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!

Webinar: Biochar Applications on Urban Farms

June 10, 2026
12:00 noon - 1:00 PM

Hear from Deborah Aller, Cornell, about biochar applications on urban farms and its ability to act as a tool for soil health and climate mitigation. We will also be discussing the mission behind New York Center for Organics Recycling and Education (NYCORE).

Urban Agroforestry Summit

July 17, 2026
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
New York, NY

Learn and network with urban agroforestry practitioners, service providers and city government partners on ways to scale agroforestry in NYC

Join the Cornell Small Farms Program and Harvest New York for the first annual NYC Urban Agroforestry Summit. Begin the day by learning from invited speakers who will explore the evolution, current landscape, and future potential of agroforestry within New York City's food systems and urban forestry initiatives.

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 available from the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2026 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.