Articles

Twelve thousand years ago, our hunter-gatherer ancestors made a discovery that would change the course of human history: Saving and growing from seeds could improve their food security. These early farmers exchanged seeds with neighbors, and as crops adapted to local conditions, regional varieties...

Every year, the Orleans County Master Gardeners participate in Cornell’s Vegetable Variety Trial Garden program, which evaluates how different herbs and vegetables grow across New York state. We look at their growth, the amount produced, their taste, and other observations, and report back to...

Across the country, over 22.1 million individuals are a part of the agricultural workforce, which amounts to nearly 11% of total U.S employment. This may seem small in scope, but the types of careers in agriculture are vast and include much more than the conventional sows, cows, and plows. At its...

There is something miraculous about starting seeds indoors. You press a tiny seed into damp soil, and wait—trusting that in the dark, something is stirring. When that first pale loop of green pushes through, it feels like a small victory. But between that first emergence and a strong, transplant...

The wet and muddy days of early spring are the final hurdle to getting back into the garden. Walking on and working in soggy soil will pack the soil particles tightly, making it hard for water, air and roots to get through. And once this compacted soil dries, it can become incredibly hard and tough...

Community and home gardeners who grow food and share their harvests are eligible for free soil testing through the Community Gardens Soil Testing Program. The program is a partnership of Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, and the Cornell...