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Piscataquis and Penobscot
Gardening Newsletter
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Practical horticultural information based on university research
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Photo: Ana Bonstedt.
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Below is a list of the most common reasons why people spend time and effort gardening; maybe you will recognize some of them.
Gardening is good for your health.
Being outside of the house, breathing the fresh air and enjoying the warm sun are the best rewards that we can enjoy when taking care of our plants. When gardening, you are exercising your muscles and your mind is also involved. The time goes by so fast you don't even realize you've spent hours working in your garden. Don't forget to stretch before you start working in the garden!
Gardening will beautify your home and therefore your life.
The beauty of colorful flowers near the front door or around the house can lift spirits, while the harvest of tasty fresh vegetables provides a sense of achievement and feeling of success. Trees and shrubs provide color and shade to your yard and shelter for birds, beneficial insects, and wildlife.
Gardening is a great way to learn and share your knowledge with others.
Since gardening is an outdoor activity, you should invite your children to join in, as they can help you with some of the chores according to their abilities. Gardening requires dedication to succeed. When kids participate in the garden, they learn about the life cycle of plants, how important they are to us and, even better, you are teaching them responsibility and the consequences of their actions. Because gardening is a visible work, they can see first-hand the results of their dedication to their garden.
Gardening will guarantee safe and healthy food
Harvesting your own vegetables and taking care of their proper storage will help you avoid contamination and therefore food-borne illnesses related to it. If you have a copious harvest, you can share it with your neighbors or donate it to local pantries to be distributed to the needy within your community. In case you have any questions related to your garden management or information about local community pantries please do not hesitate to seek advice or help from your local UMaine Cooperative Extension Office.
Gardening to meet people
Yes, this is a good reason to increase your circle of friends, look for garden clubs in your town, offer your help to people who cannot take care of their gardens by themselves, meet with your neighbors and design a garden project to beautify your street. Even better, if you like working with plants and people, you can become a Master Gardener. As a master gardener candidate, you will receive training in horticulture and backyard gardening from the UMaine Cooperative Extension specialists and staff. You'll learn about the basics of vegetable and ornamental gardening, as well as landscaping, plant biology, plant diseases and insects.
UMaine Cooperative Extension through its sixteen county offices around the state provides many Master Gardener Volunteer Training sessions during the year. Visit our website and check for the session closest to your area.
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SOIL TEMPERATURE AND SEED GERMINATION
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Photo: Ana Bonstedt
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Although spring has officially arrived, the weather is still in transition and temperatures are too cold to sow most seeds outside. Hence, this is the time to start seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season.
When sowing inside, the gardener's goal is to provide the best environmental conditions for successful seed germination and seedling growth.
Once the seed is planted, it is essential that germination proceed consistently and without interruption. One of the aspects that induces the seeds to germinate is the soil temperature, which should be held constant (68 to 72ºF). The desired constant temperature can be achieved through heating mats placed under germination containers or on the top of the refrigerator to provide bottom heat.
The optimal germination temperature for any seed is usually printed on the seed packet and is a useful guide for gardeners. But remember, if the soil is too cool, germination is delayed, resulting in seed damage and uneven or inadequate seedling emergence. When the soil is too warm, it will dry easily, and as a result we will need water them daily to promote germination. Seeds and seedlings are very sensitive to drying out and excessive water. Try to keep the soil slightly moist, but not wet. Excess water will encourage damping-off, a deadly fungal disease.
Different crops require different minimum temperatures to germinate. Also, the time to germinate will increase with decreased temperatures. For example, lettuce can germinate at a soil temperature of 35ºF, but it will take 50-days. On the other hand, at 50ºF the lettuce seed can germinate in 7-days and at 77ºF lettuce will germinate in just 2-days. See the table below that shows the minimum, optimum and maximum of soil temperatures to promote germination.
Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed Germination
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Vegetable
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Min
(ºF)
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Opt. Range (ºF)
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Optimum (ºF)
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Max (ºF)
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Bean
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60
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60-85
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80
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95
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Cabbage
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40
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45-95
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85
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100
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Carrot
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40
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45-85
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80
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95
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Cauliflower
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40
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45-85
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80
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100
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Celery
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40
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60-70
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70
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85
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Corn
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50
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60-95
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95
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105
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Cucumber
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60
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60-95
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95
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105
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Eggplant
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60
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75-90
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85
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95
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Lettuce
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35
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40-80
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75
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85
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Onion
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35
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50-95
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75
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95
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Parsley
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40
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50-85
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75
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90
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Pepper
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60
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65-95
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85
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95
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Pumpkin
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60
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70-90
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90
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100
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Radish
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40
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45-90
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85
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95
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Spinach
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35
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45-75
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70
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85
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Squash
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60
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70-95
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95
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100
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Tomato
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50
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70-95
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85
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95
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Turnip
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40
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60-105
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85
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105
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Watermelon
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60
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70-95
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95
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105
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Source: Alabama Cooperative Extension System
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Maine Master Gardener Testimonials 2013 Survey
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The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is in the process of gathering testimonies or quotes from Master Gardener Volunteers from around the state as a way to document the impacts of the program on volunteers. Please go to this link to complete all or part of a short survey. Your participation is optional. Click here
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
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UMaine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond
The University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryan Pond is inviting your children to join us at the 8th Annual Youth Field Day at Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center on June 1, 2013 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Many camp programs will be represented and activities will include: archery, riflery, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, ATV safety, ME Warden Service K-9 unit, and more.
Come to learn more about this great youth resource or check out at UMaine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond
4-H Camp & Learning Centers at Tanglewood & Blueberry Cove
Be sure to check out the opportunities for summer camp fun at our 4-H camps at Tanglewood in Lincolnville and Blueberry Cove in Tenants Harbor. These camps are available for ALL youth, NOT JUST 4-H MEMBERS.
See them at this website: 4-H Camp & Learning Centers at Tanglewood & Blueberry Cove
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Have you ever considered becoming a 4-H volunteer?
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Adults are needed to work with youth as they explore their interests. Share your passions with like-minded young people, and reap the benefits. Some volunteers work for a day, while others work for years.
We are especially looking for one or two adult volunteers in the Dexter area. We have people ready to assist with a great 4-H gardening project, but need a club leader (or leaders) to pull it all together.
There are gardening projects in other communities that would welcome volunteers as well, or you could start a completely new 4-H club in your own area!
Please call your county extension office for more information about these rewarding opportunities.
Penobscot County: (207) 942-7396 or Brenda Mowdy at oilbird1@gmail.com
Piscataquis County: (207) 564-3301 or Sheila Norman at sheila.norman@maine.edu--
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Videos
Publications (click on link)
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Featured Recipe - Red Potato Wedges
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Simple, inexpensive, seasonal recipes from Cooperative Extension
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Ingredients:
- 4 medium red potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
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- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Place potatoes in a large bowl and sprinkle with oil, rosemary, garlic powder and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet coated with oil.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
- Turn potatoes and bake 20 minutes longer, or until browned.
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Seed Starting 101
April 16th, 10-noon at the Cooperative Extension Office in Bangor. Free workshop - Learn the basics of how to successfully start your own seedlings in this hands-on program. Pre-registration required. Reserve your spot today by calling 942-7396 or email katherine.garland@maine.edu.
Bangor Community Garden Accepting Applications
4x8' raised-bed plots in prime Bangor location (near the intersection of Essex Street and Stillwater Ave) are available to lease for the 2013 growing season. Join fellow gardeners in a safe and enjoyable place to get your hands dirty, learn, harvest, and share time with your neighbors. Applying is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
3. Complete the Bangor Community Garden survey Questions are welcome! Call 207-385-2500.
Asparagus and Blueberry Plant Sale Fundraiser - order today!
The public can support Master Gardener Volunteer projects by ordering a set of high bush blueberry plants, consisting of three young plants, two varieties per pack, for $35.95 or a pack of 10 asparagus crowns ready for planting in the spring for $15. Plants must be ordered by April 30 and will be available for pickup at UMaine Extension offices and at Highmoor Farm in Monmouth on Saturday, May 18th.
Purchasers will receive expert advice on growing blueberries and asparagus. "This is more than a plant sale. It is an educational experience with positive results," says Richard Brzozowski, UMaine Extension educator in Cumberland County.
For more information, click here or contact Brzozowski, 207.781.6099 or (toll-free in Maine, 800.287.1471), or Marjorie Peronto, 207.667.8212 (toll-free in Maine, 800.287.1479), or email richard.brzozowski@maine.edu or marjorie.peronto@maine.edu.
Start Seedlings for your Garden:
Thursday, April 18th, 5:30 - 6:30 pm at Monson Center 35 Greenville Road, Route 15 Monson. Free. Learn the basics of Star Seedlings.
Phosphates in Soil:
Saturday, April 20th, 10 -11am at Foxcroft AGWAY 76 North Street in Dover-Foxcroft ME. Free. Learn the way Phosphorus work in the soil and the negative effects when run-off to the water For more information call Ana 207-564-3301.
Apple Tree Pruning Workshop
Saturday, April 27th, 9-noon at Treworgy's Orchard in Levant. Free. Learn the basics of pruning, pest management, and tree maintenance. If time permits, a little grafting demonstration will also be offered. For more information call Kate 207-942-7396.
Black Bear Beauties Plant Sale in the Lyle Littlefield Gardens at the University of Maine May 17th, 18th, and 19th. Look for details in our next newsletter!
Join the Dover-Foxcroft Gardeners
Whether, you're a novice, an expert gardener or somewhere in between. You're invited to join the Dover-Foxcroft Gardeners. This group started last year, planning to meet once a month to discuss a wide range of gardening topics including: annuals and perennials, shrubs, border plantings, and much more! Meetings will be a great opportunity to share success stories, challenges, ideas for projects and activities, gardening tips and creative ideas. Their April meeting will be on Wednesday, 17th from 12-2pm at the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office, 165 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft. Following meetings will be every third Wednesday of the month. For more information call: Dotty Hadler at 564-7256.
Monson Afterschool Program
The Monson Afterschool kids are learning about aquaculture. They have started herb seeds to use in their project. They have learned about the parts of seeds and how they sprout and about the water cycle. On Wednesday April 17th, they will be going to the University of Maine to see the aquaculture research center there, along with several other fun and educational activities.
There is still time to join this group that meets every Monday that school is in session, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.
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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.
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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. |
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.
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Penobscot Office
307 Maine Ave. Bangor, ME 04401 207-942-7396 or 800-287-1485
Piscataquis Office
165 East Main St. Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 207-564-3301 or 800-287-1491 |
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 Penobscot County Piscataquis County |
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