Water Retention & Nutrient Cycling in Urban Gardens

April 26, 2025


Join us for this very exciting hands-on workshop! We will be adapting and applying sustainable agricultural methods to our urban garden context. Designed for community gardeners and urban growers, we are focusing on accessible, functional methods that make it easier for us to have bountiful harvests while our climate becomes hotter, drier and more unpredictable.

Crafted for all levels of gardeners from beginner to advanced! 

This workshop will look at:

• "Low til" methods in the context of raised garden beds
• Intercropping for preserving soil health and long harvests
• Accessible Mulches for urban gardeners
• Biodegradable Mulching Alternatives

Plus...an Introduction to BioChar!!

Hands-on Demonstration of all Techniques:
During this 2-hour long workshop, there will be a hands-on demonstration of how to use these methods step-by-step. Starting with a demonstration of low til methods and then a biochar application into the soil, attendees will work with a biodegradable mulch alternative and then transplant both cover crop starts and vegetable seedlings into the mulch. The hands-on portion of this workshop puts together all we've discussed and shows how it can be practically adopted into your own garden!

Refreshments:
Light refreshments will be provided. 

Cost and Registration:
This event is FREE! Pre-registration is required. Register online!

Urban Tree Health: New Pest and Disease Challenges

July 24, 2026
8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Trees in urban environments can face unexpected challenges, including new insects and diseases. Join Cornell Integrated Pest Management, in collaboration with Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Cornell Cooperative Extension, to learn how to recognize and manage some of the most pressing IPM challenges in urban forests. 

Medicinal Farm Plants Workshop

August 2, 2026
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Staten Island, NY

Join Snug Harbor for a hands-on workshop with Urban Garden Specialist, Karen Guzman, as we explore medicinal plants growing on the farm! You'll get to see, smell, taste and learn how to grow and use them safely at home. 

Rochester Soil Health Day

September 1, 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Rochester, NY

Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY, New York State Soil Health, and Foodlink for interactive activities focused on soil health and an opportunity to get your garden soil screened for lead (reservation required).