The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps gardeners and growers determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. For the first time, the map is available as an interactive GIS-based map, for which a broadband Internet connection is recommended. Users may also type in a Zip Code and find the hardiness zone for that area.

For more information about an insect, or how to deal with an insect problem in or around your home or garden, contact the Insect Diagnostic Lab, a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension in the Department of Entomology. For a $25 fee, an insect or related arthropod can be shipped to the lab, or a detailed photo can be emailed, for expert identification. Diagnostician Jason Dombroskie, Ph.D. has many years ofexperience identifying insects and other arthropods. More information about this service, including fact sheets on common outdoor and indoor insects, can be found at http://idl.entomology.cornell.edu/

Upcoming Garden Learning Opportunities

Are pests bugging you? We're here to help!

The New York State IPM Program is excited to launch a new virtual series, What’s Bugging You First Fridays, a Virtual presentations on practical solutions to pest problems.

In this monthly virtual series, we'll explore timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. What is IPM? It's a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.

Events will happen on the first Friday of every month from 12:00 to 12:30 PM EST on Zoom. Below is the schedule of presentations from March 2021 to February 2022 Each month we’ll cover a timely topic in 25 minutes, including time for questions. Then, in an IPM Minute, we’ll cover a specific task you can perform in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems.

Details and registration information can be found at:

https://nysipm.cornell.edu/whats-bugging-you/first-friday-events/