Fall Strawberry Workshop

October 20, 2021


Deb Wagoner of Wagoner Bees and Produce will lead a discussion of weed control techniques including types of plastic mulch and how they are used to prevent weed infestation in strawberry systems. She will share her experience with irrigation scheduling and a labeling system used for cultivar tracking. She'll also share information about her strawberry harvester with a description of item cost and functionality.

Attendees will also hear from Integrated Weed Management Specialist, Bryan Brown, and WNY Berry Specialist, Anya Osatuke, as they review late-fall pests, fertility management, and seasonal factors determining when to apply a winter mulch to a strawberry planting.

AGENDA
5:15 PM DEC Credit Sign-in

5:30 Welcome and Introductions

5:40 Planting Tour & Harvester Demonstration - Deb Wagoner, Wagoner Bees and Produce
Grower-led discussion of weed control techniques including types of plastic mulch and how they are used to prevent weed infestation in strawberry systems. Irrigation scheduling and a labeling system used for cultivar tracking will also be covered. A strawberry harvester with description of item cost and functionality.

6:00 Weed Control - Bryan Brown, Integrated Weed Management Specialist, NYS IPM, Cornell
Fall weed control options for new and established strawberry plantings. Cultural weed control options for actively fruiting dayneutrals. Brief review of differences in herbicide applications when growing on plasticulture vs. open field.

6:30 Fall Troubleshooting - Anya Osatuke, WNY Berry Specialist, CCE Harvest NY
Review of common late-fall pests, pathogens, and abiotic disorders in June-bearing and dayneutral strawberries. Hands-on diagnosis of strawberry crowns that growers bring to the workshop.

7:00 Fertility Management - Anya Osatuke, CCE Harvest NY
Comparison of best practices for fertilizing and renovating dayneutrals and June-bearing strawberries. Overview of differences in applying N, P, and K fertilizer between field culture and plasticulture.

7:20 Winter Mulch Application - Anya Osatuke, CCE Harvest NY
Review of the seasonal factors determining when to apply a winter mulch to a strawberry planting. Overview of seasonal and site factors affecting the timing of winter mulch removal in the spring.

7:30 PM Adjourn and Pick Up DEC Credit Certificate

COST, REGISTRATION, and QUESTIONS
This workshop is FREE to attend! Pre-registration is requested; email Anya Osatuke or call/text 607-752-2793 with your name, phone number (if available), and number of attendees.

DEC CREDITS
1.0 DEC credit in categories 10, 1a, 21, 22, and 23 will be offered. Attendees seeking DEC credit will be required to show their DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator ID and/or registration number. Only attendees who stay for the entire course will be awarded a certificate.

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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: 

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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.