Indoor Specialty Mushroom Cultivation Course

February 26 - April 2, 2019


CCE's Urban Agriculture Program is collaborating with the Cornell Small Farms Program and Farm School NYC to offer "Indoor Specialty Mushroom Cultivation." The six-week course combines mushroom growing and marketing instruction with discussions about the ethnography of mushroom production. Harvest NY Urban Agriculture Specialist Yolanda Gonzalez will co-facilitate the course.

Students will gather from 6pm - 9pm on Tuesday evenings to participate in Cornell's 90-minute mushroom cultivation webinar together and then explore how indigenous and other cultural history and practice, race, class, and social justice relate to the themes raised in the webinar.

Cost: Sliding scale based on income plus $20 for mushroom cultivation kit. Click here for more information and to register. 

Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop

May 1, 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Bronx, NY

Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and the team at Riverdale Country School for a hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introducing Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. Designed to equip forestry practitioners, educators, and community leaders with the skills to replicate this model. This session will cover APRB design, recommended urban tree species, installation techniques, and basic troubleshooting. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of APRBs as a tool for growing a diverse range of urban tree species, but will also gain the knowledge and confidence to teach others how to build and manage them.

NOTE: Registration is required for this workshop. Attendance will be capped at 25 people.

Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop Series

May 2, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Long Island City, NY

Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and the team at Smiling Hogshead Ranch for a hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introducing Air Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. Designed to equip forestry practitioners, educators, and community leaders with the skills to replicate this model. This session will cover APRB design, recommended urban tree species, installation techniques, and basic troubleshooting. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of APRBs as a tool for growing a diverse range of urban tree species but will also gain the knowledge and confidence to teach others how to build and manage them.

Maximizing Your Garden Space

May 9, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Port Jefferson Station, NY

Celebrate spring and get your garden growing with this hands-on workshop on maximizing your garden space! Join Cornell Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman as she shares practical strategies to maximize limited space. Participants will learn about the current state-wide soil testing program and crop planning techniques designed to increase yields and extend the growing season.

Community Garden Leadership Program - Application Open Now!

The Cornell Community Garden Leadership Program is a year-long online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. The program equips community gardeners with management best practices and operational skills to improve garden sustainability. The program also connects gardeners to regional resources, professional development opportunities, and a statewide community garden leadership network.

Register for a virtual information session to learn more about the program and discover if this program is the right fit for you. Each information session is typically 45min-1hr.

Session Dates: 

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.