Master Gardener Articles

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In Western New York, We Plant Near Memorial Day

Ask any experienced gardener in Orleans County when to plant, and chances are you'll get the same answer: after Memorial Day. It's not superstition. It's hard-earned local knowledge passed down through generations of gardeners who learned —...

Master Gardener Volunteer Column

Uninvited Guests: Boxelder Bugs are Back

Have you been visited by clusters of almond shaped, 2-centimeter-long black bugs with red edges this spring? Boxelder bugs ( Boisea trivittata) have found their way into many of our homes. They are considered nuisance pests that do not generally...

Hands holding a pile of soil with graphic overlays showing soil health concepts, including “SOIL BALANCE,” pH control, temperature, and nutrient elements like calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). The background is blurred earth, emphasizing soil composition and testing.

Master Gardener Volunteer Column

Soil Testing for Community and Home Gardeners
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...
Close-up of a muddy, rutted path with deep tire tracks filled with standing water. The ground is wet and uneven, surrounded by green grass and foliage along the edges, suggesting a wooded or outdoor trail after rain.

Master Gardener Volunteer Column

Making the Most of Muddy Days
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...