Learn how to protect the nutrients and life in your soil during the fall and winter at this in-depth, hands-on workshop hosted by Good Shepherd Community Garden. Topics covered by CCE Harvest New York Specialist Kwesi Joseph include:

• What are cover crops?
• Why are they important?
• Which cover crops should you plant?

Basic Insect Rearing for IPM is a workshop for urban farmers and gardeners. It will provide an overview of how to raise beneficial insects to release on your farm or in your garden. You can do it yourself - yes, even in a NYC apartment! Featuring guest speaker Alejandro Calixto, Director of the NY State Integrated Pest Management Program.

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. 

1.0 DEC credit in categories 10, 1a, 21, 22, and 23 will be offered.

Join us for an overview of our 3-year project with NYS IPM to help urban NYC growers improve their pest management.