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Piscataquis & Penobscot
Gardening Newsletter
Volume 10 Issue 4 April 2012
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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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Find Piscataquis County Extension on Facebook
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April is the Month to...
- Look for viburnum leaf beetle eggs on viburnum
 stems(see picture). Prune off infested twigs and eliminate them by burning or disposing in your trash. - Pull invasive plants while the ground is still soft.
- Divide fall blooming perennials.
- Renovate tired lawns by raking away dead grass and sowing seed on bare spots.
- Look for bright red adult lily leaf beetles (LLB) that will be emerging from the soil. LLB adults overwinter in plant debris or soil either near host plants or some distance away. They prefer hibernation sites that are cool, shaded, and moist. If you pick the first batch of adults early in the season, you can potentially have a big impact on this pest pressure for the entire season.
- Start certain seeds indoors. Early April - broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant. Mid April - tomatoes. Late April - melons, squashes, and cucumbers.
- Test the soil in your lawn and garden.
- Enroll in Maine Harvest for Hunger.
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Are Grubs Bugging You?
The early warm weather in March resulted in MANY questions about grubs. Birds and mammals, such as skunks, are busily tilling lawns to harvest protein-rich white grubs. Meanwhile, healthy grass is beginning to grow, making it easier to see the spots where root damage has occurred. People are eager to apply pesticides to address the problem, but WAIT! Spring is not the time of year to apply pesticides for grub problems. Best results occur when pesticides are applied when grubs are young and actively feeding on the turf root zone (late June through July). If you are interested in applying beneficial nematodes, those should be applied in August.
What can you do right now?
Send in samples of your grubs (5 or 6 will be plenty) to your local Extension office for identification. Please place them in a small plastic or glass jar in rubbing alcohol. We can make more precise pesticide recommendations when we know the particular insect you are dealing with - it isn't necessarily a Japanese Beetle grub!
Have the soil tested in your lawn. A soil test will give you fertilizer recommendations that are specific to your site. This will help you provide nutrients that may have been limiting optimal plant growth. A healthy lawn will be able to tolerate a much higher level of grub activity before showing any sign of damage. Click here to request a soil test kit.
For more information: video or bulletin |
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Maine Department of Agriculture Policy on the Establishment of Vegetable Gardens on Septic System Disposal Fields.
While there are no rules or regulations concerning the placement of vegetable gardens on or adjacent to septic system disposal fields, it is the policy of the Maine Department of Agriculture to discourage the practice. Following are the reasons for this policy:
- The most important reason you should not create a vegetable garden above or immediately adjacent to a septic system disposal field is because of the potential for the plants to become contaminated with human pathogens. The vegetable garden plants will send roots down in search of water and nutrients; neither of which will be found in the gravelly sand fill material. If the roots come in contact with waste water, they can take up pathogens such as viruses which can then infect the person eating the plants.
- In a brand new septic system disposal field, the waste water level in the disposal field is usually quite low. Over time, however, as the disposal field matures, ponding of waste water can be expected. This is due to the partial clogging of the soil pores by particles escaping from the septic tank and the living and dead bodies of microorganisms. The thicker this clogging layer is the higher in the disposal field the waste water level will be. The waste water level will also rise during heavy use events or as a family grows up and/or adds more members. Eventually, the waste water levels in a disposal field will likely be high enough for even shallow rooted plants to come in contact with it.
- Water (including waste water) will "wick" up into soil due to capillary attraction. If waste water rises high enough in the disposal field to come in contact with the fill material on top of it, capillary attraction could cause the waste water to wick up to as high as 18" above, depending on the texture of the fill. This is also why no vegetable garden should be placed on a disposal field fill extension, especially near the disposal field. There may be no wicking up to the top of the disposal field or fill extension material at first but it may occur as the disposal field matures.
- Generally, the soil over the top of a septic system disposal field is very droughty, particularly soon after the disposal field is installed, and therefore not suitable for the growing of a vegetable garden. This would create the need for watering of the plants in order for them to prosper. Adding water to the top of a disposal field, particularly if the disposal field was only marginally functional, could cause it to fail.
- Roto-tilling the top of a disposal field could result in damage to the compressed hay or filter fabric. If the compressed hay or filter fabric is damaged, it could allow soil particles to migrate down into the stone or other devices in the disposal field reducing the waste water holding capacity.
- Placing additional fill over the top of a disposal field, in order to create a safe zone for vegetable plants to grow is also not a good idea. The additional fill material might "suffocate" the disposal field by making it more difficult for the free exchange of air. An anaerobic disposal field is much more likely to clog up and fail than an aerobic one. In addition, placing the additional fill material on the disposal system could result in damage to disposal field components by heavy equipment.
The most suitable plants to grow on top of septic system disposal fields and fill extensions is grass. It is also permissible to grow flowers but only if the soil is not roto-tilled and minimal watering is done. No plants that have woody roots should be planted on the disposal field or fill extensions since the roots might clog up pipes and other devices in the disposal field. If you do not want vegetation to grow over your disposal field, it is permissible to cover the bare soil with bark mulch.
Click here for more background information
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| USDA Unveils New Plant Hardiness Zone Map |
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM), updating a useful tool for gardeners and researchers for the first time since 1990 with greater accuracy and detail.
Plant hardiness zone designations represent the average annual extreme minimum temperatures at a given location during a particular time period. They do not reflect the coldest it has ever been or ever will be at a specific location, but simply the average lowest winter temperature for the location over a specified time. Low temperature during the winter is a crucial factor in the survival of plants at specific locations.
Compared to the 1990 version, zone boundaries in this edition of the map have shifted in many areas. The new map is generally one 5-degree Fahrenheit half-zone warmer than the previous map throughout much of the United States. This is mostly a result of using temperature data from a longer and more recent time period; the new map uses data measured at weather stations during the 30-year period 1976-2005. In contrast, the 1990 map was based on temperature data from only a 13-year period of 1974-1986.
Some of the changes in the zones, however, are a result of new, more sophisticated methods for mapping zones between weather stations. These include algorithms that considered for the first time such factors as changes in elevation, nearness to large bodies of water, and position on the terrain, such as valley bottoms and ridge tops. Also, the new map used temperature data from many more stations than did the 1990 map. These advances greatly improved the accuracy and detail of the map, especially in mountainous regions of the western United States. In some cases, advances resulted in changes to cooler, rather than warmer, zones.
View the new map here!
Click here for more information on how the map was developed. |
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19th Annual Maine Garden Day - registra tion now open
Workshops, Educational Displays and Trade Show Saturday, April 14th, 2012 - Lewiston High School
Over 30 workshops to choose from. Including: - Shade and Fruit Tree Pruning
- Organic Soil Ammendments
- Growing and Using Herbs for Cooking and Crafting
- Infrastructure for Livestock
- Is a Root Cellar for Me?
- Chainsaw Safety and Basic Operation
- Edible Perennial Polycultures: Food for Today, Food for the Future
- and many more!
Advance registration only. Seating limited. First come, first served. For more information, visit |
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Landscapes for Pollinators and People Workshops 
Learn how to have beautiful gardens that are safe and productive for you and nature. We'll cover the following questions through discussions and hands-on activities:
- What is a pollinator and why are they so important?
- How can I safeguard pollinator habitat?
- What native plants would attract pollinators?
- How can I identify wild plants?
- What are best practices to use in a pollinator-friendly garden?
- What are realistic expectations for my landscape?
This day-long workshop will be offered on the following dates at these UMaine Extension sites:
- Somerset County - April 12th, 2012
7 County Drive Skowhegan, ME 04976 1-800-287-1495 (in Maine) or 207-474-9622 - Piscataquis County - April 13th, 2012
165 East Main Street Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 1-800-287-1491 (in Maine) or 207-564-3301 - Penobscot County - April 24th, 2012
307 Maine Ave. Bangor, ME 04401 1-800-287-1485 (in Maine) or 207-942-7396 - Hancock County - April 25th, 2012
63 Boggy Brook Road Ellsworth, ME 04605 1-800-287-1479 (in Maine) or 207-667-8212
Registration fee: $10*
* Half price scholarships are available. Please contact your local site for more information.
Register online, or call/e-mail your local site to register.
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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.
Starting Seeds at Home
Item #2751, Publisher: UMaine Extension
Succinct, straightforward instructions to successful preseason seed starting. Covers supplies needed, planting dates, germination time and optimum temperatures for common vegetable seeds, watering, and transplanting. Includes a diagram of a homemade PVC grow-light frame. Includes instructional video (for online viewing). 3 pages, 2008. Download it for free, or purchase at your local Extension office for $0.50.
Extending the Gardening Season
Item #2752, Publisher: UMaine Extension
Provides an overview of various types of plastic mulches and their uses, as well as row covers, cold frames, hoop houses, hot caps, and insulating water tubes. Includes instructional videos for online viewing 5 pages, 2008. Download it for free, or purchase at your local Extension office for $0.75.
Non-Timber Forest Products: Goods from the Maine Woods, Item #2540
Publisher: UMaine Extension
Fiddleheads from ostrich ferns are an iconic spring edible in Maine. Fiddleheads are important to Maine's economy, with pickers, retailers, and woodland owners earning extra income from them each spring. Includes information on biology, identification and the when to pick. 4 pages. 2012. Download it for free, or purchase at your local Extension office for $1.00. |
Events
Wednesday, April 4th, MOFGA sponsored Organic Gardening Class; John Jemison - Orono High School (room 81-across from the cafeteria) Please register by calling 866-4119
Thursday, April 5th, Composting Basics; Kate Garland - Region 3, Lincoln Adult Ed 6-8pm Register by calling 794-8596 x 11 or email gshorey@msln.net. Cost $5 due and payable on or before April 5th.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 6, 7, and 8 - Bangor Garden Show
Wednesday, April 11th, The Food System of the Northeast: Current Capacity and Future Potential; Tim Griffin - UMaine Memorial Union Bangor Room
For more information, contact Eric Gallandt, gallandt@maine.edu, or Constanza Ocampo-Raeder, Constanza_Ocampo-Raeder@umit.maine.edu
Thursday, April 12th Start Your Own Plants from Seeds - 6 pm to 8 pm at PVHS, Milo. Register at http://bit.ly/pyoucan
Friday, April 13th - Landscapes for People and Pollinators - 9 am to 4 pm at Piscataquis Extension Office. Register at http://bit.ly/pyoucan
Saturday, April 14th, Apple Tree Pruning and Grafting - Avalon Acres, St. Albans
The day will start with information about general planting and management practices for apple trees and then move into the orchard for a pruning and grafting demonstration. To register for this event, please call Tom Goodspeed at the UMaine Extension Somerset County Office at 474-9622 or toll free in Maine at 1-800-287-1495. There is no cost to attend this event.
Directions to Avalon Acres Farm: From Newport, takes Rt. 7 West toward Nokomis High School. Turn left on Williams Road. Go past the High School, follow to end (5 miles). Turn left on Rt. 43 toward St. Albans. Go 3 miles, turn right onto Dexter Road. The farm is 1 1/2 miles on the left.
From Skowhegan, take Rt. 2 east to Rt.150 (Hartland Road) into Hartland. Take right onto Rt. 23 to Dexter Road. Turn left onto Dexter Road. Farm is about 1 1/2 miles on the left.
Saturday, April 14th, Apple Tree Pruning and Grafting - Highmoor Farm, Monmouth
Learn to prune fruit trees with Renae Moran, University of Maine tree fruit specialist. A one-hour lecture will be followed by a demonstration in the orchard and a chance to prune apple, peach, pear and plum trees. There is no charge for the class, but please bring your own pruning tools and lunch. After lunch, there will be a grafting demonstration. Pre-registration is not required. Click here for directions and more information.
Saturday, April 21st, Firewood Processing - Leaves and Blooms Greenhouse, Dover-Foxcroft. FMI http://bit/ly/pyoucan
Sunday, April 22nd, Bangor Community Garden Grand Re-Opening - Essex Street, Bangor
Celebrate the launch of the second year of the Bangor Community Garden by lending a hand on Earth Day. We have many new raised bed frames constructed and we now need to get them placed in rows, lined with landscape fabric, and filled with wonderful soil. All volunteers are welcome. If you'd like to help, please contact Kate Garland (942-7396) for more information. Space is still available for those interested in renting a plot!
Thursday, April 26th - Start Your Own Plants from Seeds - 10 am to noon at Charlotte White Center - Dover-Foxcroft . Register at http://bit.ly/pyoucan
Saturday, April 28th, Maine School Garden Day 2012 - Buckfield Jr./Sr. HS
Teachers and educators from schools across the state will be participating in this event promoting school gardens. In 2011, over 100 educators attended this event in Waldoboro.
Classes will focus on topics such as How to start a School Garden, How to grow crops in Maine year-round, What crops to grow, and How much to plant. Through a partnership with Oxford County Cooperative Extension and the Maine School Garden Network, Maine Ag in the Classroom is pleased to offer this timely program for educators that are interested in starting or growing a garden program. Find more information on our website.
Saturday, April 29, 1-2:30pm - Invasive Plants and Native Lookalikes, Part 1 - Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, Old Town
Learn to recognize the most common invasive shrubs & trees and how to distinguish them from the native lookalikes. Dr. Berg Stack's program includes invasive plant management strategies for homeowners, and suggestions on alternative plants for landscaping and wildlife benefit. Bring a hand lens or magnifying glass & tree/shrub identification book if you have them. Part II will take place on June 3, 1:00 - 2:30PM and focus on herbaceous invasive plants, reproduction and seed dispersal. Event is free and open to all ages. Suggested donation $4 dollars for adults, school-aged children are free. Reservations and cancellations requested, call 207-944-9259 or 207-827-2230. Directions to Hirundo Wildlife Refuge.
Sunday, April 30th - deadline for ordering highbush blueberries for the Master Gardener Development Board Fundraisier. Don't wait! To order, click here.
Saturday, May 5, 10am-noon - Apple Tree Pruning Demonstration at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, Old Town
We will demonstrate the renovation of old apple trees to improve their appearance and ability to bear fruit. Apple trees that have not been pruned in the recent past generally have a crowded canopy of branches that bear fruit sparsely. As part of this class, we will demonstrate the type of pruning that promotes a flowering and fruiting habit and the steps involved in beginning the renovation process. The class will be led by Renae Moran, University of Maine Tree Fruit Specialist. Glen Koehler of the UMaine Extension Pest Management Office will also be on board to discuss preventing pest damage to apple trees and fruit.
Free. No registration required. Directions to Hirundo Wildlife Refuge.
Thursday, May 10th, 3pm (rain date: Friday, May 11th, 3pm) - Building a Raised Bed, Part 1 of Gardening with Raised Bed Series
UMaine Extension Piscataquis County Office, Court House Complex, 165 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft. The garden is to the left of the building. To register for sessions, please call the office at (207) 564-3301 or email amanda.miles@maine.edu with your name, address, and phone number.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 11, 12, and 13 - 3rd Annual Black Bear Beauties Plant Sale
Native and sustainable perennials, herbs, trees and shrubs will be on sale in the historical Lyle E. Littlefield Ornamental Trial Garden on the University of Maine, Orono campus. All plants included in this sale are grown by UMaine students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Thursday, June 7th, 3pm (rain date: Friday, June 8th, 3pm) - Starting your Garden, Part 2 of Gardening with Raised Bed Series (see May 10th program listing for details)
Thursday, July 12th, 3pm (rain date: Friday, July 13th, 3pm) - Caring for your Garden, Part 3 of Gardening with Raised Bed Series (see May 10th program listing for details)
July 16-28, 2012 - Permaculture Design Course offered by ESTIA; The International EcoPeace Community, Bucksport, Maine
A Permaculture Design Course (PDC) offers an in depth study of the theory of permaculture as a design sytstem for sustainable agriculture and ecological human settlement. Participants of the course will then implement their knowledge at the Estia Epicenter permaculture site in Bucksport, Maine. Charles & Julia Yelton are students of the co-founder of Permaculture, Bill Mollison. Meals, facilities, and tent sites will be provided. The course fee is $1,200 with a $400 deposit due by March 15th and the remainder due May 1st. Click here for a more detailed description of the course or contact EstiaMaine@gmail.com
Thursday, August 9th, 3pm (rain date: Friday, August 10th, 3pm) - Using Your Harvest with special guest Felicia Dumont, Part 4 of Gardening with Raised Bed Series (see May 10th program listing for details)
Thursday, September 13th, 3pm (rain date: Friday, September 14th, 3pm) - Preserving your Harvest with special guest Jane Conroy, Extension Educator; Part 3 of Gardening with Raised Bed Series (see May 10th program listing for details)
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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
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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