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Piscataquis and Penobscot
Gardening Newsletter
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Practical horticultural information based on university research
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by Ana Bonstedt Home Horticulture Coordinator UMaine Extension
Learning to live with and tolerate overgrown unwanted plants is a challenge that most gardeners face during the growing season. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and understand their life cycles to select the techniques that will control them efficiently.
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Common Plantain
(Plantago major L.)
Photo: Ana Bonstedt
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A plant is labeled as a weed when it does not meet the garden's plan and design, as when a plant grows at the right place but at the wrong time or viceversa. It all depends on how you look at it.
From the plant or weeds point of view, it is growing in the right place, because the soil is rich in nutrients, there is plenty of sunlight, and the water supply is guaranteed. From the gardener's point of view, it is growing at the wrong time and place, because it grows along with the desired plants and it is occupying a place intended for ornamentals and vegetables.
We often wonder why weeds are always infesting our gardens if we neglect them, and why they are so difficult to eradicate. Weeds are successful because they are persistent and pernicious; they possess certain features that allow them to grow fast in good conditions and even to survive under unfavorable circumstances that usually will destroy domesticated plants. Some of these features are:
- Ability to reproduce by forming seeds, tubers, stolons, rhizomes and bulbs.
- Ability to produce a large amount of small seeds.
- Ability to produce seeds that remain viable for several years.
- Ability to use diverse seed dispersal mechanisms (wind, water, animals, humans, etc.)
- Ability to regrow new tissues (stems, roots and leaves) from broken plant parts left behind.
- Ability to grow quickly and vigorously in poor soils.
Therefore, a correct identification of the problem weed, gives you access to information about its life cycle. Weeds fit into three fairly distinct categories: grasses, sedges or broad leaves and based on their life cycles, weeds are of three types: annual, biennial or perennial. Here is an example that will give us information about one of the most common weeds in Maine.
Dandelion
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Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale )
Photo: Ana Bonstedt
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This broadleaf plant native to Europe is considered the planet's most successful weed. It thrives due to its ability to spread and grow fast and easily. Also dandelion is a perennial weed, to be specific is a plant that persists for many growing seasons. When dandelion's leaves have died, the crown and roots stay alive and overwinter to grow again in early spring. This plant possesses a strong root system that may extend to 2 to 5 feet deep in the soil and is capable of releasing ethylene gas to inhibit the growth of surrounding plants.
Now that we have identified the weed and its life cycle, we are able to apply the correct method to control this weed (video)
Weed control practices on perennials must deal with below-ground structures as well as the above-ground portions of the plant. In general the ideal time to control perennial weeds is when the reserves of the roots have been maximally depleted and carbohydrates are beginning to move back down to form new underground structures. That happens when the plant has reached one-fourth of its height or is at the early flower bud stage. The most effective measures to control these types of weeds are, for example, clean cultivation, close mowing or foliar applied herbicides.
On the other hand, the control of annual and biennials weeds is more effective if applied early in the growing season, not only destroying the plants of the current generation, but preventing seed formation for the next.
For more information about managing weeds in the garden please click on the following links:
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Why a New Animal/Plant Disease and Insect Control Lab for Maine?
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Photos: Edwin Remsburg & Griffin Dill
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On November's ballot there will be an $8,000,000 bond referendum to support Maine agriculture, facilitate economic growth in natural resource based industries, and monitor human health threats related to ticks, mosquitoes, and bedbugs through the creation of an Animal and Plant Disease and Insect Control Laboratory administered by University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Explore the ways a new Animal/Plant Disease and Insect Control Laboratory will benefit Maine by clicking on one of these topics:
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Giant Hogweed in the Yard or Garden
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by J. Jonathan Foster, Horticulturist UMaine Extension
Invasive, sometimes hazardous, plant species are not a new problem for Maine residents, or gardeners in general. But occasionally, truly dangerous ones crop up and it's important to recognize the threat posed and know how to deal with it. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegassianum) is a member of the Apiaceae (carrot) family, and boasts enormous size and impressive growth rate. The plant can grow to 14 feet in height, unfurl leaves 2-5 feet across, and produce 12-inch flowers reminiscent of Queen Anne's Lace. Native to Asia, the plant made in-roads into North America as an ornamental plant in the early 1900s, but has now escaped cultivation, is widespread, and is federally designated as a noxious weed.
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Courtesy of UMaine Extension
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Importantly, the plant surface is covered with stiff hairs full of sap-and what makes giant hogweed so hazardous is what happens to that sap on exposed skin in sunlight, a reaction called photo-dermatitis. Blistering, persistent skin burns, long-term scarring, and potential blindness can all result from an encounter that bruises or breaks the plant enough for it to exude sap (specific images are avoided here, but a quick Google search can show just how gruesome it can be). Homeowners should avoid likely candidates for giant hogweed whenever possible, and in any event never handle the plant except at dusk and while wearing protective clothing. Even then, extreme caution should be taken.
Recognizing Giant Hogweed
Fortunately, giant hogweed is an easy plant to recognize, once you know what to look for. The height of the plant, its enormous flowers, silvery and heavily incised leaves, and branching stem structure are all dead giveaways. It tends to be found in bright, moist settings, but can be found in partially shaded areas of backyards, gardens, and roadsides, as well.
All of that said, there are some look-alikes here in our neck of the woods. Cow parsnip, angelica, queen anne's lace, poison hemlock, wild parsnip, and wild lettuce are all commonly mistaken for giant hogweed.
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Wild lettuce leaf
Courtesy of Missoury Botanical Garden
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A fantastic resource for comparing the various parts of each of these plants can be found here: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/horticulture/hogweedlookalikes.shtml. More information and identification pictures can be found here: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/weeds/factsheets/hogweed-ohio.pdf. Nevertheless, if you believe you have hogweed on your property, please do not collect samples to bring to the Cooperative Extension office; this places you and Extension personnel at risk. Instead, try to take pictures of the leaf, stem, flower, and whole plant and email them to Katherine.garland@maine.edu, lois.stack@maine.edu, or james.j.foster@maine.edu. We can help you positively identify the plant and determine a course of action.
Managing Giant Hogweed
The plant is a hardy perennial, so understand that management will take some time and must be followed through on to eradicate a specimen. Non-chemical intervention involves removing flowers before they seed and cutting down or mowing small specimens of the plant before they reach maturity; plant debris should be kept out of compost and should not be burned. Again, no action should be taken unless protective gear is worn and extreme caution exercised. If you should come into contact with the sap, wash the area well with soap and water and contact your doctor. Chemical control options and further environmental information about managing the species can be found here:
http://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/horticulture/documents/GiantHogweedControl.pdf.
Sources:
http://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/horticulture/gianthogweed.shtml
http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=HEMA17
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/39809.html
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These two fungal diseases can be extremely devastating
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Click on the titles above each picture to find important information about these two fungal most common and serious diseases of Stone Fruit and Grape in Maine
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Photo: Ana Bonstedt
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Photo: Ana Bonstedt
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Consumer Pesticide Survey
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The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is conducting a Consumer Pesticide Survey to request your opinion regarding how consumers feel about a small fee on their pesticides going to Extension in the possibility that the State of Maine will approves one.
To complete the survey online, please click on the following link Consumer Pesticide Survey. If you do not have access to the Internet, or prefer to answer the questionnaire on paper, please click here to print it and mail the complete questionnaire to:
James Dill
PSEP Program Coordinator
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Pest Management Office
491 College Ave.
Orono, ME 04473-1295
Phone: (207) 581-3880 or 1-800-287-0279 (in Maine)
E-mail: james.dill@maine.edu
Your answers will be completely confidential.
Thank you in advance for your participation in this important survey.
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Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties Gardening Newsletter Update
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The Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties Gardening Newsletter (PPCGN), now received by over 1,200 readers, has been offered as an educational resource by University of Maine Cooperative Extension for over 10 years. As of January 1, 2015, the PPCGN will be transitioning to electronic-only delivery. There will still be three ways to receive the PPCGN from your local UMaine Extension:
- Piscataquis & Penobscot Counties Gardening Newsletter is available online for free! You can sign up to receive the newsletter through your email or view the archived issues anytime at free e-mail newsletter. If you currently do not have an email, you can get one for free from several email hosts. If you do not have a computer, community libraries have computers for you to use to access information on the Internet and to view your email.
- Those with no email can opt to pay an annual subscription to receive the newsletters monthly for $15/year. More details on how to subscribe later this fall.
- A third option is to come into the Piscataquis or Penobscot County Extension Office and pick up a free printed copy of the newsletter.
We appreciate our readers referring others to the newsletter, and sharing it with their family and friends.
Thank you for your continued support of the PPCGN, valuable gardening information from Extension for folks in the central Maine area since 2003.
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Simple, inexpensive, seasonal recipes from Cooperative Extension
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Ingredients:
- 3 cups of kale (about 10 large leaves)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/8 tsp salt (optional)
| Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350° F
- Wash kale and spin dry in a salad spinner
- Remove kale leaves from center stalk and tear into bite- sized leaves
- Spread kale leaves out on baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil
- Sprinkle with salt (optional)
- Bake for 15 minutes or until kale is crispy with edges slightly browned.
- Enjoy a scrumptious taste sensation!
Variations:
Kids love to try different seasonings such as parmesan cheese or different herb.
Variations can be used in a taste test to choose most popular seasoning.
Makes 4 servings
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UMaine Extension Piscataquis County Annual Meeting - GuilfordPiscataquis County UMaine Extension with the help of Valley Grange and Penquis are inviting the general public to join them on Saturday September 6th to celebrate the Annual Meeting and raise some money to help Piscataquis Santa. The first part of the program called The Meal Deal will be running from 5:00-7:00pm and it is a celebration of the harvest using locally grown products, the second part is the Annual Meeting at 7:00 pm with Exhibits and Demonstration regarding farming, gardening and 4-H and what Extension is all about. Also John Jemison, Agronomist and Soil/Water Quality Specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, will offer a talk on "Think Globally, Eat Locally ... the Maine Food Strategy" and how local producers fit in it. Attend either of both and enjoy this event at Valley Grange in Guilford, located at 172 Guilford Center Road - corner of Butter Street. For more information about this event you can contact UMaine Extension Piscataquis County Office by phone (207) 564-3301 or by e-mail at cepsq@umext.maine.edu
UMaine Extension Piscataquis County Annual Meeting at Guilford (pdf)
UMaine Extension 4-H at Piscataquis Valley Fair 2014 - Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.
The UMaine Extension Piscataquis County 4-H Program is inviting 4-H members in Piscataquis, Penobscot, and Somerset Counties to participate in the different activities that they have scheduled for this year. Please click the following link for detailed information and rules 4-H 2014 PSQ Fair or contact Sheila Norman at (207) 564-3301/ sheila.norman@maine.edu
Rogers Farm Master Gardener Demonstration Garden 2014 Update
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Copyright Jonathan Foster
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The season continues apace at the UMaine Rogers Farm Master Gardener Demonstration Garden in Old Town. Early season bloomers like iris and peony have given way to the full summer guard of zinnia, petunias, and snapdragons, ensuring a beautiful scene any time visitors arrive for a stroll. And the Harvest for Hunger vegetable plots are in full swing, with impressive donations going out each week to local food pantries. Three group tours have taken in the gardens, countless passers-by have stopped for a gardening chat, and our work night crew has remained robust at 20-25 people per session!
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Copyright Mary Turner
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Strong efforts were put in this season to renovate the iris and blueberry beds-they were in need of a little TLC, but are now looking healthy and happy (and it's a rare work night that doesn't see the gardeners, particularly our younger helpers, stopping once or twice to grab a handful of plump berries weighing down our branches). The All-American Selections garden is at full strength, providing a huge burst of color in the middle of the garden. And to everyone's delight, our flower plots and the buckwheat cover crops flanking the Demonstration Garden are alive with bees.
The Master Gardener outreach and education events at the Demonstration Garden have received positive feedback, with a presentation on gardening with small budgets or in small spaces, and a great program on the ecology of gardening with native plants by Rebel Hill Farm's Julie Beckford. The third and final event of the season-Art in the Garden!-will take place rain or shine on Tuesday, August 19th, at 6 p.m.More info 942-7396
Small Space Gardening Series - Skowhegan, Maine - University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering a six-class workshop on building, planting, maintaining and harvesting in raised beds, square-foot gardens and containers. Classes meet monthly from May through October at the UMaine Extension office, 7 County Drive, Skowhegan. The first class is 9-11 a.m. May 1; the final class is Oct. 9. UMaine Extension Somerset County staff will teach the classes and local Master Gardener Volunteers will work with participants in demonstration gardens throughout the growing season. Harvested produce will be shared with area schools, and senior and food kitchen programs. Course fee is $10 per person. Scholarships are available. To register, or to request a disability accommodation, call Pete Bastien at 207.474.9622 or 1.800.287.1495 (in Maine). Requests received at least 10 days in advance are preferred; all requests will be accepted. People are welcome to register after the first session.
Woodland Steward Program - Would you like to learn the basics that every woodland owner should know? This online program is aimed at helping woodland owners get the most enjoyment out of their land. To learn more, visit: www.woodland-steward.org or email info@woodland-steward.org
Herb Society - Meetings are held 10am-12pm the second Thursday of every month (except for July and August) at the Penobscot County Extension office, 307 Maine Ave. Bangor, ME. Refreshments at 9:30. Anyone is welcome to sit in on one meeting without having to join. Membership is $15. Visit their website: https://sites.google.com/site/maineherbsociety/2012-yearly-program Contact Theresa at 942-7396 for more information.
Free Landscape for Life - The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the United States Botanic Garden are calling for applications for the new Landscape For Life™ 'Train the Trainer' webinar series offered free of charge in 2014. Bring Landscape For Life to your community by becoming an official trainer. Ideal for botanic garden, horticulture educators, master gardeners and those interested in teaching sustainable gardening practices. Please click on the following link for detailed information and schedule Train the Trainer Webinar Series
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
PVAEC Adult Education - Milo Is this plant a weed?
Is the question that many gardeners ask to themselves. If you want to know a little more about how to identify weeds and their life cycles? So this class is for you.
Also you will learn the basics of Integrate Pest Management (IPM) a combination of common sense control measures to prevent, contain, eliminate or eradicate the weeds that are ruining your garden. The class will meet on Thursday October 2nd from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Penquis Valley High School Milo. For more information about this class and other classes offered for Fall 2014 please visit the following link PVAEC or call to 800-551-6525.
Join the Dover-Foxcroft Gardeners - Anyone is invited to join the monthly group which was established last year 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. Meetings will be every third Wednesday of the month. For more information call: Dotty Hadler at 564-7256.
MOFGA Online Event Calendar - If you're wondering what may be going on for educational events in the area, the MOFGA Events calendar may be of interest to you. Check out their schedule of upcoming events on the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association website: http://www.mofga.org/Events/tabid/78/Default.aspx
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/
1) Subscribe via RSS feed by clicking on Subscribe to the RSS feed at:
http://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/feed/
2) Or, to receive an e-mail announcement when a new issue of the Maine Home Garden
News is posted, fill out the online form at:
www.umext.maine.edu/forms/maine-home-garden-news/subscribe.asp.
3) OR, like/follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter to hear about updates.
Upcoming programs at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
Upcoming programs at Fields Pond Audubon Center
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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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Contributors
Donna Coffin, Extension Educator
Kate Garland, Horticulturist
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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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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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