Soil Health and Compost Practicum (Part 2 of 2)

August 5, 2023


Cornell Cooperative Extension's Makela Elvy, Partnerships for Parks, and NYC Parks GreenThumb bring you a two-part learning series on soil vitality and its impact on plants. Plant health is directly linked to the health of the soil it's growing in. If we take care of the soil, the soil will take care of our plants and crops.

This hands-on workshop will build on our knowledge of soil health basics and dive into practical ways of assessing and improving soil health. We will look at an example of a thriving garden compost system and see how compost amendments affect different soil types. Prepare to get your hands dirty! 

A Cantonese interpreter will be available at this workshop.

Location:
Rodale Pleasant Park Community Garden
437 East 114th Street
Train: 4/6 to 116 St
Bus: M15 to 1 Av/E 113 St 

This event is FREE! Pre-registration is not required.

Upland Rice Farming in New York

August 5, 2025
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Clermont, NY

Join us at Home Farm for a field day focused on making upland rice production work in the Hudson Valley.

New Produce Auctions in NYS!

Two new produce auctions are now open in New York State, bringing the total number of auctions to 10! See the new map of produce auction locations across the state and contact information.

Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications

Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.

The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be provided by the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2025 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.

New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with dozens of urban farms across New York State to demonstrate and evaluate sustainable pest management strategies. Together with farmers, we found success using control methods that prevent or reduce crop losses through exclusion strategies, crop timing, host resistance, the introduction of beneficial organisms, and more. Regardless of management strategy used, common requirements for success include a knowledge of the pest and disease complex, preventative deployment and commitment to the process. The New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series includes case studies highlighting pest management techniques that New York urban farms have found valuable.