January 2016


1) JANUARY IS THE MONTH TO....

  • PLAN AHEAD.  Make  those new year resolutions for the garden!  "Spend more time enjoying my garden and less time worrying about my garden," "Accept that there will be successes and failures, and that's how it should be," and "I will plant or grow something new" are all good ones to consider!  A few more ideas can be found here, courtesy of the National Garden Bureau.
  • DE-ICE CAREFULLY.  Use caution and discretion when salting roads, driveways, or walks--remember that that salt goes into the soil and can impact the growing conditions for your plants this season!  And please be careful walking and driving yourself!
  • USE AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION.  Evaluate tree limbs on your property.  The time to have dangerous or precarious ones removed is *before* a big ice or snow storm.  For large trees, please consult a licensed arborist for advice, but for smaller projects, check out the Cooperative Extension's pruning bulletin #2169.
  • NOTICE WINTER PLANTS.  Pay attention to plants in your landscape or community that stand out in the snow--those are what we horticulturists call "winter interest."  That little botanical pick-me-up in your day might be something you'd like to plant yourself.  Find out what the plant is and learn more about it--remember that your friendly local Cooperative Extension office can help you with plant identification and recommendations!
  • CHOOSE SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS. Seeds, seeds, seeds--oh, the joy of seed catalog season!  Make voluminous lists of plants that grab your attention, daydream freely and crazily about what you're going to do this season. . . then take a deep breath and go through that list one more time to make it feasible and satisfying.  Put in your order for seedlings from your local nursery, or if you are ordering seeds on your own, check out our video on making your own seed stand for home growing.  
  • FIGHT THE URGE TO PLANT.  After daydreaming freely and happily selecting the seeds you want to order, be patient.  It isn't time to start seeds indoors, unless you want leggy plants demanding sunlight and space in February!
  • SEE TO THE GARDEN SHED OR NOOK.  If you didn't have a chance to do this while shutting down for the season, there is probably plenty of "indoor" garden work to be done!  Remove the clutter, examine your tools for damage, and take stock of your supplies to see what needs ordering.  It will keep you thinking about your spring garden and you'll be happy later that you aren't spending sunny garden time cleaning the shed.

                                                                                     
Photo by Jonathan Foster
Winterberry at the Eastern Maine Native Plant Arboretum
( Photos by Jonathan Foster)
Photo by Kate Garland
2) Combating the Ravages of Time: Renovating Hopeless Tools!
 
By Jonathan Foster, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Penobscot County

Sometimes, in the life of a Cooperative Extension employee, a colleague "happens to find" a tool that "someone else left outside."  And they bring it to you because they know you have a strange taste for taking what looks like the office's new doorstop or paperweight, and making it a functional garden friend once again.  The hunk of junk shown above was allegedly found outside our office, in the Eastern Maine Native Plant Arboretum.  In honor of the cold winter days we patiently endure, looking ahead to the rebirth of spring, we're going to bring this pair of clippers back from the dead!  The Master Gardener Volunteers at Rogers Farm know that I can be a bit of stickler when it comes to cleaning and maintaining tools, and I'm happy to pass that bug along. . .
 
Read full article here.

3) Garden Snapshots
 
Sumac at the Eastern Maine Native Plant Arboretum

Our own Theresa Tilton keeps the plant people in the office happy all winter with her tireless efforts!
4) Cabbage with Herbed Butter
 
Makes 8 Servings
 
Ingredients:
 
1 medium head cabbage (about 2 pounds) cut into wedges
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup minced chives
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese


Directions:
  1. Place cabbage in a large saucepan and cover with water.
  2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
5) Featured Plants: Multiflora Rose
(Rosa multiflora)
        
Developed by the Maine Natural Areas Program and University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Multiflora rose is an aggressive colonizer of open unplowed land and is highly successful on forest edges. This prolific seed producer can create extremely dense, impenetrable thickets that crowd out other vegetation and inhibit regrowth of native plants. Associated vegetation of multiflora rose thickets is often limited to a few tree stems that have managed to overtop the rose before the thicket developed. Dense stands of multiflora rose can slow down forest regeneration: the species can dominate a forest understory. 

Read more  here.
 
susan garland
Susan Garland
farm market
UMAINE EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
The Rogers Farm Demonstration Garden will hold its first planning meeting for the 2016 season on Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 6-8pm, at 307 Maine Ave, Bangor.
 
Sustainable Agriculture Professional
 
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension invites applications for a full-time Sustainable Agriculture Professional to begin work February 1, 2016.  This position is located at the University of Maine Cumberland County  Extension Office in Falmouth, Maine, and is responsible for implementing educational programs in support of the over 710 farms in Cumberland County. Agriculture in Cumberland County is diverse with an array of growers and managers of vegetables, small fruits, apples and other tree fruit, dairy, beef, sheep and other livestock.  Programming may include areas such as general agriculture, farm business management, farm machinery and safety, livestock production, farm diversity, pest management, farm buildings, vegetable and fruit production, and related topics.  Educational programming will often be done in partnership with county based colleagues and statewide commodity or subject specialists within Cooperative Extension.  Typical hiring range for this position is $40,416 - $43,500, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  For a full job description and to apply, see here.
 
The University of Maine is an EEO/AA Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

OTHER LOCAL EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS 

MOFGA Penobscot County Annual Stone Soup Social - 17 January 2016 at the Bangor Grange [1192 Ohio St, Bangor)

Get your vegetables chopped! No need to bring bowls or spoons. We start with just two pots of broth going; one chicken broth and one tomato stock for a minestrone vegetarian soup. You bring something to throw into one of these pots [prepped and ready to toss in]. We will also be open to folks bringing bread/crackers, desserts, appetizers or drinks [non-alcoholic].   Gather around the cauldron, doors opening at  2pm , meal around  3:00.    RSVP how many people you're bringing, and what you plan to bring: Galen.the. beekeeper@gmail.com or 745-4797. Jock Robie will be our guest speaker telling us aboutVermiculture.http://mainelywormbins. blogspot.com/

LOCAL EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS 
   
Online courses for aspiring, new, and experienced farmers.


National Ground Water Association website.  Learn more about water resources and safeguard your family's health through properly constructed and maintained water well systems. 
 
The Penobscot Beekeepers will be having their January club meeting at William S Cohen School 304 Garland St Bangor on January 28th @ 6PM.  Paula Maxim will speak about Gardening & Landscaping for pollinator habitat. 

Giant pumpkin seeds for sale to benefit the Bangor Community Garden.  S eed from the Bangor Community Garden's very own giant pumpkin, affectionately referred to as 'Peanut.' Each $5 packet will contain two 'Atlantic Giant' seeds and a tip sheet for growing a big beauty.  Proceeds will benefit the Bangor Community Garden. Contact Sarah Whitty (sarah.witty@yahoo.com  or 973-768-5029 ) for more information and to purchase. Seeds are also available at Tiller and Rye.  

Estate Horticulturalist 
Assistant Gardener for a developing team in Maine. This is a year around gardening position with a full benefit package and competitive compensation. Education and experience are equally weighed. Functioning in a team environment that exhibits mutual respect for all team members is an expectation. Understanding of native species, organic practices, and solid horticultural methodology required. Work schedule requires laboring in all weather conditions while working independently or with the team.
 

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
 
Maine Herb Society Monthly meetings in Bangor through most of the year. Visit their website or call Theresa for more information 942-7396.
 
Penobscot Beekeepers Association Monthly meetings through most of the year.  Visit their   Facebook page or contact Peter Cowin petercowin@tds.net for more details.
  
Maine Organic Famers and Gardeners Association Penobscot Chapter Potluck meetings the last Sunday of every month.  Contact Galen Young of Argyle Acres, 745-4797 or galen.the.beekeeper@gmail.com.
 
Brewer Garden & Bird Club
1pm, 3rd Wed. of the month at the Brewer Auditorium. Sept-June. June meeting will be 2nd Wed. of the month. Contact Carol 989-1083 or visit www.mainegardenclubs.org/Brewer.html.
 
Orrington Garden Club  
10am, 1st Wed. of the month Sept-June. Meetings are held at member homes.  Contact Barbara 989-3746 or barenaj@gmail.com.
 
Hampden Garden Club
Monthly meetings Feb.-Dec., fourth Tuesday.  Call Pat 862-3909 or Ellen 234-2945 for more information.
 
Veazie Garden Club
Meetings second Tues. Sept-June, 7pm Veazie Grade School.  Call 866-4564. 
 
Penquis Beekeepers
Meetings 7pm on second Tues. of the month at the Dexter VFW. 
 
Sebasticook Garden Club meets at 1:30 on the 4th Thursday in March-October.  Most meetings are held at the Newport Cultural Center located at 154 Main Street in Newport.  For information call Ann at 416-4807 

Milo Garden Club-Second Tuesdays September-June. Locations and programs vary. Contact Gini Goodhind at 943-7772 or Pauline Mullins at 343-2612 FMI.

Dexter Dover Area Towns in Transition (DDATT) is a group "helping to develop local food, energy, and economic systems that support a community moving from dependence on fossil fuels." A seed-saving group has been formed. More information can be found on DDATT's Facebook page.


 
Mission

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is the major educational outreach program of the University of Maine with offices statewide.  UMaine Extension provides Maine people with research-based educational programs to help them live fuller, more productive lives.
Contributors

Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Aide 

Donna Coffin, Extension Educator
 
Kate Garland, Horticulturist
katherine.garland@maine.edu

Trisha Smith, Home Horticulture Aide
trisha.smith1@maine.edu

Theresa Tilton, Administrative Support Supervisor 
The University of Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, 207.581.1226.
Surface mail recipients can contact their county Extension office for further information when web links are included in an article.  
Penobscot Office 
307 Maine Ave. Bangor, ME  04401  207-942-7396 or 800-287-1485

Piscataquis Office 
165 East Main St. Dover-Foxcroft, ME  04426  207-564-3301 or 800-287-1491