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Invasive Plants and Pests Tour for Woodland Owners

May 22, 2012

On Saturday, June 9, 2012, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Cumberland Woodland Owners’ Association is sponsoring an “Invasive Plants and Pests Tour” at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

Cumberland County Plant Fest this Saturday!

May 17, 2012

Join Penn State Extension Master Gardeners in Cumberland County for their eighth annual Plant Fest on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Free native plant with plant purchases over $50! The plant sale runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, on the grounds of Claremont Nursing & Rehab Center, 1000 Claremont Road, Carlisle. Look for the big tents at the corner of Claremont Road and Army Heritage Drive.

Peregrine Falcon Banding Event was held May 9

May 15, 2012

The Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Game Commission today invited students across the state to watch the annual Peregrine falcon banding event during a live webcast on Wednesday, May 9. The event was held from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Rachel Carson State Office Building auditorium in Harrisburg.

Herbaceous Ornamental of the Month: Jack Frost brunnera (brunnera macrophaylla)

May 15, 2012

What perennial grows well in shade, offers beautiful variegated foliage, and is deer resistant? It is the 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year, ‘Jack Frost’ brunnera. Grown primarily for its exquisite silver and green variegated foliage, Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ enjoys moist, but well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

Tree of the Month: 'Winter King' Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis)

May 10, 2012

Everyone loves flowers, but most trees only bloom for a few weeks out of the year. Those that have attractive summer foliage, fall color and interesting bark offer more than one season of beauty and really earn their keep in the garden.

Planting Is Underway…

May 8, 2012

Several of you may have already noticed some farming equipment on the roads in the last month or so. If you did happen to see farm equipment traveling the roads, you were most likely seeing manure spreaders, agricultural sprayers, tractors with tillage equipment, and planters. Due to the mild winter weather, some farmers were working the ground in February, making field applications of fertilizer or manure, and planting field corn and alfalfa in late March.

Youth Summer Garden Camp

May 8, 2012

Penn State Master Gardeners are offering a Summer Garden Camp for youth ages 8 to 11 or in grades 3 to 5 at the Penn State Extension office on Allen Road in Carlisle. There will be five sessions of growing, learning, hands-on fun on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the following dates: June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, and August 7, 2012.

A True Blue Flower

May 3, 2012

I went for a walk last Sunday, enjoying bright sunshine and blue skies, and encountered a delightful but little known native wildflower, blue-eyed grass, blooming along the way. It’s not really a grass, being a member of the Iris family, but it really does have a true blue flower. For me, that’s reason enough to recommend it for the garden, although some garden writers dismiss it as too inconsequential for inclusion in the garden. Often, the beauty of a plant is in the details.

Restoration of the American Chestnut

May 2, 2012

On Thursday, May 10th at the Cumberland Woodland Owners’ Association meeting, Dave Armstrong with PA Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation (PA-TACF) will give a presentation on the restoration of the American chestnut. Mr. Armstrong will speak about the reintroduction of the American chestnut that should be disease resistant. He will talk about the different stages of reintroduction and the success of each stage. The mission of the PA-TACF is to restore the American chestnut to the forests and woodlands of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic states. The meeting will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Adams County Extension Office which is located at 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Suite 204, Gettysburg PA 17325-3404. You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend.

Growing Potatoes in the Garden

May 2, 2012

Potatoes are a very easy vegetable to grow. They are categorized as early season, mid-season, and late season, ready for harvest in 60, 80, and 90 days respectively.

Raised Bed Gardening

April 26, 2012

I have been using raised beds to grow crops for over two decades. An intensively-planted raised bed with vegetables leaves little room for weeds to grow and is an ideal way to garden in a small space.

Save the Date for Cumberland County Plant Fest May 19

April 23, 2012

Save the date of Saturday, May 19, for great plants at the Penn State Extension Cumberland County Master Gardeners’ eighth annual Plant Fest.

Tree Planting Tips

April 20, 2012

Let’s say you want to plant a tree this spring. Perhaps the beauty of spring-flowering trees has inspired you, or perhaps you need to replace a tree damaged by the Halloween snow last fall. But do you know the right way to plant a tree? You may be surprised to find that it’s not what you may have been taught.

2012 Photo Contest

April 19, 2012

Penn State Extension of Cumberland County is once again sponsoring a Photo Contest.

PENN STATE MASTER GARDENER TRAINING OFFERED IN 2012

April 3, 2012

Are you a keen gardener? Do you love to share your gardening knowledge to help others be more successful gardeners? Then you might be interested in the Penn State Master Gardener program. Penn State Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by Penn State Extension who assist Extension staff in providing and expanding its educational programs in consumer horticulture.

The Fleeting Beauty of Spring Ephemerals

April 3, 2012

Spring is officially here. Not only did spring warmth arrive early, but the consistently above-average temperatures lasting for several weeks, both day and night-time, have pushed along development of buds and blooms in a short time. Comparing previous years’ entries in my garden journal with this year, we are about three weeks early with flower development.

Penn State Extension Water Testing Program

March 28, 2012

Penn State Extension – Franklin County is offering a water testing program during National Drinking Water Week. The program encourages private well owners to test their water at group rates.

Critical Temperatures for Various Fruit Crops

March 27, 2012

Tree fruit crops are in various stages of bloom and freezing temperatures are a concern. The temperature at which fruit buds are injured depends primarily on their stage of development.

Eat Right! Food, Nutrition and Health Tips from the American Dietetic Association

March 27, 2012

25 Healthy Snacks for Kids When a snack attack strikes, refuel with these nutrition-packed snacks.

Replace Sodium and Empty Calories with Wholesome Foods to 'Get Your Plate in Shape' during National Nutrition Month

March 19, 2012

Grocery store shelves and restaurant menus are often crowded with foods containing solid fats, added sugars and high levels of sodium. During National Nutrition Month®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is helping Americans understand how to get the most nutrients they need from the foods they eat, all surrounding this year's theme: "Get Your Plate in Shape."

Managing Municipal Stormwater Workshop

March 13, 2012

On Monday, May 7, 2012, Penn State Extension in partnership with the Cumberland County Conservation District and the Cumberland County Planning Department is offering a Municipal Stormwater Management Workshop to help municipalities, municipal engineers and community planners implement new cost effective stormwater management practices.

4-H T-Shirts & Sweatshirts For Sale!

March 12, 2012

March 11 - 17 is Pennsylvania 4-H Week! Show your 4-H Pride by wearing your favorite 4-H apparel! Don't have any 4-H apparel? Stop by the Extension office to pick up a tie-dyed 4-H t-shirt!! This week ONLY t-shirts are 20% off! The sale price will be just $12 per shirt. We also have sweatshirts for $22 and a small variety of t-shirts and sweatshirts from previous years being offered at discounted prices. Stop in and get yours today!

During National Nutrition Month, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Offers Practical Ways to Enjoy Food While Eating Less

March 12, 2012

Food is meant to be enjoyed, but eating less is the key to weight management and disease prevention, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. During National Nutrition Month®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) encourages everyone to "Get Your Plate in Shape."

Soil Testing FAQs

March 8, 2012

Now that spring is in the air, many people have been stopping in to the Extension office to purchase a soil test kit. Here are answers to some frequently-asked questions about soil testing.

'Get Your Plate in Shape' This National Nutrition Month

March 6, 2012

During National Nutrition Month® and beyond, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) encourages everyone to include healthy foods from all food groups through this year's theme: "Get Your Plate in Shape."

4-H Strawberry Plant Sale

March 2, 2012

4-H will be taking orders for high quality strawberry plant bundles. These plants come from virus indexed, tissue cultured mother plants. Plants come in bundles of 25. Each bundle contains a single variety.

Spring Coming Early to Pennsylvania’s Woods?

March 1, 2012

Across much of Pennsylvania, it has been a different winter. It has been a winter of little snow and scarce cold weather. Some will recall it as a great winter; others might wonder what it means, especially to our woodlands.

GIANT “Cash for Causes”

February 29, 2012

If your family shops at any Giant Food Store, this is for you!

StrongWomen Strength Training Program Offered

February 29, 2012

Saint Katharine Drexel Parish in Mechanicsburg and Penn State Extension will be teaming up to offer the StrongWomen Program this spring. This is an eight week program geared for middle-aged to older women and is based upon years of research on how strength training and proper nutrition can improve the health of women of all ages.

SUSTAINABLE GARDENING CLASSES OFFERED

February 23, 2012

Do you want to learn home gardening techniques that are more earth-friendly and that can save you time and money? Do you want to create gardens and landscapes that are healthy, productive, and beautiful? Are you interested in growing herbs or having a home greenhouse? Then join Penn State Extension in Cumberland County for a series of four informal classes on “Sustainable Gardening” topics to be held on April 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2012.

VERNAL PONDS

February 21, 2012

Vernal ponds are a significant component of Pennsylvania's natural heritage and provide critical habitat for a unique set of species adapted to seasonal wet and dry periods such as salamanders, frogs, and fairy shrimp.

Pesticide Update, Grain Marketing & Fumigation Information Offered in March!

February 14, 2012

There will be a 6:00PM Grain Marketing meeting held at Hoss's of Carlisle featuring Stewart-Peterson. A Pesticide meeting offering credits will be held at the Penn State Extension office of Cumberland County along with a Fumigation Procedures workshop.

Professional Pest Manager’s School

February 14, 2012

Welcome to the 2012 Professional Pest Manager’s School. With 30 category and 10 core credit offerings, we believe the school will help you keep up with changes in regulations and product information.

Food for Profit

February 13, 2012

Penn State Extension’s Food for Profit workshop takes you step-by-step through the information necessary to start and run a small food-product business, especially directed to individuals who will be making and packing their products for resale (through grocery stores, farm markets, or restaurants).

PENN STATE MASTER GARDENERS READY TO GROW IN THE GARDEN

February 10, 2012

“Ready, Set, Grow!” If you are anxious to get outside and start digging in the garden, then don’t miss this informative workshop offered by the Penn State Master Gardeners in Cumberland County. Scheduled for Saturday, March 24, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Cumberland County Extension office, 310 Allen Road, Carlisle, “Ready, Set, Grow!” covers vegetable gardening tips and organic gardening techniques to help you have a healthy and productive vegetable garden this year.

New Plant Hardiness Zone Map Released

February 9, 2012

Recently, on January 25, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service released its long-awaited plant hardiness zone map, the result of an almost eight year process to update and refine its previous map, issued 22 years ago in 1990.

Pruning Workshop

January 30, 2012

Tim Abbey will be hosting an all day class on Proper Pruning.

Getting Started in the Vegetable Garden

January 30, 2012

Growing your own vegetables is a great way to eat healthy and have fun. Getting started can be both daunting and exciting if you are new to gardening. Paging through enticing gardening and seed catalogs, it’s hard not to get carried away or overwhelmed.

All-Day Strawberry/Bramble School in Gettysburg, PA March 7, 2012

January 30, 2012

Penn State Extension and The Penn State Department of Horticulture are excited to announce the All-Day Strawberry / Bramble School. This school covers everything you wanted to know about strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry production in one intensive day.

Private Well Maintenance

January 24, 2012

If you are not on a public water supply, you probably get your water from a well. If you use private water supplies, such as wells, springs or cisterns, then the responsibility for the quality of your water is your own. You must take steps to ensure that your water is safe to drink. It must be free of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemical impurities. It should also be clean, clear, and nonstaining, without offensive odors. A water test can confirm the presence of contaminants in a private water supply.

Southeast Greenhouse Growers Meeting

January 23, 2012

While early registration for this week’s Southeast Greenhouse Growers Meeting this Thursday, 1/26 closed this past Friday, you can still participate.

Jack Frost Brightens the Shade Garden

January 20, 2012

Creating a garden in dry shade can be a challenge for the perennial gardener. The list of perennial plants that will tolerate, let alone thrive in, the combination of low light and thin, dry soil is a relatively short one. Shallow-rooted trees, such as maples or beeches, create or compound the problem by competing with perennials and shrubs planted under their canopy for moisture and nutrients.

Penn State students receive Pa. Farm Show Foundation scholarships

January 17, 2012

Ten Penn State students, including eight enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences, were among 26 who were awarded scholarships by the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation during the 96th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. For a complete list of recipients and photos click on the link provided.

Gardening in Winter

January 17, 2012

Maybe you are not digging in the dirt, but winter is the best time to check out your garden structure and browse the internet, catalogs, and books for gardening ideas. If a new gardener or one of experience, January is the best time of year to really dig into garden design.

Time to pick your tomatoes for 2012

January 10, 2012

You may have noticed that your seed catalogs showed up earlier than ever this winter. With the rapid growth in vegetable gardening, demand promises to be higher than ever. If there are specific varieties of vegetables that you truly want for the coming season, you may want to get your orders in early.

StrongWomen Strength Training Program Offered!

January 6, 2012

Penn State Extension will be offering Strong Women in several locations this winter. This strength training program is geared for middle-aged to older women and is based upon years of research on how strength training and proper nutrition improve the health of women of all ages.

A Rose by Any Other Name

January 3, 2012

The Rose Bowl, the Tournament of Roses Parade, Valentine’s Day roses – everyone is familiar with roses, the “Queen of Flowers,” for beauty and fragrance. But as an herb? Each year since 1995, the International Herb Association has designated an “Herb of the Year”. In 2011, it was horseradish; for 2012, the rose has been selected – a surprising and unexpected choice.

Penn State Extension Offers “Equine Parasite Puzzle” Seminar

January 3, 2012

Did you know that parasites are becoming resistant to the deworming products that are on the market today? Have you been faithfully deworming your horses every 6 weeks only to learn that this is no longer the recommended practice? Are you confused about when to worm your horse and how often? Do you know which horses on your farm have natural resistance to parasites and which may need to be dewormed more frequently? Have you ever had your horse colic, especially after being wormed?