CCE Onondaga Master Gardener Program

08/22/2026

August plantings for cool, fall harvests:

Many seeds planted on 8/10 are up and growing with intensive, closely planted rows and 1 ft square blocks. The seeds got a good head start keeping seed beds moist by adding fine vermiculite with carrot seeds & I topped all rows with finely shredded straw, watered well, then covered with (removed) lightweight row cover. It rained while I was away (which goes through row cover) and came home to sprouted: carrots, beets, mini patio pride peas, mache, mesclun and dill!

We still have time to plant most greens, spinach, radishes, mustards, bok choy, turnips, Swiss chard, dill & cilantro!
Many of these seeds can be squeezed in between your tomato plants which will benefit from the shade to keep moist. When removing tomato plants, CUT MAIN STEM CLOSE TO SOIL leaving roots, so not to disturb the new plantings. Posted by MG Pat H.

08/16/2026

Want to make a difference in your community??🌎🌱

CCE Onondaga is recruiting our inaugural class of Cornell Climate Stewards!

Learn from experts, connect with others who care about their communities, and turn what you learn into meaningful local action through volunteer service.

You don’t need to be a climate expert. Just bring your curiosity, your ideas, and your desire to make a difference.

Sept. 17–Dec. 17 | SPECIAL inaugural rate: $200

Ready to get involved? Learn more and submit an interest form!
https://www.cognitoforms.com/CornellCooperativeExtensionOfOnondagaCounty/ClimateStewards26

07/30/2026

07/21/2026

Maximize Diversity

Diversity creates resilience! Offering a diverse palette of native plants and other species will provide the ultimate habitat for invertebrates and birds, who in turn provide essential ecosystem services that keep our gardens and surrounding native habitats healthy. Notice when plants are blooming each month in your garden and add new species to fill the gaps. Choose species of
differing habits, heights, lifespans, flower color, fruit type, and plant families.

07/11/2026

New at the Voice of the Farmer demonstration garden are three cut flower beds.

Cut flower farms are a growing industry in New York, and these beds highlight some of the plants and practices used.

Things are growing well, and the first flowers were harvested today to encourage future growth!

07/08/2026

Integrated Pest Management

Techniques such as handpicking insects and using row cover, trap crops, and insect traps will deter pests that manage to infiltrate our ecological gardens, and provide alternatives to pesticides. If you decide to use a pesticide, even an organic one, learn about selecting the proper product and follow label directions.

07/01/2026

Companion Planting

To attract beneficial insects and repel pests, intersperse annual flowers and herbs with your vegetables. Flowers that attract natural enemies and pollinators include: cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, calendula, sweet alyssum, coneflowers, borage, and asters. Aromatic herbs such as cilantro, parsley, dill, oregano, mint, thyme, chives, sage, marigolds, and tarragon make excellent pest-repelling companions.

06/26/2026

We had our first Summer Garden Evenings last night. A dozen people showed up despite the rain. We had a tour of the gardens and had several info sessions on cut flowers, seeds saving, composting and etc. Thank you all for coming. The next one is in July 16. 🌱💕🪴🍀