Sherwood Island State Park in Westport was Connecticut’s first state park. It is 238-acres of beaches, wetlands, and forest that serves as a public recreation area. Improving Habitat for Wildlife Work & Learn is a year-round outreach project that teaches Master Gardeners, interns and the public to create, improve and maintain a natural habitat for […]
Gardens
Sustainable Landscape Tips
Question: What are important considerations for plant selection when designing a sustainable landscape? Answer: Proper plant selection is the most important step in designing a sustainable landscape. “Right plant, right place” is the fundamental principle for the environmentally sound management of landscapes. Plants should be selected for not only aesthetic value, but also because they […]
Snakes and St. Patrick’s Day
Snakes are among the most misunderstood animals.Hundreds are needlessly killed each year. People panic when they encounter a snake, fearing it poisonous.Poisonous snakes in Connecticut, copperheads and rattlesnakes, are seldom encountered and only in specific habitats, such as piles of rocks known as talus slopes and rocky cliffs and hillsides. Poisonous snakes will onlyattempt to […]
Ana Legrand: Educator Spotlight
Creating Sustainable Landscapes Through the Interactions of Plants and Insects Educator Spotlight: Ana Legrand Ana Legrand built her career around helping people understand the benefits that insects provide. Legrand is an entomologist and UConn Extension educator in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. Entomology is the study of insects, and it plays a […]
Master Gardner Community Garden
Several of our 2021 Master Gardener interns from Litchfield County worked on community gardens that helped provide not only food, but much needed outdoor learning environments. Rebekah Chestna spearheaded the creation of an outdoor classroom garden in Watertown, CT that donated over 200 pounds of food to the Watertown Food Bank. Carolyn Morin worked with […]
UConn Master Gardners Signature Projects on the CT Coastline
The UConn Master Gardners have worked on a couple of projects on the CT Coastline over the years. Read more about the great work that has been done: Mercy by the Sea, Retreat and Conference Center, Madison Led by Advanced Master Gardener Jean Golicz, Master Gardeners have worked on various projects at Mercy by the […]
Master Gardeners Making a Difference!
Congratulations to UConn Extension Master Gardener Program Holly Kocet and Barbara Thomas out of Extension’s Bethel office for making a difference in their communities! Both women worked to address native plantings for commercial projects. Check out this article: https://www.primepublishers.com/voicesnews/news/top_stories/newtown-regulations-address-commercial-projects-plants/article_46aa7174-6d6e-11ec-b2df-038565fb4be5.html
What is a Jumping Worm?
Jumping worms. Crazy worms. Snake worms. These nicknames apply to invasive earthworms of the genus Amynthas found in the United States. These Asian worms have been in the U.S. for years but have recently been in the spotlight due to the damage they can cause. Globalization, commerce, and development have contributed to their spread. There are extremely few native earthworm species in […]
UConn Extension Welcomes Dr. Nick Goltz
Nick Goltz was recently hired to direct the UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab. Dr. Goltz moved to Connecticut shortly after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Plant Medicine (https://dpm.ifas.ufl.edu). In addition to the plant health experience gained through his degree, Dr. Goltz prepared for this position by working at the UF Plant […]
Controlling Black Knot – #AskUConnExtension
What is Black Knot? Black Knot, is a disease commonly found on plums and Prunus species. The fungus causes the plant to produce unusual galls which eventually grow to girdle twigs and branches, restricting water supply and killing portions of the canopy. It is spread to other plants via wind and water. Control Manage the disease […]
Updated App, New Rules & Soggy Summer: Time For a Rain Garden
Story and photos by Judy Benson July’s wet weather may have dampened plans for beach days and barbeques, but it’s also a reminder of an environmental problem homeowners can help solve in their own yards. The excess of rainfall—about twice the amount normally seen so far this month—means more stormwater tainted with lawn chemicals, oil […]
New Normal with Extension Programs
Extension educators rose to the challenge and virtually shared our programs and educational outreach over the past year and a half. While we will continue incorporating virtual educational opportunities, we are eager to resume in-person programs as well. A few of our educators share what the new normal with Extension will be for their programs. […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Lynn Keller
UConn CAHNR Extension typically holds Bug Week in July; however, this year Extension has designated July as Bug Month. The UConn Extension Master Gardeners and Master Gardener interns participate. Bug Month is an educational outreach activity that promotes insects in the environment (bugs.uconn.edu/). Volunteers like Dr. Lynn Keller make this educational event fun and successful. […]
Frontlines of Extension
Meet Some of our Staff Extension serves over 124,265 individuals statewide every year. Our staff are essential to the success of our Extension programs— ensuring that participants, volunteers, and educators have what they need. We’re pleased to introduce you to a few of the faces on our frontlines. Maria Camara Haddam Office “I support all […]
What are those paper envelopes in my Mother’s Day hanging baskets?
These small paper “envelopes” are slow release “sachets” that contain beneficial predatory mites that attack young thrips larvae. (Thrips are very small insects (1-2 mm. long) with narrow bodies and fringed wings. As they feed they can deform flowers, leaves and shoots. Thrips are primarily a greenhouse pest and not a major pest in the home […]
The Low Down on Selecting Tomatoes
Vegetable gardening is very popular these days, and even more so since the COVID outbreak. Anyone new to this hobby is quick to hear some terms being thrown around when describing different types of vegetables. Knowing the meaning of these terms gives prospective gardeners some key information that helps them pick varieties of vegetables most […]
Bug Month
Bugs are crucial components of many ecosystems. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the significant role they play in maintaining our environment. The UConn Extension Bug Month program provides educational resources and activities to help expand knowledge about insects. The program will host its 6th annual Bug Month virtually in July. You can learn more […]
Extension Impacts – 2020
Extension is a part of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). We have over 100 years of experience strengthening communities in Connecticut and beyond. Extension programs cover the full spectrum of topics aligned with CAHNR’s strategic initiatives: Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply Enhancing health and well-being locally, […]
Create a Greenhouse Cabinet
Create a controlled environment anywhere in your home with a few easy modifications to a simple cabinet. Carl Johnson, our horticulture intern, walks us through the process.
What is Extension – New Video Released
UConn Extension connects thousands of people across Connecticut and beyond each year, with the research and resources of the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. We are comprised of more than 100 educators and a vast network of volunteers. UConn Extension works collaboratively to build more resilient communities through educational initiatives […]
Air Layering Plants Tutorial for Beginners with Carl Johnson
Interested in learning how to air layer plants? Carl Johnson, a horticulture intern, created this tutorial demonstrating how to air layer using a simple technique that can be done by plant people of all skill levels.
Sarah Bailey Receives Mehlquist Award from CT Hort
Congratulations to Sarah Bailey, coordinator of our UConn Extension Master Gardener Program on receiving the 2020 Mehlquist Award from the Connecticut Horticultural Society. “… Sarah’s reach and impact on Connecticut’s gardening community has been significant. Sarah’s work to transition the MG class to an online platform in 2018 helped bring the Program into the […]
Planting a Seed with Zach Duda
Zach Duda, our UConn Extension summer intern with Litchfield County 4-H shows us how to plant a seed.
Virtual Story Series: The Tiny Seed – Read by Zach Duda
Zach Duda, one of our UConn Extension interns with the Litchfield County 4-H program reads The Tiny Seed in a virtual story series. Youth can learn all about seeds and growing plants with Zach.
There is Still Time to Garden
August is just around the corner, and somehow you never got your vegetable garden started. Perhaps you had a wonderful early-season harvest but didn’t plant any later-season crops. The garden bed is just sitting there, empty except for weeds. Don’t think the garden season is over! There are plenty of short-season crops and cold-tolerant veggies […]
Pollinators
Zach Duda, one of our UConn 4-H interns talks pollinators with us! A Bee Hotel can help attract more pollinators to your garden. Watch and learn how to make your own.
How do I use a soaker hose in my garden?
Gina, one of our UConn Extension Master Gardeners explains how to use a soaker hose in whichever type of garden you have, whether it’s a traditional garden or a raised bed. For more information and gardening resources visit https://mastergardener.uconn.edu/ .
Grow With Us
Do you have a gardening question? Or insect to identify? UConn Extension Master Gardeners provide horticultural education and advice. Submit your question online or contact one of our offices. Our trained volunteers and staff will provide you with information. There is no charge for our services. We are here to serve the community. Learn more […]
Partner Testimonials
Partnerships are at the foundation of Extension’s work statewide in all 169 towns and cities of Connecticut. We integrate with agencies and non-profits in communities in a variety of ways. “Our partnerships strengthen Extension, and in turn increase our statewide impact. Our innovative collaborations allow Extension and our partners to reach respective goals together.” ~ […]
Plant Diagnostic Lab Offers Hot Water Seed Treatment
Our Plant Diagnostic Laboratory now offers hot water seed treatment. What is it? Watch Abby Beissinger, our plant diagnostician, explain how hot water seed treatment works and can help you. Hot water seed treatment is supported in part by a UConn CAHNR Innovation in Extension Programming Award and a grant from the New England Vegetable […]
Lower Fairfield County Master Gardener Program
The Lower Fairfield County Master Gardener Program wants to partner with you! Whether you are already a passionate gardener who would like to take your learning to the next level, a beginning gardener in search of a knowledgeable resource, or a community/group with a gardening need, the Master Gardener program is here for you. The […]
¿Debería de comer eso?
Cuando lo que produce tu jardín es menos que perfecto: ¿deberías de comerlo? Por Diane Wright Hirsch, MPH, RD Educadora de Extension de UConn, Seguridad AlimentariaEs una práctica común que el comprador en un supermercado y el cliente en un mercado de agricultores recojan cada pimiento o lechuga para una inspección. Cuando compramos productos, no […]
No Es Muy Tarde Para Sembrar Las Semillas De Tomate!
Mira esta publicación reciente del Centro de Educación para el Hogar y el Jardín de UConn: Por mucho que trato de hacer las cosas de manera adecuada, la vida parece interponerse y las cosas ocasionalmente se hacen más tarde que temprano. Y este año no es la excepción sembrando las semillas de tomate. Ya es […]
Semillas Brotando Dentro De Un Tomate
Por Carol Quish para Extension de UConn ¿Alguna vez has cortado un tomate y has encontrado cosas blancas y onduladas adentro? Estos no son gusanos o extraterrestres que se fueron al centro, sino semillas de la fruta que han comenzado a germinar. Se llaman Vivíparo, latín para nacimiento vivo. Es el término para las plantas […]
Ask UConn Extension Your Questions
UConn Extension has collaborated with our partners, communities and stakeholders for over 100 years. We are proud to serve all 169 cities and towns in Connecticut. The worldwide pandemic involving COVID-19 (coronavirus) has produced unprecedented challenges in the UConn community and around the world. Our services continue during this challenging time. We are still delivering the […]
Flora in Winter
Posted by uconnladybug under Gardening Even though this hasn’t been a particularly brutal winter so far, the sights and scents of flowers are a welcome diversion from the muted, bare winter landscape. For me, this usually means a trip to Logee’s Greenhouse in Danielson as well as an excursion to view the spectacular floral displays […]
Growing Food with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and UConn Extension have been collaborating thanks to a U.S.D.A. Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program to enhance agricultural production, food security, and health of tribal community members. UConn Extension Growing Food With the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation #AskUConnExtension #UConnImpact
Growing Food and Health with the Mashantucket Tribe
“The mission statement of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) states they will ‘…establish a social, cultural and economic foundation that can never be undermined or destroyed…,’” says Tribal Councilor Daniel Menihan, Jr. MPTN was facing challenges growing their fruits and vegetables at a scale to meet the tribe’s needs on their land in Ledyard, […]
Strawberry Season in Connecticut!
By Diane Wright Hirsch Senior Extension Educator, Food Safety One of the best things about early summer in Connecticut is strawberry season. It just makes no sense to buy California berries at the supermarket in June or July. I once saw a post on a local farm’s Facebook page where a customer shared a picture […]
Beware of Volcano Mulch
In three short decades, volcano mulch has become one of the greatest threats to newly planted and young trees and shrubs. If unchecked, the significant monetary and human investment in green scapes will result in more and more dead and dying trees. Volcano mulch is the over-mulching of plant material, notably trees and shrubs. Mulch […]