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EXTEND THE GROWING SEASON

Sign Up for Greenhouse & High Tunnel Program on August 26

[LIBERTY] – Want to find an inexpensive way to extend the growing season?  Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCE) is offering programs about how to effectively use greenhouses and high tunnels to increase production, quality and supply to area markets.

The next program is Tuesday, August 26 at the Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty.

In 2014 CCE partnered with Sullivan BOCES with support from Sullivan Renaissance to build a greenhouse on-site to demonstrate the opportunities of growing vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers.  “Hands-on instruction using a visual aid of this scale is a powerful learning tool,” said Michelle Lipari, CCE Agriculture Educator, “With support and resources from Cornell University there is no limit on the information available.”

• August 26 | Soil Health & Management | 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Learn the solutions and management tools to maintain and increase soil quality.  Cornell Extension Vegetable Specialist Judson Reid will offer his expertise in the high tunnel and greenhouse industry on how to properly manage soils under tunnels.  One common issue that develops in high tunnel systems is a long-term change (usually a reduction) in soil quality.

• September 18 | Business Planning & Marketing Products | 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Learn the tips of the trade to market vegetables grown in a high tunnel, as well as discover information on how to identify the key components of a business plan.  Also covered are how a high tunnel can be profitable, and developing strategies for a business and marketing plan.

• November 13 | Growing Winter Greens & Tomatoes in High Tunnels | 1:00 – 4 pm
Vegetable Specialist Judson Reid returns to focus on how to manage growing and understanding the economics of tomatoes and winter greens in various season extension systems.  Also covered will be how to recognize and prevent disease and the best methods of pest management.

Cost for each class is $20.  Registration and more information can be obtained by calling CCE at 845-292-6180 or emailing mml249@cornell.edu.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a statewide educational organization funded by national, state and county governments – that helps New York residents put research-based knowledge to work.