Month: November 2023

USDA Updates Plant Hardiness Zone Map in 2023

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM), updating this valuable tool for gardeners and researchers for the first time since 2012. USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The new map—jointly developed by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University’s (OSU) PRISM Climate Group—is more accurate and contains greater detail than prior versions.

It is available online at https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/. In addition to the map updates, the Plant Hardiness Zone Map website was expanded in 2023 to include a “Tips for Growers” section, which provides information about USDA ARS research programs of interest to gardeners and others who grow and breed plants.

NEW Online Backyard Poultry Certificate Course!

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For a variety of reasons, there is an increase in interest in keeping backyard poultry. Backyard flocks provide the opportunity for people in rural an urban areas alike to produce tasty eggs and meat for personal and family food security. You might want egg layers. You might want to raise meat birds for a harvest in your freezer. You might even have a youth interested in raising chickens for their 4-H or FFA project, as these lower maintenance livestock can be kept in a fraction of the space for a fraction of the cost when compared to other species.

Whatever your reason for raising poultry, this course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and resources you will need to get your backyard flock off to a great start.

This course is self paced and available year-round if you happen to miss one of the seasonal, in-person workshops hosted in Cuyahoga County. For a full list of course topics, payment information and to register visit the LINK.

Market Gardener Training Application Open!

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The Market Gardener Training Program (MGTP) is a training program offered by Ohio State University Extension’s Urban Agriculture Program in Cuyahoga County.  This nine-week program will provide a foundation for urban agriculture and small business development to prepare participants to start their own enterprises growing produce and other agricultural products for the market. Classes will meet in hybrid form- a combination of virtual and in person, Tuesday evenings, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, January 16, 2024- March 19, 2024

Applications are due January 5th, COB online or hard copy sent to the extension office. For more information and to access the application visit the LINK.