Plattsburgh, NY, Oct 22, 2012 — It's the last full week of October, but it looks as though the North Country will be enjoying another several days of warm temperatures and sunny skies: good weather for enjoying the outdoors and finishing up fall chores.

But as Cornell Cooperative Extension's Amy Ivy tells Martha Foley, the late season warmth brings unwelcome insects inside. Cluster flies and ladybugs lead the list of bugs that commonly turn up inside this time of year. They're annoying she says, but not dangerous to humans or homes. The best thing to do? Sealing up the windows and woodwork to keep them out.  Go to full article

Oct 08, 2012 — This year's brilliant fall color display is fast giving way to the second annual leaf event: Raking season.

Few people will say raking is their favorite outdoor chore. But in their weekly conversation, Amy Ivy tells Martha Foley there are plenty of reasons to cherish those fallen leaves, and more than one way to deal with them.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Oct 01, 2012 — Acccording to Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy, the old rule said the first two weeks of October were perfect for planting garlic. But not any more.

The best time to plant garlic in the North Country is now the last two weeks in October, according to Ivy.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Sep 24, 2012 — It's officially fall, and practically speaking, frost advisories put fall chores at the top of a gardener's mind. But what to do? Is it worth the covering tomatoes? Will the winter squash survive a touch of frost? And what about flowers?

Cornell Cooperative extension horticulturist Amy Ivy sorts through some of the priorities in her weekly conversation with Martha Foley.

(Hints: "maybe" on the tomatoes, "no" on the winters squash's prospects.)  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Sep 17, 2012 — You've planned, planted, watered and weeded. Now, with frost and freeze warnings this past weekend, it's about time to tuck the garden in for the winter. Tidying away the spent tomatoes and bean plants, prepping to plant garlic, whatever your fall list includes, Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy has another important entry. She tells Martha Foley about why soil should be tested every few years, and how to do it.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Nov 21, 2011 — It was another weekend of gardening-friendly weather. Several "bonus" weekends have given gardeners extra time to do an extra-thorough clean-up this year. But how far is too far? And what are the best strategies for fighting next year's pests? Cornell Cooperative extension horticulturist Amy Ivy shares tips with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Nov 14, 2011 — The warm weather continues in the North Country...at least till later this week. Flowers are blooming, the lawn is still growing; what's a gardener to do? Or not do? Plant more garlic? Leave the carrots in the ground? Cornell Cooperative extension horticulturist Amy Ivy compares notes with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Oct 10, 2011 — Warm temperatures and sunny skies are an invitation to get outside this holiday weekend. And the timing is right for fall planting. Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy shares her list with Martha Foley: garlic, winter rye as a cover crop, spring bulbs. And maybe a bargain shrub or tree as nurseries clear out for winter.  Go to full article

Nov 24, 2008 — Martha Foley and horticulturist Amy Ivy share thoughts about focusing on indoor gardens this season.  Go to full article

Nov 03, 2008 — Most of the leaves are off the trees, but there's still yard work this fall. Martha Foley and horticulturist Amy Ivy have some tips for dealing with vines - Virginia Creeper, grape and bittersweet.  Go to full article