Monthly News for Gardeners |
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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 |
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mid-May 2021
Fellow gardeners of Central Maine,
Be well,
-Trisha Smith
Community Education Assistant, Home Horticulture
Piscataquis County
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Regular Feature:
Now Is the Time To...
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Harden off seedlings before planting. Home-grown and purchased seedlings greatly benefit from being gradually exposed to increased sun and wind as well as cooler temperatures. Simply move plants into more and more exposed sites over the course of a week or two while always being prepared to bring them indoors when nighttime temperatures are expected to dip. Many nurseries will begin this process for you. A good hint as to whether nursery seedlings are hardened off is where they are displayed. If they are outdoors, there’s a good chance they are hardened off or in the process of being hardened off. Still, it’s always a good idea to ask the staff if the seedlings you’re bringing home are ready to go in the ground.
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Begin renovating overgrown and weedy perennial beds. Consider taking the “blank slate” method. Instead of constantly pulling the weeds growing around and up through your well-behaved perennials, lift the desirable perennials, carefully remove the weedy roots, divide anything that needs division, and temporarily replant in pots or in a separate holding area in your landscape. Then you can focus your attention on managing the weeds through repeated digging, covering, or a combination of those two strategies until it’s time to replant in late August. If the weeds persist, extend the battle until the following spring to establish a cleaner bed for replanting.
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Sow an early-season cover crop to build soil organic matter. Late May can be a great time to sow buckwheat. Even if you don’t grow these crops to maturity (early August), they will improve the soil ecosystem and help suppress weeds.
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Leave the leaves! Do you remember how we encouraged you to step away from the leaf rake last fall? A little more procrastination in the spring is also helpful for a variety of insects and other wildlife. Try waiting until late May to clean out formal gardens and taking the leap towards establishing some more natural areas that allow leaf litter to accumulate in the landscape.
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Apply nitrogen to emerging garlic plants. Side dress rows with 1 tablespoon of bloodmeal (or an equivalent source nitrogen) for every six plants.
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Test your soil and follow the recommendations in the soil test report. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: the best approach to managing soil pH, nutrients, and soil organic matter is to send an aggregate sample to the Maine Soil Testing Service and follow their recommendations on which soil amendments to apply and when they should be applied. The standard test also includes a lead scan. It’s such a simple way to take a strategic approach to giving your plants just what they need to thrive. Request a soil test kit.
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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.
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Testing for Lead in Maine’s Soils
By John Clark, Environmental Steward
The Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD), in partnership with the EPA, is working to spread awareness of soil lead contamination. Part of this includes testing soil and plant tissue to identify lead risks for gardeners in urban areas. As part of this grant, CCSWCD is providing free soil tests to gardeners and anyone interested in gardening in the Bayside, East Bayside, Parkside, or West End neighborhoods of Portland.
Soil tests are highly recommended for anyone growing food in these neighborhoods to identify possible soil contaminants, especially lead.
Based on Portland’s historical use in these neighborhoods, there is a high chance that soils here are contaminated with lead. Lead concentrations over 100 ppm are cause for concern, while concentrations over 400 ppm are deemed hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2020, the program collected 80 soil samples from these neighborhoods. Sixty-four percent of tests found lead levels that were higher than normal background levels. The average amount of lead found at these sites was 614 ppm, well over the hazardous level.
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Pollinator Garden at the Langlais Sculpture Preserve
Article and photos by Gail Presley, Knox-Lincoln Master Gardener Volunteer 2019
In 2018, the Georges River Land Trust partnered with Maine Master Gardener Volunteers to create a native pollinator garden at the entrance to the Langlais Sculpture Preserve in Cushing. The project took nearly two years to complete, but the results are amazing!
To enhance the welcoming feel of the Preserve’s entrance and take advantage of the space as an educational opportunity, the pollinator garden was designed for the 75 sq. ft. island in the parking lot. Much like “hell strips” in urban neighborhoods, such hot, dry locations can be difficult places for creating a self-sustaining garden. But as this garden demonstrates, such areas need not be relegated to grass or gravel. An otherwise dead zone can become a native plant oasis and a healthy, colorful host site for important pollinators and birds.
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The One TomatoTM Project is a program aimed at encouraging people to grow at least one tomato in their garden this year. For the last seven years the Piscataquis County Extension Association has purchased cherry tomato seedlings, that are distributed with growing information throughout the county and at our office in Dover-Foxcroft. Due to the pandemic many of the events we distributed to have been canceled, so we are planning to come to a site near you. Grocery stores, town offices, and other places that we can distribute plants.
Why just one tomato? One tomato is not expensive to grow, it’s pretty easy, and it can be grown just about anywhere. You can plant a tomato in your garden, in your flowerbed, in a container, a hanging basket, or even on your front lawn. If you don’t like tomatoes, that’s okay! You don’t have to be a tomato lover to join in – the goal is to grow some vegetables, so try out any vegetable you like. You can give any extra to neighbors or the Share Shed!
While supplies last, Extension staff will distribute cherry tomato seedlings at the following locations:
- June 3rd, KC’s Country Store, Parkman, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- June 3rd, Dover-Foxcroft Area Food Cupboard 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
- June 4th, Indian Hill Trading Post, Greenville 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- June 4th, Robinsons Convenience Store, Brownville 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- June 5th, Whitney’s Market, Guilford 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- June 5th, Tradewinds, Milo 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- June 12th, Dover Cove Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- UMaine Cooperative Extension Office Dover-Foxcroft, In June on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. While supplies last.
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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
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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.
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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
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Victory Garden for ME series: videos for first time vegetable gardeners
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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.
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Garden Mentorship Program: direct technical assistance and encouragement via phone or email throughout the season from trained Master Gardener Volunteers
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Identifying insect pests: Clay Kirby, Associate Scientist/Insect Diagnostician, will identify pest samples via images. See instructions for submitting an insect specimen.
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Identifying plant diseases: Dr. Alicyn Smart will identify plant disease samples via images. See instructions for submitting a sample.
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Tick testing: Ticks are being tested on a limited basis. See instructions for submitting a tick sample.
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Publication orders: We are still processing orders from our publication catalog, including pesticide application training materials.
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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.
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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.
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Master Gardener Volunteers |
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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
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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.
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The goal of the Central Maine Gardening Newsletter is to connect gardeners with resources and events that encourage and inform.
Quick Links
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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
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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.
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Piscataquis County Office |
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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)
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