Plattsburgh, NY, Dec 31, 2012 — After a couple years of sparse snow, and a summer of drought, this week's heavy snow has some real upsides for gardeners. In her weekly conversation with Martha Foley, Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy explains the benefits to perennials and lawns, and has a couple of caveats.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Dec 24, 2012 — Most North Country homes, particularly in winter, don't have ideal conservatory conditions, but it's still possible to grow and maintain some exotics. African violets and Reiger begonias can be pretty finicky, but the Rex begonia is a little easier to keep, and the Streptocarpus or Cape Primrose can be a lovely addition to the home. Martha Foley talks with horticulturist Amy Ivy.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Dec 17, 2012 — Rows of poinsettias, clusters of cyclamen--favorite seasonal plants are crowding florist shops and supermarkets.

Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy talks with Martha Foley about getting the most from these flowering plants.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Dec 10, 2012 — It's the thick of Christmas tree season. The Associated Press reported this morning that New York tree farms are having a great year, with more people buying their trees from local growers.

That probably means they're getting a fresher tree. But it's always a good idea to check for the freshest tree on the lot. Martha Foley talks with Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy about how to pick the best, and keep it fresh.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Dec 03, 2012 — Firs, pines, cedars and spruces: all choices for the evergreens we bring in our homes during the winter holidays. Cooperative Extension horticulturist AmY Ivy sorts through the details of each with Martha Foley. And there's a warning, too: no gathering greens on private property without permission.  Go to full article

Long Lake, NY, Nov 28, 2012 — Long Lake Central School's community garden has been growing fresh food for the cafeteria for eight years. It's been such a success that surplus produce from the garden this year has gone to the local food pantry. As part of the project, students and staff are composting waste from meals, and veggies are incorporated into school lunches as much as possible.

Teacher Becky Pelton works with local farmers, like Chris Thompson, to manage the school's community garden. She says the students and Long Lake gardeners grow a variety of veggies in the schoolyard garden, which has become a learning experience for the school.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Nov 26, 2012 — Snow and cold spell the end of the season for outdoor flowers. But there are ways to get some fresh color and blossoms indoors. Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy has tips on some old standards, and a new twist on one favorite. She talks with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Nov 19, 2012 — The weather is still just fine for lots of outdoor chores. You could still sneak in a little window-washing, or move a few more piles of brush and leaves.

But Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy has one chore you might want to cross off the list: "liming" the lawn. She talks with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Nov 12, 2012 — Last winter was pretty hard on gardens, and gardeners, used to surviving tough North Country winters.

Two related issues combined to make precious perennials vulnerable: warmer the usual temperatures that see-sawed above and below freezing, and a lack of snow. If this fall's up-and-down weather is a predictor of the coming season, it could be another tough winter.

Cornell Cooperative Extension's Amy Ivy sorts through a complicated problem with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Nov 05, 2012 — It's finally time, after a long, warm fall, to plant bulbs for spring flowers, and for next year's garlic.

In their weekly gardening conversation, horticulturist Amy Ivy and NCPR's Martha Foley talk about what to plant, where, and how.  Go to full article