We are frequently asked if coffee grounds can be used in a garden. The short answer is yes, coffee grounds can be used in garden soil! Coffee grounds contain some major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) as well as some micronutrients, so put them to work in your garden. Allow them to dry and then […]
Gardens
Managing Bentgrass in Home Lawns
We’re frequently asked about Bentgrass. It’s the grass that looks dead when everything else is green, has the puffy appearance, and is squishy when you step on it. Pamm Cooper from our UConn Home & Garden Education Center explains what bentgrass is and how you can manage it in your lawn.
Seedlings in a Lawn
Friend or foe? What are those seedlings coming up in your lawn? We are getting numerous calls and e-mails from people all around the state about seedlings coming up in their lawns and gardens. They believe, or are being told, that these are poison ivy, when in fact they are maple seedlings. People need […]
Cleanup at Sherwood Island State Park
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 […]
Job: Educational Program Assistant – Part-Time in Fairfield Co.
Apply Here: https://jobs.hr.uconn.edu/cw/en-us/job/496223/educational-program-assistant-1-fairfield-county-extension Search #: 496223Work type: Part-timeLocation: Fairfield County Extension CtrCategories: Academic Programs and Services JOB SUMMARY The UConn Extension Center located in Bethel, CT is seeking applications for a part-time Educational Program Assistant 1 position (50%). This position is responsible for supporting and helping implement high-quality, comprehensive, Extension programming at different program sites throughout the region, with […]
UConn Gives – Please Support Our Programs
Friends, please join us in supporting our UConn Extension Master Gardener Program and UConn 4-H program during #UConnGives. $5 helps support these programs and unlocks matching gifts. Give to the Master Gardeners: s.uconn.edu/givetogardeners Give to 4-H: s.uconn.edu/giveto4-H
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 […]
3/29 Labor Challenges Workshop
Labor Challenges Workshop: Tuesday, March 29th from 3 – 4:30 pm EST | An informative workshop to learn about results of a 3-year Northeast SARE research project to assess collaborative, multi-farm strategies to help our agricultural community solve labor challenges. Register Here
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 […]
Joro Spider Information
You asked, we answered. We’ve been getting questions about Joro spiders. Gail Reynolds from our UConn Extension Master Gardener program answered: Joro spiders, Trichonephila clavata, have been sensationalized in recent news stories. The actual appearance of these spiders in Connecticut has not been documented. According to various reports, this spider was first noted in Georgia in […]
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 […]
Gardening Fundamentals – Online Courses
Dig Deeper Into Your Garden! Learn the fundamental concepts of horticulture, as taught by UConn Extension educators and specialists. Based on UConn’s Master Gardener curriculum, this four-part, online series can be taken at your own pace, at times that work for you. Choose just the modules you’re interested in or complete all four sections to […]
Black History Month 2022 – Health and Wellness
Have your ever wondered about the history of Black History Month? Dr. Carter G. Woodson is credited with bringing to the forefront the importance of teaching about Black History, Culture and Life. Carter G. Woodson, was the son of former slaves, and as a child, worked as a sharecropper, a miner and other odd jobs […]
2021 Highlights of Extension Report
The past two years have challenged us more than anyone could have predicted. Extension adapted our services and programs to continue serving our audiences. We are addressing critical issues related to agriculture and food, climate adaptation, enhancing health and well-being, social justice, and sustainable landscapes. Extension is unique because the services we provide are […]
UConn Master Gardners Signature Project 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 https://www.mercybythesea.org/ Led by Advanced Master Gardener Jean Golicz, Master Gardeners have worked on various projects at Mercy by […]
Celebrating Black History Month, The Paradigm Shift
Have your ever wondered about the history of Black History Month? Dr. Carter G. Woodson is credited with bringing to the forefront the importance of teaching about Black History, Culture and Life. Carter G. Woodson, was the son of former slaves, and as a child, worked as a sharecropper, a miner and other odd jobs […]
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
Dr. Jeantyl Norze Joins Extension as Evaluation Specialist
Dr. Jeantyl Norze joined Extension as our Evaluation Specialist in January of 2022. “I am very excited to join the UConn CAHNR Extension and hopeful about my contributions to help advance the land grant mission of the university. CAHNR Extension has an amazing dynamic team who is knowledgeable and open to new ideas that help […]
Job Openings with Extension and CAHNR
We are hiring! Extension and the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources currently have several open positions. The list of positions is below, as well as the link to the job description and details on how to apply. Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity 4-H Youth Development Food and Agricultural Literacy- Assistant/Associate Cooperative Extension […]
Job Opening: Educational Program Assistant
The University of Connecticut is seeking applicants for a full-time position as Educational Program Assistant 1. The ideal candidate is a dynamic and engaged individual with a strong interest in finding horticultural solutions and a passion for communicating with the public. This position has 80% effort in support of the Home and Garden Education Center […]
Job Opening: Educational Program Assistant in Brooklyn
Educational Program Assistant 1, Windham County Extension APPLY NOW – Search #: 495903 Apply here: https://jobs.hr.uconn.edu/cw/en-us/job/495903/educational-program-assistant-1-windham-county-extension Work type: Part-timeLocation: Windham County Extension CenterCategories: Academic Programs and Services JOB SUMMARY The UConn Extension Center located in Brooklyn CT is seeking applications for one Educational Program Assistant 1, part-time position (50%). The position is responsible for supporting and helping implement high-quality, comprehensive, […]
Job: Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity
The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for the position of Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity with appointment as Full Professor with tenure in a CAHNR Department related to the candidate’s academic discipline. We are seeking an inspirational, dynamic, and visionary individual to provide […]
Support for Extension
Thank you! Your support helped us co-create solutions to the critical issues facing Connecticut in 2021. We are committed to providing transformational learning experiences to all our audiences. Extension continues to adapt and collaborate to find solutions for the human, environmental, and agricultural issues that our state faces. You can support Extension at: s.uconn.edu/givetoextension
Danbury Farmers’ Market YouTube Page
SNAP-Ed has been a long standing community partner of the Danbury Farmers’ Market Community Collaborative (DFMCC) providing on-site indirect or direct nutrition education for the past 12 years. In the past 5 years, SNAP participants have benefited from direct nutrition education via a 30-minute bilingual nutrition presentation and cooking demonstration. This year given COVID-19, only farm […]
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 […]
Part-time Jobs: Master Gardener County Coordinator Positions
We have two part-time jobs open for Master Gardener County Coordinators, one in Tolland County (Vernon office) and one in New London County (Norwich office). Position descriptions and application information are below. Position Description: Master Gardener County Coordinator – Tolland County (We also have a position open in New London County – see below for […]
Job Openings in Farmington and Bethel
We’re hiring! Extension has two positions open: Assistant/Associate Cooperative Extension Educator (UConn 4-H educator based in our Bethel office) Educational Program Assistant 1, Hartford County Extension (75% part-time position located in Hartford). Apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/. Educational Program Assistant (75% Position) JOB SUMMARY The UConn Extension Center located in Farmington, CT is seeking applications […]
September Checklist for Connecticut Gardeners
Written by Colleen Amster and Arianna Ege, UConn Extension Master Gardener Volunteers September is a good time for Connecticut gardeners to begin the fall cleanup and assessment process. It is also a good time to shop for trees, shrubs, and bulbs, and prepare for next year’s growing season. Here is a helpful list to get […]
UConn Native Plants and Pollinators conference
The third biennial Native Plants and Pollinators conference will be held Friday, November 5, 2021, beginning at 9 a.m., virtually via Zoom. Register at s.uconn.edu/NPPC2021Register! Early Registration $30.00, by Thursday, September 30, 2021 $35.00, after September 30, 2021 Students, $15.00 with valid school ID Join us for 4 hours of presentations featuring current science-based research and […]
Simple Stuffed Peppers with UConn EFNEP
Ready to make simple stuffed peppers with us? The recipe is available at: https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/simple-stuffed-peppers. Heather Peracchio and Juliana Restrepo Marin walk us through the recipe for these peppers!
Apply to Become a UConn Extension Master Gardener
2022 classes will include hybrid and virtual options Fall is a great time to plan for next year’s gardening activities! Apply now for the 2022 UConn Extension Master Gardener Program. Classes will be held in New Haven, Norwich, Tolland, Torrington, and Stamford. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 18, 2021. “The program provides the […]
Zucchini Stir Fry with UConn EFNEP
Enjoy zucchini from your garden or farmer’s market bounty with this quick and easy vegetable side dish. Heather Peracchio and Juliana Restrepo Marin walk us through the recipe for this delicious and healthy dish.
September Gardening Tips
Gardening Tips for September Mid to late September is a great time to add accent plants, like vivid mums and starry asters, that will provide autumn colors in the landscape. Use them along with cool-colored ornamental cabbages and kales to replace bedraggled annuals in containers as well. Lawns can be renovated or repaired between late […]
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. […]
Save Your Boxwoods: Check Them for the Box Tree Moth!
A Message from USDA to Gardeners in Connecticut A New Invasive Pest May Be in Connecticut The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responding to a significant plant health threat and needs your help. Please check your boxwood plants for the invasive and destructive box tree moth. During the spring, a number of U.S. nurseries […]
Suzanne Wainwright Evans talks Biocontrols for Greenhouse Ornamentals
UConn Extension Offers Biological Control Webinar for Ornamental Greenhouse Growers Monday, July 19, 2021, 12:00 – 1 pm EST Suzanne Wainwright Evans talks Biocontrols for Greenhouse Ornamentals Growers! Register Here. One pesticide recertification credit available (PA, 3A) for this online webinar. For more information contact: Rosa E. Raudales (rosa@uconn.edu) & Leanne Pundt (Leanne.pundt@uconn.edu)