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Piscataquis & Penobscot
Gardening Newsletter
Volume 9 Issue 10 October 2011 |
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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. |
Goal
The goal of the Piscataquis & Penobscot Gardening Newsletter is to provide timely information on practical, sustainable, research-based horticultural practices, tools and techniques which will improve home gardening success in our two counties. Upcoming events and programs of interest will also be included. |
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October is the Month to...
- Plant spring flowering bulbs and garlic
- Plant cold season crops, such as lettuce, spinach, etc in a hoop house for early harvest next spring
- Harvest potatoes, store in a cool, dark, dry area
- Brussels sprouts flavor will be enhanced by a few frosts, so hold off harvest until your area has had some cold weather. Harvest the lower sprouts fist and work up the plant over time. Use a knife to harvest as "ripping" them off the main stem, could injure the plant.
- For vegetable harvest information please visit: http://umaine.edu/publications/4303e/
- Clean garden beds, especially, diseased plant material or plants that had an insect infestation during the growing season. Some diseases can overwinter on plant material and some insects can use plant material as protection during the winter months.
- Add uncomposted manure and lime to the garden (if your soil test calls for these amendments). Also add an organic mulch to the top of your garden to hold soil in place and increase nutrients for next year.
- Apply winter protection to strawberry plants.This can be a tricky task because applying materials too early can lead to crown rot. To avoid crown rot apply protection (straw/leaves/etc.) when plants are dormant but before temperatures drop below 20 F, usually late October or early November.
- To make poinsettias "bloom" keep them in complete darkness for 15 hours each day, for example, between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., for eight to ten weeks until red bracts begin to show.
- Donate extra produce to local food cupboards'/soup kitchens through Maine Harvest for Hunger Program: http://extension.umaine.edu/harvest-for-hunger/ If you are a hunter, consider donating game through Hunters for the Hungry Program. For more information please visit: Hunters for the Hungry
- Make notes in your garden journal about what worked well this garden season and what could be improved upon for next year
- Enjoy the fall weather (because we know what's coming...). On cold rainy days check out our website: http://extension.umaine.edu/ we've got tons of gardening related resources, plus other information that is "fun" to know about, for example, a publication about "Why Leaves Change Color", which can be found on our publication site: http://extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu/
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CONGRATULATIONS HOME GARDENERS!!!!
& THANK YOU!
There has been a preliminary total released for pounds of fresh produce donated through the Maine Harvest for Hunger Program. Drum Roll please.......
118,850!!!
That is very impressive, so thank you to those of you who helped UMaine Cooperative Extension have another successful year donating food to local food cupboards. This program essentially puts fresh food on your neighbors table--pretty cool! |
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Whats Wrong with All the Trees?
Many questions and concerns keep "pouring" into the office about trees. Last month we featured an article about the disease known as tar spot, which affects maples. This month, we will follow up by providing some information about evergreens.
From the Somerset County Blog,
http://umaine.edu/somerset/blog/2011/10/06/problems-with-your-trees/
Are your evergreen trees displaying problems? Are they turning brown or dropping needles? Check out this picture reference by Jana and Mike Albers of Minnesota for diagnosing tree problems. Spruce Problem Diagnosis for Yard Trees
White Pine Blister Rust--News Alert
from the Maine Forest Service Forest and Shade Tree Insect and Disease Conditions for Maine Report
According to scientists at Cornell University and the University of Connecticut, a popular cultivar of white pine blister rust immune black currant (Ribes nigrum cv. Titania) has now lost it's immunity to Cronartium ribicola, the white pine blister rust fungus. This is significant in that development of Ribes cultivars highly resistant or immune to white pine blister rust has resulted in the relaxing in other states of the quarantine regulations Ribes plants, and specifically on black currants.
Fortunately for Maine, the Pine Tree State, the Maine Forest Service has maintained its quarantine on Ribes importation and cultivation for over ninety years. Both New York and Massachusetts have initiated a significant currant/gooseberry fruit industry based on putatively "immune" Ribes cultivars, which may now be at-risk of developing the rust disease, as well as jeopardizing nearby white pine stands. The report was recently published in the journal Plant Disease (First Report of White Pine Blister Rust Caused by Cronartium ribicola on Immune Black Currant Ribes nigrum cv. Titania in Preston, Connecticut). The report abstract can be found here: APS Journal |
 4H Clover Promotion The Maine 4-H Foundation along with area businesses is inviting your participation in the Maine Clover Promotion October 1-31 as part of its 4-H Month fundraising campaign. The project raises money for 25,000 youths involved in Maine 4-H. Ways to support the 2011 Maine Clover Promotion: go into participating local businesses or your local University of Maine Cooperative Extension county office to buy a "clover" for $1 or donate online Last year, more than 50 businesses participated and more than 6,000 people purchased clovers. 100% of proceeds go to Maine 4-H. 70% of the contributions go directly to local county 4-H programs and 30% go to statewide programs such as summer camps and trips. 4-H is the youth development program of University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Contact the Maine 4-H Foundation directly at (207) 356-5904 or e-mail audrey.chapman@maine.edu for more information.
Piscataquis & Penobscot County Participating Businesses:
- Dexter Lumber Co., Dexter
- Paris Farmers Union, Newport
- R. M. Flagg Restaurant Equipment, Veazie
- Treworgy Orchards, Levant
- Viking, Inc., Holden
- Abbot Town Office, Abbot
- Bailey Lumber Company, Milo
- Bob's Hardware, Dover Foxcroft
- Extension Office, Dover Foxcroft
- Foxcroft Agway, Dover Foxcroft
- KC's Country Store, Parkman
- Nor'easter Restaurant, Dover Foxcroft
- Parkman Grange, Parkman
- Penquis, Dover Foxcroft
- Rite Aid, Guilford
- Three Rivers Feed, Milo
- True Value Hardware, Dover Foxcroft
- WDME Dover Foxcroft Office
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Featured Bulletins:
The following horticulture related Extension publications are available online or can be ordered at the Extension Office nearest you. Many other publications are available for free online or may be purchased at our secure publications web site.
Why Leaves Change Color
Item #7078
Publisher: UMaine Extension
Many people suppose that frost causes fall colors, but it does not. This 2-page fact sheet explains the chemical processes behind fall foliage colors; includes leaf project ideas for home or classroom. 2001. Download for free, or purchase at your local Extension office for $0.50
Salmonella and Food Safety: Questions & Answers
Item #2258
Publisher: UMaine Extension
Salmonella is the most frequently reported cause of food-borne illness. This 4-page bulletin offers guidelines for preventing bacteria such as Salmonella from causing illness. Describes how Salmonella bacteria make people sick, what the symptoms are, the possibility of long-term consequences, and what foods are most likely to carry Salmonella. 1999, 2011 Download it for free, or purchase at your local Extension office for $0.75
The Woods in Your Backyard: Learning to Create and Enhance Natural Areas around Your Home
Item #7170
Publisher: NRAES
J. Kays, J. Drohan, A Downing, and J. Finley. Promotes the stewardship of small parcels of forest or unmowed areas (1-10 acres) for personal enjoyment and improved environmental quality. Explains ecological principles and how to inventory your property. Color photos throughout. 138 pages, 2006. Purchase online, or at your local Extension office, for $18.00.
Great American Woodlots Series - DVD
Item #9105
From UMaine Extension & MPBN
GREAT AMERICAN WOODLOTS is a 13-part series on five DVDs designed to broaden your knowledge and view of woodlots and forests. GAW presents practical how-to-do information, interviews with woodlot owners, wildlife management demonstrations, as well as viewpoints from forestry leaders.
Note: This series was originally released in 1987 and footage was current at the time of filming. Although there have been advances in technology, the content is still accurate. Purchase online, or at your local Extension office, for $70.00
GroupWorks: Getting Things Done in Groups & Entire Series
Do you plan, facilitate, or attend meetings? Have you ever wished they could be more rewarding? This series of 8 fact sheets (items 6101-6108)-34 pages in all-will teach you about group productivity and effectiveness. 2004. Purchase online, or at your local Extension office, for $7.00 |
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 NEW!! UMaine Extension tote bag
Item #9102
Two-toned (navy/black) University of Maine Cooperative Extension tote is made of sturdy, water-resistant 600D/PVC polyester material. Roomy bag has wide, gusseted base. 26" long, self-material shoulder straps are comfortably wide. $7.99 To order: email: UMaine Extension Publications ( extension.orders@maine.edu), or call 581-3792. |
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Edited by:
Theresa Tilton, Administrative Assistant
Contact Info
Donna R. Coffin, Extension Educator
207-564-3301 or in Maine 1-800-287-1491
and
Katherine Garland, Horticulturist
207-942-7396 or in Maine 1-800- 287-1485
and
Hannah Todd, Home Horticulture Coordinator
207-564-3301 or in Maine 1-800-287-1491
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University System shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status or gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, or veteran's status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University System. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. A member of the University of Maine System.
Information in this newsletter is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned in this newsletter. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied. |
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SURFACE MAIL RECIPIENTS CAN CONTACT THEIR COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION WHEN WEB LINKS ARE INCLUDED IN AN ARTICLE.
Piscataquis County Office 207-564-3301 or 800-287-1491
165 East Main Street Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
Penobscot County Office 207-942-7396 or 800-287-1485
307 Maine Avenue Bangor, ME 04401
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