According to the US Drought Monitor, almost 90 percent of New York State is abnormally dry. That includes most of the North Country counties. And three quarters of the state is in a moderate or severe drought. So, yes, it's very, very dry. If there's any silver lining, says Cooperative Extension's Amy Ivy, it's that dry conditions put diseases like late blight at bay. On the other hand, some insect pests are having a very good year. Leaf hoppers and cucumber beetles are among them. Amy has advice on when and how to spray. Especially with organic means, it's important to catch insects early. [full story]