Not much outdoor gardening this week...but just in case you can get out to the flower beds, Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy says it's time to pinch back late-blooming perennials. She explains why to Martha Foley, and explains why...

Tender seedlings may need water.

(06/06/11) It's a challenging year, no doubt about it, for gardeners and commercial growers -- and the plants they're tending. There may be too much water in some places, but not enough in others, after a series of dry, sunny and windy days, and a couple of nights in the 30s. Cornell Cooperative extension horticulturist Amy Ivy has some reminders about garden TLC in her weekly chat with Martha Foley.
And they preview workshops on using local food, homegrown or not, starting next week in Sacket's Harbor, Canton and Plattsburgh.

From last year's Garden Plot blog: Mike's garage-side trellises.

(06/20/11) Trellis, cages, stakes and string...
Whatever your preference, it's time to start tending and training the tomato plants. First, you've got to know how a little about the plants themselves. Cornell Cooperative Extension's Amy Ivy shares her favorite methods in her weekly chat with Martha Foley.

Lady beetle larva eating viburnum leaf beetle larva. (Photo: Gaylord Desurmont)

(06/13/11) The bugs are back -- crawling, flitting and eating their way through treasured plants. Knowing what's doing the damage is half the battle in winning the pest control war. Todd Moe talks with Cornell Cooperative horticulturist Amy Ivy about some tips for finding and identifying the "bad boys" in the garden.