Monthly News for Gardeners |
|
News and events for gardeners from Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset Counties from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and other trusted partners |
|
April 2021
Fellow gardeners of Central Maine,
Be well,
-Trisha Smith
Community Education Assistant, Home Horticulture
Piscataquis County
|
|
Regular Feature:
Now Is the Time To...
By Kate Garland, Horticulturist, UMaine Extension Penobscot County and Will Larson, Cumberland County Master Gardener Volunteer
-
Pay it forward by purchasing a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share. Farmers offer a wide range of mutually beneficial partnerships with their customers to help keep farms sustainable through the slower winter months and to keep customers filled with delicious fresh produce throughout the season. Click here and scroll down for more information on debit-style and farmer-select CSA programs.
-
Starting (certain) native plant seeds: As long, cold periods of winter temperatures thaw into springtime sunshine, the natural window for sowing many native plant seeds has passed; many require an outdoor cold stratification in order for the seed to germinate. While early spring is a great time to observe these plants emerging in the wild, there are several native perennial seeds that will germinate without the need for chilly temperatures. These include popular garden plants like asters and campanulas, as well as other charming perennial additions which are not as frequently seen in cultivation, such as sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis) and jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). Many Rudbeckia species, like Rudbeckia hirta, will flower in their first year from seed and thrive in dry, sunny areas which are otherwise difficult to plant.
-
You can learn more about Maine’s native plants in Bulletin #2500, Gardening to Conserve Maine’s Native Landscape.
-
Maintaining tools: April is a great month for cleaning out and digging in, and it’s always important to go through your tools at the beginning of the season to clean and sharpen snippers, clippers, loppers, spades, and other choppers for the tasks ahead. See our article in the April 2018 issue of Maine Home Garden News, “Getting Your Garden Tools Ready for the Season” for a general overview, and “How to Clean and Sharpen your Pruners” from the UNH Extension. As early spring is a great time for pruning, before the buds are broken on trees, it’s important to practice good tool hygiene; clean cuts from well-honed pruners will heal faster and reduce the chance of infection.
-
Sharing seeds: Swapping seeds with other gardeners is a fantastic way to share and experiment with new varieties, and also fills the gaps from any unforeseen shortages this year as a result of the pandemic. Exchange seeds with friends, or attend a seed swap. If you live in the Dover-Foxcroft area, check out the seed library at Thompson Free Library.
-
Taking a soil test: It’s always important to know what is going on with your soil. A test is the best way to gauge your garden’s nutrient demands. Read more in Know Your Soil, Bulletin #2286.
|
|
Tips for Purchasing Healthy Plants and Seeds, and Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species
By Sarah Scally, Assistant Horticulturist, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry – Division of Animal and Plant Health
One bright spot of the pandemic is the increased interest in gardening, but how do new gardeners, or even seasoned gardeners, know that the plants they purchase are healthy and pest-free? In Maine, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), Horticulture Program, licenses and inspects businesses that sell plants. Two Assistant Horticulturists visit businesses selling plants and inspect for insects, diseases, weeds, and other plant health problems to ensure healthy plants are sold. These inspections give a snapshot of what pests may be present at a business at a point in time, but inspectors can’t be everywhere all the time. To ensure you purchase the healthiest, pest-free plant material, you can be your own inspector by following these tips:
- Know what the plant you are purchasing should look like.
- Look for signs of insects or disease.
- Purchase from a reputable, properly licensed source.
- Maine maintains several quarantines on plant material to prevent the spread or introduction of certain plant pests.
- Maine maintains several quarantines on plant material to prevent the spread or introduction of certain plant pests.
|
|
|
Plant Rotation in the Garden Based on Plant Families
By Dr. Elsa Sánchez, professor of horticultural systems management, and Kathleen Demchak, senior extension associate, Department of Horticulture, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.
Knowing what family a plant belongs to can be useful in making decisions about rotating plants for managing pests and soil fertility in the garden. Plants in a family are genetically related, so they have similar characteristics. As an example, members of the Cucurbitaceae, among other shared characteristics, have deeply lobed or divided leaves, separate male and female flowers on each plant (termed “monoecious” plants) with five fused petals, and similar fruit types and tendrils for climbing. Besides having similarities in appearance, plants in the same family often have similar susceptibilities to various garden pests such as diseases, insects, and/or nematodes.
In general, it is not recommended that an area be planted with plants of the same family in succession to avoid the buildup of shared pests. Some plants should not follow members of other families because of susceptibility to common pests.
|
|
You Can Grow Sweet Potatoes in Maine
By Tom Witwicki, Cumberland County Master Gardener Volunteer
Many people think of sweet potatoes as a southern crop. However, with the right growing treatment, this high yielding, nutrient-dense crop can successfully be grown even in the North. They are also easy to store if cured properly, keeping well into the spring (or even longer if you don’t run out). I’ve grown sweet potatoes for three years now in my home garden in Cape Elizabeth and every year the yield just amazes me when I dig into one of the hills. Just one sweet potato slip easily will yield 6 or 7 pounds.
|
April Gardening Webinar
Presented by University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.
Registration is required with a $5 suggested donation (optional) for each webinar. Participants will receive the Zoom information after registering for a webinar. All sessions will be recorded and shared with participants following the event. If you can’t attend the live session, please register to receive a link to the recording and a resource list.
-
Weed Management for the Perennial and Ornamental Landscape: Wednesday, April 28, 6:00 – 7:15 PM. Register Online (registration closes at 4:00 PM on April 28).
|
Introduction to Garden in a Box
& Guided Tour of the Resource Binder
Garden in a Box Resource Binders will be available for the general public in six Maine Highland area libraries (Abbott Library in Dexter, Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft, Guilford Memorial Library in Guilford, Harvey Memorial Library in Parkman, Monson Public Library, Shaw Public Library in Greenville). Beginning gardeners will find a wealth of information to support their efforts, whether they grow in containers or according to more traditional methods. Participating libraries will host a Garden in a Box “Salad Garden” planted with tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Patrons can check out the Garden in a Box Resource Binder like they would any other library book, and follow the progress of the library’s salad garden over the growing season.
Join us on April 21 at 3 p.m. via Zoom for an introduction to and an overview of Garden in a Box and the resource binder.
|
Extension Programs in other states:
For instance:
Heroes To Hives is a unique program offered through Michigan State University Extension that seeks to address financial and personal wellness of veterans through professional training and community development centered around beekeeping.
Food Solutions New England (part of UNH) is a network of people, organizations, businesses and other groups across New England who are committed to a shared vision and values for the regional food system. Anyone doing this work is considered part of the network.
If you find a great program when you're poking around online, let me know so I can share with your fellow gardeners: trisha.smith1@maine.edu
|
Click the links to learn more, find a chapter near you, and get involved.
Bangor Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that has conserved over 800 acres of land with public access in the Bangor area. Our mission is to protect for public benefit land and water in the Bangor region that have special ecological, natural, scenic, agricultural, or recreational significance; and to increase public understanding of the value of land and water conservation.
The Garden Club Federation of Maine National Garden Clubs, Inc. provides education, resources and national networking opportunities for its members, to promote the love of gardening, floral design, civic and environmental responsibility.
Good Shepherd Food Bank In addition to distributing food to Mainers in need, the Food Bank is leading a statewide effort to combat the root causes of hunger by engaging in advocacy, nutrition education, and strategic partnerships. Good Shepherd welcomes you to join in this effort.
Maine Audubon is a member-based organization that engages people in conservation, education and advocacy to advance wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation in Maine.
Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets' mission is to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable farmers' market community as a vital part of Maine's local food network. The Federation works with farmers, consumers, and communities to make wholesome, locally-grown foods available to all residents, to educate consumers about food resources, and to support farm viability.
Maine Gleaning Network A collaborative farm surplus rescue effort gathering crops from Maine's fields and engaging communities in resourceful and equitable food system activities.
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) The purpose of the Association is to help farmers and gardeners: grow organic food, fiber and other crops; protect the environment; recycle natural resources; increase local food production; support rural communities; and illuminate for consumers the connection between healthful food and environmentally sound farming practices.
The Grange provides opportunities for individuals and families to develop to their highest potential in order to build stronger communities and states, as well as a stronger nation.To inquire about finding a nearby Grange, contact Walter Boomsma at grange@boomsmaonline.com
Transition Towns The Transition Movement is comprised of vibrant, grassroots community initiatives that seek to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. Transition Initiatives differentiate themselves from other sustainability and "environmental" groups by seeking to mitigate these converging global crises by engaging their communities in home-grown, citizen-led education, action, and multi-stakeholder planning to increase local self reliance and resilience.
Transition Skowhegan meets every 1st Thursday at 6 pm, Skowhegan Public Library.
Contact Iver Lofving 474-7370 or Jason Tessier 474-4380
Wild Seed Project works to increase the use of [Maine] native plants in all landscape settings in order to conserve biodiversity, encourage plant adaption in the face of climate change, safeguard wildlife habitat, and create pollination and migration corridors for insects and birds. Check out their Native Plant Blog.
Maine Agriculture in the Classroom promotes the understanding of agriculture and natural resources among students, educators, and the general public. Curricula and resources for educators and others working with young people. Check out newsletters and/or subscribe here.
Maine Farm to School Network supports the rapidly spreading farm to school movement in Maine. This network knits together a wide diversity of students, teachers, school nutritionists, parents, farmers and groups who support child nutrition and Maine agriculture. Search their resource database, join the network.
|
|
University of Maine Cooperative Extension buildings are open, at least part-time, and some projects have begun to allow in-person volunteering. The health and safety of the community and the spread of the Coronavirus are still of concern, and offices are implementing strategies to maintain CDC-approved conditions. We have developed a number of new online resources for those who have reliable internet connections. Here are a few ways we’re available:
New Resources to Meet New Needs
You may have missed the live Zoom presentations, but we've rounded up fact sheets for each week's discussion for your reference
-
Victory Garden for ME series: videos for first time vegetable gardeners
-
Growing Maine Gardeners: An initiative led by UMaine Extension’s Home Horticulture team to address the increased demand for gardening education throughout the state of Maine and to provide additional support for beginner gardeners.
-
Garden Mentorship Program: direct technical assistance and encouragement via phone or email throughout the season from trained Master Gardener Volunteers
-
Maine Farm Products and Pick-Up Directory: The directory provides information on available local farm products and alternative pick-up options developed by farmers statewide to accommodate the recommended social distancing in light of COVID-19.
-
Learn at Home: Educational Resources to Use During School Closures: With novel coronavirus closing schools across Maine for several weeks, UMaine Extension has assembled a collection of helpful educational resources for parents and caregivers. From science to financial literacy, whether for toddlers or teenagers, we encourage you to take advantage of these activity books, guides, and other resources to help children remain engaged in educational experiences throughout their school closure.
-
Learn at Home with 4-H Friday Fun! Each Friday, watch for a new hands-on activity that you can try out with simple materials you have at home. Watch a short video clip to see how it’s done or download our 4-H Learn from Home activity sheets. Each activity outlines materials needed, easy-to-follow instructions, reflection questions for discussion and activity extensions.
-
Social Media: Many of our staff are stepping up efforts to communicate to audiences via social media. For example, see Rogers Farm Demonstration Garden’s short educational Facebook videos (also on Instagram).
Traditional Services Being Offered in New Ways
-
Identifying insect pests: Clay Kirby, Associate Scientist/Insect Diagnostician, will identify pest samples via images. See instructions for submitting an insect specimen.
-
Identifying plant diseases: Dr. Alicyn Smart will identify plant disease samples via images. See instructions for submitting a sample.
-
Tick testing: Ticks are being tested on a limited basis. See instructions for submitting a tick sample.
-
Publication orders: We are still processing orders from our publication catalog, including pesticide application training materials.
-
Soil testing: The Analytical Lab and Maine Soil Testing Service remains open and is taking samples with a priority on commercial samples. If you need to drop off a sample, you can place it in the box outside of Deering Hall; do NOT enter the building.
-
General gardening questions: Contact your county office. Emails are preferred. If it’s necessary to leave a voicemail, please leave your email address (if available) or a mailing address in addition to your phone number.
|
|
Master Gardener Volunteers |
|
COVID-19 MGV Policy
Restart of MGV Volunteer Opportunities
The University of Maine System is continuing our state-wide gradual reopening process with new COVID-19 protocols and modifications in place. UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are also continuing a gradual restart process. All in-person Master Gardener Volunteer related activities must be approved by your MGV Coordinator.
As we restart in-person programs and projects, all Master Gardener Volunteers who wish to become involved, must complete our COVID-19 volunteering requirements, and follow all CDC guidelines and protocols.
Master Gardener Volunteers who have not met the criteria outlined, or do not wish to volunteer in-person may continue to perform volunteer work from their own home or property on projects that have been approved by their MGV Coordinator.
Master Gardener Volunteer trainees from 2020 who are currently working towards their certification will have until the end of 2021 to complete their initial 40 hours of volunteer service. Currently active Master Gardener Volunteers will be required to complete their annual 20 hours of volunteer service by the end of the calendar year in order to maintain their certification. However, individuals may seek an exemption from this hours requirement in light of the pandemic.
Please check back regularly as this policy is subject to change, as we continue to assess the situation with COVID-19. Updates will be provided to all active Master Gardener Volunteers and partner organizations as they develop. We ALL must do our best to ensure the utmost safety among our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve.
Note: If things do worsen with COVID-19, we may need to pause in-person volunteering once again. We appreciate your cooperation and patience. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your MGV Coordinator.
Updated: 03/01/2021
|
|
Mission
The 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.
Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product, or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsement and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms.
|
|
The goal of the Central Maine Gardening Newsletter is to connect gardeners with resources and events that encourage and inform.
Quick Links
|
|
 |
Local Weather Anytime
Most outdoor activities are driven by the weather. Our local National Weather Service in Caribou has meteorologists on staff 24 hours a day. They are willing to talk with you about predictions for your town. Give them a call at 492-0180. Or check out their online detailed maps at http://www.weather.gov/car/.
Need Pesticide Credits?
Interested in Volunteering with UMaine Extension?
Nearly 8,000 volunteers devoted more than 150,000 hours to their communities last year through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension! Look around our
|
|
|
|
Contributors
Donna Coffin, Extension Professor
Kate Garland, Horticulturist
Brian Erickson, Sustainable Agriculture Professional
Trisha Smith, Community Education Assistant
The goal of the Central Maine Gardening Newsletter is to connect gardeners with resources and events that encourage and inform.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Piscataquis County Office |
|
|
Open Monday - Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
307 Maine Ave Bangor, ME 04401 207.942.7396 or 800.287.1485
Piscataquis County Office - website
Open Monday, Thursday, Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
165 East Main St Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 207.564.3301 or 800.287.1491
7 County Drive Skowhegan, Maine 04976-4209
Tel: 207.474.9622 or 1.800.287.1495 (in Maine)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
