Cornell Cooperative Extension

Broome County
Water wand

Watering wand

Growing in raised beds

Growing in raised beds

Soaker hoses for irrigation

soaker hoses for irrigation

Harvesting garlic

Harvesting garlic

Home Gardening

Cornell Cooperative Extension-Broome County (CCE-BC) provides answers to your gardening and insect questions through the following programs:

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 Upcoming

Gardening Classes and Hands On Workshops Throughout Broome County in  2026

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Register: https://gfjlibrary.libcal.com/event/16201836

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Register: Pruning Trees & Shrubs

Gardening Classes at Castle Creek UMC

Join CCE Master Gardeners and staff for a series of free classes at Castle Creek United Methodist Church Monday evenings March - May. Sign up for 1 or all 6.

Pre - register with Joy Pragacz

Email: jsp262@cornell.edu

Call or text: 607-759-6596 Mention "garden classes"

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Contact

Linda Svoboda
Horticulture Program Educator
ljs322@cornell.edu
(607) 584-5016

Last updated February 25, 2026

Gardening

Need Help With a Plant Problem?

Ask a Master Gardener Volunteer!

Click on the link above to submit a question. You can also upload photos of plants or insects to help solve problems or get something identified.

Diagnostic Services 

(607) 772-8953
Cornell Cooperative Extension-Broome County offers a diagnostic service to the consumer to identify insects and plant diseases and offer environmentally responsible options for control. The Horticulture Educator and other qualified Extension Staff can provide identification and control options for insects and plant diseases. If it is felt that an accurate diagnosis cannot be given at our office, you have the option to send your specimen  to Cornell University Plant Pathology Lab for analysis for a fee. Contact CCE-BC for instructions on how to collect a sample for diagnosis.

​Speakers Bureau

Cornell Cooperative Extension-Broome County and Cutler Botanic Garden offers speakers on a variety of topics on a time-available basis. Seasoned Master Gardener Volunteers and CCE Staff provide power point presentations at your group or club location. Please schedule at least eight weeks in advance. These presentations vary from 30 minutes to one hour in length, but can be adapted to suit the audience.  Speaker’s Bureaus are are $25 per topic for a groups of 50 or less. $50 for groups of 50 or more. Checks can be made payable to: CCE-BC. Proceeds support Cutler Botanic Garden.

List of available topics: 

Speakers_Bureau_2026.pdf

Contact Linda Svoboda

 (607) 772-8953 or ljs322@cornell.edu

Get Tick Smart

Gardening can be a high risk activity for tick encounters.  Learn how to prevent tick- transmitted diseases by visiting:

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Soil Testing

Cornell Cooperative Extension-Broome County can assist with soil testing:

  • Complete soil nutrient analysis – Soil samples can be brought to the Information Center at CCE-BC where they will be packaged and sent to a soil test lab, Agro-One Services, in Ithaca. The fee is roughly  $30.00. Cash or check only at our office. Contact CCE-BC at (607) 772-8953 for instructions on how to properly collect a soil sample.

    • Gardening Classes at GFJ Library in Endicott

    Join CCE Master Gardeners for a series of classes at the George F. Johnson Memorial Library in Endicott. See class descriptions in the center of the page.  Pre registration is required

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    Season Extension Workshop

    Saturday, April 4th 12 to 1:30p

    In cooperation with VINES. You can easily add 2 weeks to the start and end of the growing season by the use of low tunnels, frost blankets with supports. Construct you own 4 ft. low tunnel hoops and learn tips and techniques from Master Gardener Volunteers at Cutler Botanic Garden. Hoop material, ½ inch EMT, will be provided. Please dress for the weather and bring a pair of garden gloves.

    This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.  Class size is limited, pre-registration is required. 

    Register: VINES Season Extension Workshop