Garlic is a staple crop in the Northeast, but it can be difficult to know exactly when to plant and harvest garlic in this region. There are quite a few important guidelines during all stages of garlic cultivation.
Prepare Your Greenhouses for Weather Events
As the climate changes, nature seems to be getting more violent in recent years with increased numbers of hurricanes and record-breaking storms. The International Building Code has revised upward its wind and snow loading requirements for some areas of the U.S.
Happy Holidays from UConn Extension
Happy Holidays to our program participants, partners, and volunteers, from all of us at UConn Extension! Wishing you all the joy of the season. Extension is proud to serve all 169 towns and cities in Connecticut. We look forward to working with you again in the new year! Plans are underway for 2024 programs, visit s.uconn.edu/Extension to […]
2024 CNLA Winter Symposium
UConn Extension is looking forward to seeing everyone at the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association winter Symposium. This event is full of learning, and takes place on January 24th and 25th at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. This is a great opportunity for networking, meeting exhibitors, attending educational programs, and seeing new products! […]
Trail Finder Website: More Trails, New Features
The Trail Finder website is the go-to website for finding trails across the state. Use the search options to find trails by location, activity (hike, bike, horse, etc.), distance and difficulty, accessibility, and features like waterfalls and nature trails. Trail Finder posts (both the information and map) are ALL approved by trail managers. Recently, the […]
Guide showcases geology, ecology, wildlife of CT shoreline
Connecticut Sea Grant and the Connecticut College Arboretum are pleased to announce the publication of Connecticut’s Sandy Shores: An Introduction to the Geology, Plants and Animals, a 130-page guidebook with dozens of color photos and illustrations along with explanatory text about the ecology, geology, common species and why Connecticut’s sandy beaches differ from many others along the […]
National Native American Heritage Month
National Native American Heritage Month is coming to a close. Here at UConn Extension, we celebrate throughout the year and continue supporting and learning from Connecticut’s Nations. Learn how UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is supporting Tribal communities with assistance from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and others. Learn more at https://ctnations.cahnr.uconn.edu/.
New Trail Census Data Portal
The CT Trails Program is excited to announce the launch of the new CT Trail Census Dashboard which includes yearly dashboards since 2017 and a new yearly comparison dashboard. Use the information to support trail reports, projects, fundraising, and more! The portal offers a map, list, and short description for all CT Trail Census infrared counters statewide selection tools to […]
Build Scientific Understanding of Genetic Engineering with High School Students
UConn Extension has made available a standards-based curriculum aimed at addressing the misunderstandings about genetically modified foods. This curriculum, aimed toward science and agriscience educators, provides information about the applications of genetic engineering in agriculture and other fields. Both a formal and non-formal curriculum are available. The non-formal curriculum is a great tool that could be […]
Interview with Anoushka Concepcion: Barriers to Seaweed Expansion
Anoushka Concepcion was interviewed by Chaya Gaberria on April 26, 2023. Interview edited by Carla Schubiger. “I would encourage everyone, specifically women and POC, to establish support systems early in their careers.” – Anoushka Please introduce yourself (briefly; name, position, what are you working on)? My name is Anoushka Concepcion, and I am an […]
Solid Ground DIY series- Farming in Small Spaces
Hey Farmers! If you’re thinking about growing in a small footprint, or want to look at different ways folks are growing in their small space in CT, this is the video series for you! We visited with farmers throughout the state that were growing on a quarter acre or less and took a look at […]
8 Essential “Always” of Holiday Food Safety
Article by Indu Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Assistant Extension Educator, Food Safety Read the updated fact sheet. Holiday gatherings bring families and friends together, to spread more joy and happiness. While the merriment begins around Thanksgiving and continues until the New Years’, the food during holiday buffets, the party trays, the turkey, and other delicacies remain the main […]
Online Course: Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for CT Farmers
Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for CT Farmers Join UConn Extension Solid Ground program in a new course that will help you understand the best practices for your farm in a changing climate. Course includes expert instructors in various fields implementing climate smart agriculture practices, tools under $2000 that are suggested for use, virtual field trips […]
Local Work Group Meetings in CT
The Connecticut Conservation Districts are gathering information about natural resource concerns from agricultural producers, private forest landowners, environmental organizations, and government agencies to help structure future Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Bill programs.We invite you to participate in one of the five Local Work Group meetings. To register, please click on the link for […]
Meet Mike Gilman
Mike Gilman of Branford recently joined us as an Assistant Extension Educator with Connecticut Sea Grant, where he works with our aquaculture program. Mike received his bachelor of science from Albertus Magnus College and a master of science from Southern Connecticut State University. What is your area of interest? My main areas of interest are […]
Meet Heather Zidack
Heather Zidack (‘11 CAHNR, ’12 Neag) joined the UConn Home and Garden Education Center as an educational program assistant in September. Heather works with faculty and staff at UConn to provide educational resources and answer home and gardening questions for residents statewide. She earned her bachelor of science in ornamental horticulture and her master of […]
Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for Beginner Famers
Hey Farmers! Looking for a new suite of tools and resources for you to use on your farms to help you make good decisions about the climate needs you are undoubtedly facing. We want to tell you about them! So JOIN US for an introduction to UConn Extension’s newest project to support beginning farmers as they shift […]
Solid Ground Ag Mechanics Series
It’s that time of year again where the Solid Ground Trainings are starting to get their gears rolling! Kicking off this season, is the popular Chainsaw Skills and Safety program directed toward women, our Beginning Welders Workshops, and an Intro to Carpentry! Each workshop cost $25 and includes lunch. See more info below! Title of class: Chainsaw Class Directed toward Women […]
Seaweed growers urged to pursue markets in plant-based foods
Story and photos by Judy Benson Carl Jorgensen, consultant to the Plant Based Foods Association and the Plant Based Foods Institute, talks about the potential of kelp in the plant-based food industry during the 8th Annual Connecticut Seaweed Stakeholders Meeting. Plant-based alternatives to meat, milk and other foods derived from animal products are the fastest […]
Long Island Sound School network applications sought
Interested in joining like-minded educators in protecting the Long Island Sound watershed and inspiring the next generation of stewards? Funded by EPA Long Island Sound Study and facilitated by Connecticut Sea Grant and Mercy University, the Long Island Sound (LIS) School network compels schools to make a commitment to the protection and conservation of local watersheds, Long Island Sound, and […]
New Podcast Episode: UConn 4-H Fairfield County
Our UConn 4-H program has a positive impact on youth every day, and one of our youth, volunteers, and educators from Fairfield County explain more in our latest podcast episode. Learn more and listen in at s.uconn.edu/fairfield-fair – and join us this weekend for their 4-H Fair at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
Connecting Connecticut: Our Podcast Answers Your Questions
Have you ever asked yourself if it is safe to drink tap water? Or how do I store and handle cheese? Maybe you were wondering what is the best way to put mulch around my tree? All these questions and so many more can be answered looking no further than the UConn Extension program in […]
Fall Soil Testing Yields Spring Benefits
Fall is the perfect time of year to test your soil for gardens, agricultural fields, yards, or athletic fields. The UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory tests for a variety of major and minor plant nutrients, lead and pH. Limestone and fertilizer recommendations are based on University research and field studies. Details on how to take […]
Youth Photography Scavenger Hunt at Meechooôk Farm
UConn Extension collaborated with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) Departments of Agriculture and Parks and Recreation to facilitate a youth photography scavenger hunt at Meechooôk Farm in July 2023. This activity is part of a larger shared commitment to youth development and improvements in agricultural literacy in the MPTN community. MPTN youth were provided […]
8 Essential “Always” of Holiday Food Safety
Good food safety practices are always welcome at holiday gatherings. These eight essential always of holiday food safety help consumers practice safe food practices at home to ensure
the health and safety of friends and family.
How can we Reduce Flood Risk in our Communities?
Flooding is a natural and cyclical phenomenon – whereby during storms water overflows onto the land from adjacent waterbodies – that humans have adapted to for millennia. This fact sheet provides a brief history and additional information for municipalities, residents, farmers, and agencies on preventing, preparing for, and recovering from flooding incidents.
Preparing Your Greenhouse for a Hurricane
Site exposure, height, shape and roof slope affect the wind load that a greenhouse can take without sustaining damage. Although most greenhouses are designed for a minimum 85 mph wind load, gusts can damage large sidewalls at even lower speed.
Start Clean and Stay Clean
It’s best not to wait until just before you start your spring seedlings, to begin cleaning, removing clutter and organizing your greenhouses.
Why are Maple Leaves Turning Brown and Falling Early?
Anthracnose species are just some of the fungal diseases that affect many plants, especially those under stress. When maple trees are infected with anthracnose, one of the impacts is brown leaves during the fall.
Climate Adaptation Tactics in Vegetable Production
With climate change exacerbating many abiotic stresses, including heat, drought, flooding, and the increase in the frequency of extreme weather events, it is imperative to investigate adaptation tactics for successful vegetable production.
Celebrating National Farmer’s Day
Today is National Farmer’s Day, and here at UConn Extension, we celebrate our farmers every day. Extension professionals work statewide to help farmers improve their operations, diversify crops, and scale up their business models. Jiff Martin is our Food Systems Extension Educator and works with agricultural producers statewide to strengthen agriculture and promote local agriculture […]
Cultural similarities among indigenous people of U.S. and Nepal
Cultural affinities are a bridge that maintains our connections, even when we might feel distinctly separate. While each Native community is unique regarding its own distinct culture, language, history, and unique way of life, indigenous people worldwide share some common values based on the understanding that their lives are part of nature and cannot be […]
Applications Due Soon: 2024 Master Gardener Program
Applications are due on October 13, 2023 for the Master Gardener Program. Do you enjoy horticulture and want to expand your knowledge and also help others? Apply for the 2024 UConn Extension Master Gardener program. Applications are due October 13, 2023 and classes begin on January 8, 2024. Class locations for 2024 are Stamford, Norwich, […]
Fireblight & Mitigating Resistant Populations
Fireblight is often one of the top concerns for Connecticut fruit producers. This disease, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is both highly destructive and infectious, making informed disease management efforts a top priority.
Power Outages: Be Prepared for when Power Goes out
Power outages can occur at any time. Some are short-term and may last for a few hours. However, it’s important to be prepared for those that last several days to a week or more. This
publication outlines what residents need to consider and how to prepare.
Defining Extension Programs at the University of Connecticut: Connecticut Sea Grant
This document outlines the purpose of the National Sea Grant program, the Connecticut Sea Grant’s relationship with UConn Extension
Flooding Preparedness for Horse Owners
Flooding is a year-round threat for horse owners and one of the most common ones that we face. This publication provides information on the two types of floods, factors to consider, and items needed in an equine disaster kit.
Beware of Hopperburn
‘Hopperburn’ refers to the complex of symptoms associated with potato leafhopper (PLH) feeding injury. Crops primarily attacked by the potato leafhopper include potato, beans, soybeans and alfalfa. Other host plants include eggplant, cucumber, Jerusalem artichokes, squash, sweet potato and rhubarb.
Defining Extension Programs at the University of Connecticut: Smith-Lever Legislation and Funding Requirements
This document is the first in a series that will identify the types of Extension programs at UConn based on their legislative mandates and funding requirements.
Protect Humans and Animals from Mosquitoes
The presence of mosquitoes carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) on the rise in Connecticut, according to surveillance program from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and testing from UConn’s Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. Protect both humans and livestock with these steps: http://s.uconn.edu/eeev