May 13, 2013 — Corn, cucumbers, parsley and parsnips...it all starts with seeds. But not all seeds are easy to nurse through the germination stage. In their weekly gardening conversation, Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy talks with Martha Foley about some of the challenges that stall or prevent germination, and ways to give seeds the conditions they need to sprout.  Go to full article

May 06, 2013 — Perennial beds need some attention in the spring. Dividing tubers can give them a renewed lease on life. And with a dry spring, a little irrigation might be in order. Martha Foley talks with Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy.  Go to full article

Apr 29, 2013 — It won't be long before the lucky people with an asparagus patch will be eating one of the first edibles offered by the new season.

Whether you're trying to keep an old patch productive, or have established your own asparagus bed, Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy has good advice.

Planting a new bed has traditionally required digging a big trench, but Amy has good news there: eight inches is plenty deep, and now's the time.  Go to full article

Apr 22, 2013 — It's the 43rd Earth Day. The idea of a day to stop and think about and celebrate the Earth came from U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin after he toured the devastation of a massive oil spill off California.

Earth Day 1970 achieved broad political support: Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, urban and rural, business and labor leaders. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.

Earth Day is BIG. But awareness of the individual's role in environmental health has evolved in those 43 years, too. Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy shares a list of five action points for home gardeners.  Go to full article

Apr 15, 2013 — Spring has been a little frosty this year, so far, anyway. Cold wind and rain, even snow, along with frosty mornings might conspire to keep less-hardy gardeners (like Martha Foley) indoors.

But outside, green shoots are coming up. Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy, tells Martha it's past time to uncover the garlic and the daffodils. And it's OK to try a few early rows of onions and spinach.  Go to full article

Apr 08, 2013 — Best practices in gardening can change over the years. Martha Foley and cooperative extension horticulturist Amy Ivy talk about new wisdom on the best ways to use manure in the early spring garden.  Go to full article

Apr 01, 2013 — Did you poke around your garden this weekend? As the snow melts, it's time to start thinking about spring cleaning in the lawn and garden. Horticulturist Amy Ivy says much of what you rake up could become beneficial mulch.  Go to full article

Mar 25, 2013 — The not-quite-warm-enough weather in late March and early April can be a challenge for the staunchest fans of North Country living. It's cabin fever time. Cornell Cooperative Extension's Amy Ivy offers an answer that doesn't require a ticket to Myrtle Beach or Miami. She tells Martha Foley it's just perfect weather to get blueberry and raspberry bushes ready for the summer season.  Go to full article

Mar 11, 2013 — With temperatures expected to reach the mid-50's, or higher, this afternoon, you're excused if you feel a touch of "spring fever" today. Todd Moe talks with horticulturist Amy Ivy about some of the early signs of spring around the region -- from pussy willows and red-stemmed dogwood to red winged blackbirds.  Go to full article

Ottawa, ON, Mar 08, 2013 — As gardeners look ahead to spring, some take advantage of what's called a "seed swap". It's a good way to recycle unwanted seeds, share a surplus, or take a chance on a few new varieties.

Ottawa's 20th "Seedy Saturday" took place March 2 in a community hall at Britannia Beach. The busy event featured educational booths and a number of regular seed vendors, plus workshops on saving seeds, permaculture and worm composting.  Go to full article