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-March 2021
Fellow gardeners of Central Maine,
It has been a year, hasn't it? Saying anything about 2020 feels like both not enough and too much, so I am looking forward to greener days. I can hardly wait to garden with other people this year! I'm grateful we have learned best practices for keeping our communities protected and can welcome students and volunteers back to school and community gardens. I am hopeful that the increased interest in outdoor educational experiences will translate to a proliferation of land and water stewardship and food sovereignty activities across the state.
Be well,
-Trisha Smith
Community Education Assistant, Home Horticulture
Piscataquis County
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Regular Feature:
Now Is the Time To...
By Kate Garland, Horticulturist, UMaine Extension Penobscot County
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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.
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Prune select woody plants. March is a great time to put those freshly sharpened pruners to work, because it’s easy to see where branches are crossing, damaged or dead. For more information check out UMaine Cooperative Extension Bulletin #2169, Pruning Woody Landscape Plants.
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Check out the calendar of apple orchard management activities and plan ahead for managing insects and disease.
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Consider adding ferns to your landscape this spring. As the snow melts, I always appreciate seeing the steadfast vibrant green of marginal wood fern and Christmas fern soaking up all the spring sunshine, before the deciduous canopy begins to cast shade. Ferns are hardy, diverse, and well-suited for some of the more challenging conditions in our landscape. Learn more at Ferns.
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Visit your local maple syrup provider for a sweet taste of Maine. Maine Maple Sunday Weekend is set for March 27 and 28, but many producers are welcoming visitors over several weekends to minimize crowds. Be sure to check out their website and social media before visiting to find out about protocols and hours.
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Start some seeds for gardens in Central Maine:
- Early March: onions, leeks, shallots, spinach, parsley, foxglove, verbena, delphinium, dianthus
- Mid March: cabbage, celery, kale, kohlrabi, blanket flower, hollyhock, hibiscus, petunia, salvia, snapdragon, stock
- Late March: lettuce, artichoke, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, Swiss chard, ammi, calendula, cardoon, globeflower, bee balm, statice, strawflower, sweet pea
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Protecting Home Gardens from Mammals: Fencing
By Adam Vashon, Wildlife Biologist USDA APHIS Wildlife Services with helpful reviews by
Donna Coffin, UMaine Extension Professor, Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties
Each passing day gets us closer to the time when we will be tilling soil, planting seeds, weeding gardens, and harvesting our produce. Even the smallest garden demands time, effort, and dedication. And with all that effort, there is nothing more frustrating than seeing crops devastated by pests. Many gardens are damaged or destroyed each year by common mammals when simple steps could have prevented the damage.
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Proposed State Rules to Slow the Spread of Emerald Ash Borer
Public comments are sought regarding proposed rules to continue regulating the movement of ash wood materials and to expand the regulated areas
Ash (Fraxinus) is an important street tree and a valuable timber species, accounting for around four percent of Maine’s hardwood forest inventory. Ash wood is known for its strength and elasticity, making it a popular choice for baseball bats, axe handles, and guitar bodies. The brown ash is central to the cultural traditions of the Wabanaki people and is essential for their basketmaking.
Scientists with the Maine Forest Service and the Plant Health Program of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry see quarantines as an effective measure to slow the spread of EAB in Maine. They have proposed new state rules to continue regulating the movement of ash wood material from infested areas and to expand the regulated area in Aroostook County.
There are two ways to comment:
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You can join the meeting using MS-Teams or by telephone at 207.209.4724, confirmation code: 390 166 010#.
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Written comments may be submitted until 5 PM April 2, 2021, to gary.fish@maine.gov or Gary Fish, Maine DACF – Horticulture, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0028.
More information on EAB can be found on the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s EAB website. Questions about the proposed rules can be directed to gary.fish@maine.gov or by telephone at 207.287.7545.
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There's still time to identify and destroy browntail moth winter webs
All Mainers are encouraged to become familiar with the winter webs of browntail moth. The Maine Forest Service conducts broad scale surveys for the pest, but to understand how it might impact day-to-day life where you are, inspect the trees around you. Look up for signs of browntail moth winter webs in the tops of trees. Even if you don’t know whether where you’ve found it is of interest, please report it.
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Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Join the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension for the final two sessions of our winter webinar series! The 1-hour webinars will include a 40-minute presentation, followed by Q&A and discussion.
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 copy of the recording and a resource list.
Protecting Fruit Trees from Insects and Diseases, Wednesday, March 24, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Panel: Glen Koehler, Associate Scientist of Integrated Pest Management for the University of Maine and George Hamilton, Fruit & Vegetable Production Field Specialist for UNH Extension
Registration: Online (registration closes at 4:00 PM on March 24)
UMaine Extension Food and Nutrition staff are offering webinars to help you prepare for the food preservation season. We are halfway through winter, so it’s time to begin using up your precious cache of frozen berries or canned vegetables. On March 23, discover creative uses for home-canned goods.
- March 23 — Using Home Canned Foods in Cooking
Registration is required; a $5 donation per session is optional. Register online to receive the link and resources. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Kate McCarty, 207.781.6099; kate.mccarty@maine.edu.
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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.
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 continue to receive additional time to complete their initial 40 hours of volunteer service. Currently active certified Master Gardener Volunteers will still not be required to complete their annual 20 hours of volunteer service in order to maintain their certification. However, individuals may, with approval, continue to volunteer as they are able. Please report those hours in a timely way so we can track our impact within our communities.
Please check back regularly as this policy is subject to change, as we continue to assess the situation with the 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 refreeze volunteering outside the home programs and projects. We appreciate your cooperation and patience. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local county MGV Coordinator.
Updated: 02/05/2021
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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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