Urban Farm Soil Test Interpretation
Sam Anderson, Urban Agriculture Specialist
Harvest New York
May 19, 2025
Cornell Cooperative Extension is researching best practices for managing soil health on urban farms. Whether on an urban or rural farm, we need healthy soil to grow healthy crops. Part of a successful strategy to reach this goal is regularly scheduled soil tests. This bulletin, Urban Farm Soil Test Interpretation, focuses on how we interpret fertility information from soil tests for urban soils to make informed management plans and troubleshoot challenges.
This work is supported by SoilNOW and funded by a USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant "Best Management Strategies for High Organic Soils in Urban and Rural Vegetable Production."
Upcoming Events
Community Garden Leadership Program Information Session - June 4
June 4, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Community Garden Leadership Program is an online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. You will learn management best practices and operational skills. It is a year-long program requiring participants to meet as a cohort each month and connect with experienced professional, subject matter experts, and faculty to foster a supportive distance learning experience. To learn more about the program, we are offering virtual informational sessions in June!
Intercropping with Mushrooms
June 8, 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Bronx, NY
Join us for an afternoon of hands-on learning at Morning Glory! This free community workshop, led by Urban Agriculture Specialists Karen Guzman and Yolanda Gonzalez from Cornell Cooperative Extension, is perfect for anyone looking to diversify their garden harvest by interplanting with mushrooms. Learn how to maximize your garden space with small-scale techniques to increase productivity. You'll get guidance on growing three different types of mushrooms, from site selection to harvest. A food demo from a local chef will also explore the versatility of cooking with mushrooms! Community Garden Leadership Program Information Session - June 12
June 12, 2025
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Community Garden Leadership Program is an online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. You will learn management best practices and operational skills. It is a year-long program requiring participants to meet as a cohort each month and connect with experienced professional, subject matter experts, and faculty to foster a supportive distance learning experience. To learn more about the program, we are offering virtual informational sessions in June!
Announcements
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 provided by the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2025 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.