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.

Urban Farming from the Ground Up

August 10, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Bronx, NY

Join CCE Harvest NY Specialist Karen Guzman to turn a community center into an urban farm! This is an open volunteer event.

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).

IPM Field Day for Urban Growers

September 10, 2026
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Buffalo, NY

Join us for a hands-on field day exploring integrated pest management and season extension tools for urban growing spaces and the opportunity to build community with local growers!

This event will focus on best practices for using row covers and rat mitigation. Check out our CCE demonstration trial using insect exclusion netting to manage swede midge, an invasive fly that causes damage to brassica crops. Explore how to identify rat activity, reduce attractants, and strengthen site management. Hear from local growers on how they manage pests with a focus on organic management and how they extend the season on their farms and gardens.