Urban Ag Pest Updates: Cabbage Whitefly

March 9, 2022


If you are an urban farmer in NYC and you see tiny white creatures fluttering around your brassicas, or little yellowish larvae stuck firmly to the undersides of your kale, collard, and broccoli leaves, there's a good chance you are looking at cabbage whitefly. This pest, resembling a very small moth but more closely related to aphids, is a relatively new species in our region, but for many NYC urban farms it's already the top brassica pest.

In this lunch session, CCE Urban Agriculture Specialist Sam Anderson will give an overview of what we know about cabbage whitefly, including how to recognize it early. We will see what has and hasn't worked for other urban farmers, and we will talk through some strategies you can try this year, leaving plenty of time for Q&A and farmer-to-farmer sharing. This is a free event!

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).

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.