Spring is here. The warm temperatures and lengthening days are awakening plants and wildlife.  In the blink of an eye, spring colors will be everywhere and the cold, gray days of winter will be a memory of the past.

 

Seasonal changes also include the awakening of deer ticks (a carrier of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease).  Lyme disease can be a devastating health problem.  To avoid exposure, it's important to understand the biology of the disease and how it's transmitted.  

  

The bacterium that causes Lyme disease is Borrelia burgdorferi and the primary reservoir of B. borgdorferi in New England is the white-footed mouse. Many other mammals and ground-feeding birds are also considered reservoirs for the disease.

The transmission of Lyme disease begins when an uninfected deer tick larvae is infected during its first blood meal on a host. If the host has B. borgdorferi, the larvae will become infected and will be able to transmit the bacteria to other organisms during later feedings and throughout the remaining life stages (nymphs and adults). Once bacteria are transmitted into the body of a host, it invades tissues and blood.

 

Prevention is the best defense against Lyme disease.  To protect yourself from exposure, use the following precautions from the UMaine Extension Tick ID Lab: 

 

Avoid Direct Contact with Ticks

• If possible, avoid tick-infested areas or areas you believe may be infested with ticks.
• If unavoidable, plan activities involving tick habitat for the hottest, driest part of the day.
• Avoid walking through wooded and brushy areas with tall grass and leaf litter.
• Walk in the center of mowed or cleared trails to avoid brushing up against vegetation.

Dress Appropriately

• Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to detect.
• Wear long pants tucked into socks or boots and tuck your shirt into your pants to keep ticks on the outside of your clothes.
• Do not wear open-toed shoes or sandals when in potential tick habitat.

Use Tick Repellents

• The use of repellents that contain 20-30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing can effectively repel ticks for several hours.
• Use products that contain permethrin to treat clothing and gear. Do not apply permethrin directly to your skin.
• Other tick repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535.
• When using repellents, always follow label directions.
• For more information see our fact sheet on insect repellents.

Perform Tick Checks

• After being outdoors, conduct a full-body tick check. Ticks may be found anywhere on the body, particularly under the arms, behind the knees, between the legs, in and around the ears, in the belly button, and in the hair. Parents should carefully inspect children.
• Carefully remove any ticks you may find (See Tick Removal for instructions).
• Examine gear and pets before returning indoors to ensure no ticks are carried inside. To protect pets, consult a veterinarian about effective options for controlling ticks on dogs and cats (See Pet Protection for more information).

  Photo by Ana Bonstedt

• Tumble clothing in a dryer on high heat for one hour to kill any ticks that may be attached.

More information:

National Garden Bureau is often asked to identify trends we see as it relates to the world of gardening and plant breeding. One that has been obvious the past few years is the proliferation of more compact plants that are perfect for today's smaller gardens. 

When buying annuals, if there is a need for a low-growing edging plant, consider the compact Ornamental Pepper NuMex Easter, a recent AAS Winner that only reaches a height of about 8-10 inches. Or try the low-growing Snappy snapdragons for a more compact version of a classic garden flower. Angelonia is another plant that typically grows up to 3 feet tall but a new series, Serenita™, is a more compact version growing to only 24" tall; the pink Serenita™ is a recent AAS Winner.

Founded in 1920, the National Garden Bureau is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life through increased use of seeds and plants.  

Asparagus Bed Preparation

Planting Asparagus

Preparing the Garden

Planting Blueberries

How to Grow Strawberries: Planting a Strawberry Bed

 

Poultry related websites appropriate for small scale poultry producers (farmers, backyard keepers and 4H leaders) contact Donna Coffin for the list. 

One Search  

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - This year, their educational theme is "Pollinators!". For more information, check out their spring catalog.

Penobscot Beekeepers Association Monthly Meetings - Meetings are typically the last Thursday of every month.  Locations will differ each month with some open hive meetings through summer months.  Anyone is welcome to join one or two meetings for free.  Educational programs and timely discussions are enjoyed each month.  Visit: https://www.facebook.com/PenobscotCountyBeekeepersAssociation or contact Peter Cowin for more details petercowin@tds.net. 

Beekeeping for Beginners through RSU 19 Adult Education, NOKOMIS, Newport on Wed. nights 6:30 to 8:30 April 30th, May 7th and May 14th.  Cost is $30.00.  Peter Cowin, president of Penobscot Beekeepers is the instructor.

 

Find a Farmers' Market - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry maintains a website where you can search for local farms or local farmers' markets by county or town or by product that they sell. Check it out at http://www.getrealmaine.com/.  

 

Sign up for the Maine Home Garden News - You may access the most current issue of the 2013 Maine Home Garden News at: http://umaine.edu/gardening/maine-home-garden-news/ 

Red Maple in Flower Acer ruburm

Hobblebush Viburnum - Viburnum lantanoides

Spring Blooming Wichhazel - Hamamelis vernalis

Penobscot County           Piscataquis County