PUTNAM CO., N.Y. — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County (CCE Putnam) announced today its series of Spring workshops and events for residents in Putnam County. Putnam County residents are becoming increasingly interested in sustainability topics including pollinators, waste reduction, and local food. We are excited to meet this need with our fabulous Spring line-up. Join our knowledgeable staff and Master Gardener volunteers who will provide numerous opportunities for both novice and expert gardeners. So come learn to play in the dirt because life is too short to always have clean fingernails!
HOME COMPOSTING MADE EASY
March 7th 10:30AM-11:30AM. Reed Memorial Library, Carmel NY. Free.
Come learn the steps to successfully composting at home, from site and container selection, to getting the right mix, and how to use your compost. Online registration required: http://carmellibrary.org/
PLANTING FOR POLLINATORS
March 14th 10:30AM-11:30AM. Reed Memorial Library, Carmel NY. Free.
It’s not new news that pollinators are in trouble. Luckily, we can each have a role to play in supporting them in our gardens—and even lawns! We’ll explore what pollination means and how plants attract pollinators with different flower colors, patterns, and shapes. Then we’ll dive into plant selection to attract and support pollinators in your own garden. Online registration required: http://carmellibrary.org/
SMALL SPACE GARDENING
March 21st 10:30AM-11:30AM. Reed Memorial Library, Carmel NY. Free.
Smaller spaces don’t mean you have to compromise on beauty. Containers, planting boxes, and hanging planters can make your patio or window ledge a beautiful living space. We will show you how to create a beautiful flower and vegetable garden that is right for the space you have. Online registration required: http://carmellibrary.org/
ASK A MASTER GARDENER AT THE HUDSON VALLEY REGIONAL FARMERS’ MARKET
April 5th 10AM-2PM. 15 Mt. Ebo Road South, Brewster.
Come buy local produce, bread, and more at the farmers’ market and stop by the Master Gardener Volunteer table to ask your gardening questions. Free advice that will be invaluable to your garden!
SHIITAKE LOG INOCULATION
April 11 10AM-Noon Clearpool Model Forest, Kent NY.
This introductory workshop is designed for adult participant.s The event will include an indoor component and an outdoor demonstration: dress accordingly. There is a $15 fee for the workshop, which includes an inoculated log to take home. Space is limited to 20 participants. Register with Green Chimneys Clearpool Model Forest https://www.greenchimneys.org/news-events/event/clearpool-model-forest-workshop-shiitake-inoculation/
PLASTICS: WE LOVED ‘EM, NOW IT’S TIME TO LEAVE ‘EM
April 22nd 6PM-7PM Kent Library, Kent NY. Free.
Join us for a special Earth Day presentation about reducing our individual plastic use. Brief review of the harm that plastics do and various types of plastics and the meaning of the recycling symbols. What’s being done about plastics by governments (local/state/federal) and businesses. Practical tips on what citizens can do (recycling, substitutes, etc.). Registration required: https://kentlibrary.org/ or 845-225-8585.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER AT THE COLD SPRING FARMER’S MARKET
April 25 8:30AM-1:00PM Boscobel House & Gardens, Garrison NY.
Free advice that will be invaluable to your garden! Come buy local produce, bread, and more at the farmers’ market and stop by the Master Gardener Volunteer table to ask your gardening questions. This month’s special topic is Gardening with Deer in Mind. Come learn from an expert! We will also be taking soil samples for testing. Learn how to take a sample from your garden at Putnam.cce.cornell.edu and search Horticulture Diagnostic Forms.
PLANT SALE-SAVE THE DATE
May 16 8:30am-12pm 1 Geneva Rd, Brewster, NY 10509
From thousands of organic tomatoes and vegetables, to creative container gardens and unique bulbs, we’ve got something for every gardener. Master Gardener Volunteers are on hand to answer your questions as you shop. Free Soil pH tests: see our website for details putnam.cce.cornell.edu. We also have a special focus this year on pollinator plants and how you can join the Putnam Pollinator Pathway. See you there!
VEGETABLE GARDENING BASICS
May 30 1pm-3pm, Patterson Library, Patterson NY. Free
An overview of how to start and maintain a vegetable garden. Then we will head out to the garden and plant a variety of vegetables and herbs together. The vegetables grown here this summer will be donated to a local food pantry. Register with the Patterson Library at https://pattersonlibrary.org/ or 845-878-6121
For information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County’s community programs and events go to putnam.cce.cornell.edu/. Stay connected to CCEPC on Facebook at Facebook.com/cceputnam, and Instagram at Instagram.com/cceputnam and Twitter/@CCEPUTNAM
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact our office at 845-278-6738 if you have any special needs.
–CCE Putnam County
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