Gardening Tips

Cut some branches from flowering shrubs or trees for indoor forcing.

Using sharp pruners cut branches that have a large number of flower buds. Flower buds are usually rounder and larger than leaf buds. If you're not sure, cut a few open to look for immature flowers inside. Make a slit or two in the cut end of the branch to increase area for water uptake. If you can, immerse the entire branches in water for the first day. If branches are in a bucket of water mist the exposed buds frequently. Keep the branches in a cool area (50-65 degrees F) away from direct sunlight, and provide humidity to keep the buds from drying out. When color shows, use the branches in arrangements. Allow from 1 to 4 weeks to force.

• Check stored root vegetables and tender flower bulbs. Discard any showing signs of mold or rot.
  
  
• Check tree trunks and branches for flat, tan gypsy moth egg masses and shiny black tent caterpillar egg masses and remove them.
  
  
• Mice can be very destructive under snow cover, so if you neglected to protect prized shrubs from rodents, carefully remove snow from around stems and apply hardware cloth.
  
  
• Pruning diseased or damaged tree can be done now.
  
  
• In February, take cuttings of plants that you saved from last summer.
  
  
• Plan the coming year's garden.
  
  
• Check Cornell's award winning website for gardening advice.

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Snowmobile Safety

Snowmobiling is a growing Winter activity in New York State with over 100,000 snowmobiles in operation. Through the cooperation of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and local volunteers, CCE of Otsego County helps to coordinate local snowmobile safety and certification courses. Anyone who is at least 18 years old may operate a snowmobile in New York State without any other qualification except as defined by state and local laws regulating that operation. However, it is recommended that all operators complete a recognized snowmobile operation course of instruction.

Youths between the ages of 10 and 18 years old may operate a snowmobile without adult or other supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York. For more information about these courses, contact CCE.