history.com › 9-must-dos-to-grow-ga...
Recipes:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=keene%20garlic
https://www.seriouseats.com/the-crisper-whisperer-what-to...

Address

123 Lake Street
Cooperstown, NY
13326

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16075472536

Website

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