Gardening & Landscape 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...

Bringing beauty to the indoors is a goal of any gardener in the winter months. African violets have a reputation of being fussy plants, but with just a little care and the right conditions, they can thrive, bloom, and enhance any home! The most difficult part of growing this plant might be choosing...

Although it has been around since the times of ancient tribes, biochar is only recently becoming a popular topic of discussion among modern home gardeners, commercial farmers, land managers, and wastewater treatment operators. Originating from the term “terra preta” or dark earth, the use of biochar...

Compost is organic material (like shredded leaves or vegetable scraps) broken down by microscopic organisms? Composting allows gardeners to reuse the decomposed nutrients to improve the soil. It is also an excellent natural fertilizer for your plants. There are two basic methods of composting – the...

Native peoples from different parts of North America have used a wide range of agricultural techniques. Perhaps the best known is the interplanting of corn, beans, and squash together – a trio often referred to as the “three sisters.” Planting these three native crops will help you become familiar...

Fall planting is a treat. Milder temperatures, fewer pests, and fewer diseases are suitable for the plants and you. Most plants grown in the spring can be grown in the fall, and some even perform better. Many cool-season crops tolerate light frosts, which for some, can improve their flavor. Peas &...

While you may not be able to dedicate an entire garden plot to a pollinator garden, there are small practices you can incorporate into any sized garden to support our local pollinators. Over 75% of our agricultural crops depend on pollinators. We need to do what we can to support them. Pollinators...

To grow to a good size, garlic bulbs need space for their roots to grow, high levels of nitrogen, and consistent moisture levels. Order your bulbs online, pick them up from a local nursery, or get them at the Farmer’s Market. There are softneck and hardneck varieties, but hardneck is recommended for...