Cover Crop Workshop in Seneca Falls

Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension (SCCCE) Master Gardeners’ are hosting a free workshop titled “Using Cover Crops to Keep the Weeds in your Vegetable Garden at Bay”, presented by Thomas Bjorkman, professor at Cornell University. The workshop takes place on Thursday, September 4th from 6:30PM to 8PM at Vince’s Park in Seneca Falls. The workshop will focus on some easy-to use cover crops that are well suited to Seneca County, but are not that common in vegetable gardens. They can be used effectively to keep weeds from taking over when the crops are done. They also contribute to improving soil health so that it is more productive and easier to work. Some of the cover crops of interest are buckwheat, mustard, radish, annual ryegrass and Dutch white clover. Each of these has a special place and time when it works well, and there are some specific tricks to each one.Bjorkman is a horticulture professor at Cornell, based on the Geneva campus. His work involves bringing the latest developments in science to bear on improved vegetable production. One of his projects is focused on finding ways to meet vegetable growers management goals by using cover crops. The enhancement of soil quality through better management has been a topic of interest at the Experiment Stations since it opened in the 1880’s, when decades of extractive agricultural practices sorely depleted the soil.Bjorkman lives in East Varick, Seneca County, on land that was once farmed by the family of IP Roberts, the first dean of Agriculture at Cornell and one of the leading agriculturalists of his time. This is a great opportunity to learn from a dedicated professional and ask any questions you might have. Come and learn some great information that you can put to use in your own garden immediately and get ready for the growing season in 2015.There will be handouts and light refreshments available. The workshop is free and open to all. Pre-registration is appreciated so we can better prepare. For more information or to register, please call the SCCCE office at 315-539-9251.For nearly 100 years, Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension has served the people of the County, putting to practical use the scholarship and research of Cornell University and the national land grant system in the areas of agriculture and food systems sustainability; families, nutrition, health and safety (human ecology); youth development (4-H); environmental and natural resource enhancement; and community and economic vitality. The office is located at 308 Main Street Shop Centre in Waterloo and the telephone number is 315-539-9251.