Lauren Kurtz joined UConn Extension as an Invasive Species Outreach Specialist. She’s originally from Frankfort, Illinois, and earned her undergraduate degrees in environmental studies and geography from Western Michigan University, before coming to UConn for her masters and PhD in horticulture and plant breeding in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. Lauren is […]
Meet Emily Picard
Emily Picard (’09 CAHNR, ’10 NEAG) joined UConn Extension as the UConn 4-H educator for Fairfield County in June. She is from Killingworth and has a bachelor of science in agriculture and natural resources from the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. Emily has a master of arts in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in […]
Meet Halie Shea
Halie Shea joined UConn Extension as the UConn 4-H educator for New Haven County in June. She is from Windsor Locks and has a bachelor of arts in special education from Elms College and a master of science in natural science education and environment and natural resources from the University of Wyoming. What is your […]
Sowing the Seeds of Coaching with the Master Gardeners
The Fairfield County Master Gardeners had a successful collaboration and a fun and productive day of teaching and gardening when they recently hosted the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Connecticut Charter Chapter at their Demonstration Garden at the Fairfield County Extension Center in Bethel. This event was held during ICF’s annual International Coaching Week (ICW) in […]
Staying Safe in the Heat Wave
Out working in the heat wave? Here are some tips from the Korey Stringer Institute to help: – Hydrate/drink plenty of fluids before you go outside. – Cool your body before heading outside (cold shower, air conditioning, etc.). – Avoid direct sunlight when possible and seek shade/take breaks. – Continue hydrating/drinking plenty of water while […]
Home Food Preservation
Fresh fruits and vegetables are bountiful at farmers’ markets. The abundance can create kitchen challenges and one way to address those is with food preservation. It is important to learn and follow safe home food preservation methods. There are risks to almost every method, but canning, pickling, and fermentation carry some specific risks. Visit https://s.uconn.edu/food-preservation […]
Intumescences (Edema) on Greenhouse Tomatoes
Intumescences is an abiotic disorder that can affect greenhouse-grown tomatoes. It is a physiological disorder, not an infectious disease. It is also known as edema (oedema). The target audience of this fact sheet is commercial greenhouse growers.
Invasive Plant Factsheet: Common Reed (Phragmites australis)
Phragmites australis is an aggressive, robust perennial grass, which creates dense infestations. It is easily identified by its height (five to thirteen feet) and feathery flowers, which appear in June. Phragmites creates dense monocultures in freshwater marshes and wetlands, as well as along river edges and roadsides. It is common to brackish (slightly saline) environments and disturbed sites. Its salt tolerance allows it to persist where few other species can survive.
Invasive Plant Factsheet: Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
The Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is an invasive, deciduous shrub or small tree. This densely branched plant can grow up to 20 feet and up to 30 of leaves. The Autumn olive is a fast grower and prolific seed producer. While roots are capable of fixing nitrogen in the soil, Autumn olive out-competes and displaces native shrubs. Autumn olive, native to China, Japan, and Korea, is found in the U.S. from Maine, south to northern Florida, west to Nebraska, with scattered infestations in the Northwest U.S. It was introduced into the U.S. in the 1830s, for erosion control and as a windbreak, and for its showy foliage, flowers and berries.
Horse Management and the Land in the Fall
Fall can often be a busy season as temperatures drop, trees change colors and leaves fall and crisp, cool air often leads to more time outdoors. It’s also a great time for land, home and horse owners to consider dealing with not only leaves, but drainage issues, acorns, and storm preparedness. It is a great time to take a look around and assess the horse-keeping situation and be sure that acorns, leaves and drainage don’t cause issues. It is also a great time to get ready to deal with whatever Mother Nature may bring in the time and seasons to come.
Jumping Worms
While most earthworms are not native to the United States., many earthworm species provide benefits to urban soils (those in landscapes, lawns and forests) by helping to improve the porousness of the soil, which improves drainage and aeration. Concern has grown over the last decade over several worm species, predominantly of the Amynthas spp., that are reported to cause soil damage, significantly changing its texture and composition. ‘Jumping worms’ is the common name for several similar-looking species.
Downy Mildew on Basil in the Greenhouse
Downy mildew on basil was first reported in the United States in 2007, in Florida. By 2008 and 2009, it was widespread in the Northeast. Downy mildew on basil is seed-borne, so infections can begin in the greenhouse. It is also readily spread by air-blown spores. This fact sheet should be of interest to commercial greenhouse growers.
Pollinator Week
Happy Pollinator Week! We have resources to help you support pollinators in your yard and outdoor spaces: http://s.uconn.edu/pollinators – we’ll be celebrating them again in July for our annual Bug Week activities too (http://bugs.uconn.edu).
Eighteen Farms Chosen for Climate Smart Farming Microgrants
UConn Extension is delighted to announce that eighteen new and beginning farmers are receiving climate smart microgrants fueled by Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture and Forestry Grant. UConn Extension was one of 12 recipients and received a total of $500,000 with nearly half of that to be distributed through microgrants which will […]
Ask UConn Extension: White Pine Needle Disease Update
We are receiving reports of a rapid yellowing/browning and needle loss on all age and size of white pine trees in various parts of the state, in both the woods and along the roadsides. Tom Worthley, one of our Extension foresters states that we are observing a complex combination of needle fungi commonly referred to […]
Meet Amelia Magistrali
Amelia Magistrali joined our team as an Associate Extension Educator in soil health in May. Originally from Torrington, she earned a bachelor of arts in environmental studies from Middlebury College, a master of science in organic farming and food production systems from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, and a PhD from Newcastle University as […]
Handling Food with Mold
Many of soils throughout Connecticut tend to be more acidic, formed as rocks were ground and deposited by glaciation. The pH of soils cultivated for vegetable growing typically declines (becomes more acidic) gradually from the removal of calcium, magnesium and potassium ions–by leaching and crop uptake–and from the use of acid-forming fertilizers. Testing every year gives a more complete evaluation and is also appropriate when significant changes have been made in the fertilizer program. Reviewing fertilizer labelling is essential.
Cracking the Code: Your Essential Guide to Egg Safety
Eggs can be a delicious protein diet staple when used in salads and sandwiches, or when used for their binding function in baking and holding together ground meats. However, consumers in general do not associate this protein-rich food with biological, food safety hazards. Eggs CAN carry harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, and when improperly handled or prepared can cause foodborne illness.
New Game from UConn Extension Helps Youth Discover Biotechnology
Youth may not aspire to careers that they can’t visualize or fully comprehend. A new biotechnology game created by UConn Extension, in cooperation with the Learning Games Laboratory at New Mexico State University, allows youth to imagine and explore career opportunities in a biotechnology lab. The game, Dr. Eugene’s Biotechnology Lab, is now available at […]
Managing Your Private Well: Testing and Treatment Guide
If you’re wondering why no one’s told you to test your drinking water, it’s because private wells have very little governmental regulation, leaving most of the responsibility to the well owner. This fact sheet explains water testing and treatment if needed.
Soil Fertility Management for Vegetable Farms
Many of soils throughout Connecticut tend to be more acidic, formed as rocks were ground and deposited by glaciation. The pH of soils cultivated for vegetable growing typically declines (becomes more acidic) gradually from the removal of calcium, magnesium and potassium ions–by leaching and crop uptake–and from the use of acid-forming fertilizers.
Direct From the Farm – Purchasing Toolkit
Direct purchasing from small farm businesses is the shortest distance between your cafeteria and locally grown fruits, vegetables, added value dairy, meat, maple, honey, and more. Understanding the Micro Purchase Threshold and Small Purchase Threshold are two great ways to purchase seasonal farm products without requiring complicated bids or contracts. A great way to build a successful relationship with small farm businesses is to lead with micro purchasing or small purchasing methods, also called “informal purchase” methods. This is critical since large purchases and contracts can be overwhelming and burdensome for small farms.
Celebrating National Volunteer Week
It’s National Volunteer Week, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the 5,531 volunteers across all UConn Extension programs who help extend our impact throughout Connecticut. In 2023, we had 5,531 volunteers who donated 172,374 hours, worth $5.4 million to our Connecticut communities.
Spring Updates from Extension
UConn Extension is everywhere: in libraries, public gardens, farms, schools, greenhouses, community centers, and nine Extension Centers located throughout the state. It’s never hard to connect with your local UConn Extension professionals. Our spring newsletter shares updates from various programs, including opportunities for you to get involved. Read our Spring 2024 newsletter.
Invasive Plant Factsheet: Hydrilla, water thyme
Many infestations of hydrilla begin near boat launches. Even plant fragments can survive moist conditions for several days. This fact sheet should be of interest to those boating throughout the state, well as natural resource managers.
Managing Fungus Gnats and Shore Flies in Commercial Greenhouse Vegetable Transplant Production
Both fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) and shore flies (Scatella stagnalis) occur in the moist environments common in greenhouses. This publication is intended for commercial greenhouse growers.
Managing Cover Crops in Spring
With temperatures warming as spring approaches each year, many farmers are deep in preparations for the coming season; crop planning, purchasing seed, prepping nurseries, repairing machinery and more. In the midst of this planning one might look over the farm on a sunny day, and wonder, “What am I going to do with all this over-wintered rye cover crop?”
Meet Dan Carvalheiro
Dan Carvalheiro recently joined Extension as our data analyst. He is originally from Bridgeport and is working towards a doctoral degree in Human Development and Family Sciences at UConn. What is your area of interest and how did you get interested in it? My area of interest is at the intersection of data, statistics, research, […]
Winter Storm Preparedness
During the winter, see what conditions are forecast in your area for the upcoming week. If a winter storm is predicted, you want to be SAFE and WARM. Take actions to prepare in advance.
Deer Management
The population of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Connecticut has increased dramatically, from very few in the early 20th century to over 100,000 today. This rebound is due to the shortage of predators and the ability of deer to quickly and plentifully reproduce.
Safely Trailering and Loading Your Horse
In order to have a successful trip with your horse, there are some safety considerations involved. It is important to know how to safely load and trailer your horse. Unsafe trailering and loading can lead to accidents and health concerns.
Tune Into the Aquaculture Series
There are two new videos for the Connecticut Aquaculture Series focused on shellfishing history. The first is, How a Native American Artisan Keeps the 4,500-Year-Old Practice of Wampum Alive, and the second is Focus on Early Processing and Shipping.
Reducing Storm Damage to Your Barn
Buildings need to provide a safe environment for workers and animals. Historically, agricultural buildings were considered of low importance, so structural load reductions of roughly 20% may have been applied in the design. If there were no engineered building prints or structural inspections, the owner assumed responsibility for building design.
How to Prepare for Equine Disasters
We have all watched the evening news and seen horses stranded in floods or have heard about the latest barn fire in our communities. First, some shocking statistics. Every year, floods in the United States cause $2 billion in damage and animals risk death from hypothermia or drowning. Annually more than 300,000 people are driven from their homes by floods.
Fire Safety – Prevent, Prepare and Take Action!
Fire safety may not be a thought on every horse owner’s mind, but it should be in order to prevent tragedy from occurring. It seems like every horse owner knows stories of horrific barn fires and you certainly don’t want to be the next one!
Getting To the Bottom of Your Well
You turn the faucet on, and water comes out. What else do you need to know? Clean, reliable drinking water is often taken for granted. Understanding where your water comes from at your home is important. The purpose of this fact sheet is to describe how your private residential well works, and to provide advice on how to protect the quality of your water.
Food Safety During a Power Outage
First, it is important to keep the doors closed on your refrigerators/freezers as much as possible, keeping the cold air inside. A refrigerator will keep foods cold for about four hours if UNOPENED. A full freezer can stay at freezing temperatures for about 2 days.
Financial Preparation for Severe Storms and Other Emergencies
There are several actions you can take to get your family and home ready for storms and other emergencies. What can you do to prepare financially?
Alternative “Lawn” Options for New England Landscapes
Lawns are an integral component of the home landscape. Turf areas contribute recreational space and offer a focus of the landscape design. Grasses also sequester carbon and provide an efficient carbon sink.
Did You Know: Cleaning New Haven Coastal Area
Summer may be over, but cleaning our coastal areas can be a yearlong project. On August 12 of 2023, volunteers spent two hours collecting over 110 pounds of trash in the Long Wharf Drive and the Long Wharf Nature Preserve in New Haven. the cleanup kicking off the 2023 #DontTrashLISound campaign led by Connecticut Sea […]