#umainecooperativeextension — Public Fediverse posts

#UMaineExtension offers #Greenhouse technology workshops for #HomeGardeners and aspiring growers

September 22, 2026

BOOTHBAY, Maine – "University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer two Greenhouse Education Program workshops Saturday, October 17, at the Bosarge Education Center at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay. Basics/Refresher of #GreenhouseTechnology begins at 12:30 p.m. and #GreenhouseLighting begins at 3 p.m.

The workshops are designed for home gardeners, aspiring growers, educators and others interested in greenhouse technology. Topics in the first session will include greenhouse structures and covering materials, heating, cooling, ventilation, automation, environmental controls and practical, cost-effective approaches to common greenhouse challenges. The second session will focus on the role of light in greenhouse crop production and practical approaches to managing and supplementing light. Both sessions will be led by Ankit Singh, assistant Extension professor and ornamental horticulture educator at UMaine.

The cost is $20 for each workshop. Registration information is available on the Greenhouse Education Program webpage."

FMI or to request a reasonable accomodation:
https://extension.umaine.edu/2026/09/22/greenhouse-technology-workshops-for-home-gardeners-aspiring-growers/

To register:
https://extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/ornamental-horticulture/greenhouse-education-program/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineWorkshops #DIY #Greenhouses #BuildingGreenhouses #HomeGardens #MaineEvents #BoothbyME #CoastalMaineBotannicalGardens #MidcoastMaine #UMaineCooperativeExtension

UMaine Extension Gleaning Handbook

"Webster’s New World Dictionary defines gleaning as “to harvest grain left behind by reapers.” The Maine Harvest for Hunger program has adapted the gleaning model to help get more nutritious, fresh food to more community members in need. Thanks to the generosity of local farmers, #MasterGardener Volunteers and other trained volunteers are invited into the fields to harvest designated produce for local pantries and soup kitchens. Learn more at the Maine Harvest for Hunger website.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension considers gleaning to be food harvested/sourced and transported for donation to food pantries and other organizations that provide food for those who are food insecure. This food can come from community gardens, home gardens, farm stands, and farmers markets. It can also be grown on commercial farms, where the farmer allows volunteers to glean on their farm. Crops typically gleaned are those that keep well or have a long storage life. However, even crops with a short shelf life can be gleaned if it is done quickly and the food is properly distributed for consumption or preserved for later use.

#UMaineExtension is involved in gleaning because food insecurity exists in every Maine county. Extension has a long history of addressing the research and education needs of Maine’s farming and home gardening communities with its focus on the Maine Food System. Gleaning is one way to reduce food waste and get local food to its best use—feeding local people—quickly.

Information in this handbook does not necessarily pertain to every gleaner/gleaning group, every time. It is an outline of potential ways to do gleaning. Being organized is essential, whether at a farm, garden, or pantry. Being organized includes knowing who does what, when, and where, so that the food gathered does not go to waste.

All sections can stand alone, so it is not necessary to read this handbook in a specific order. Feel free to skip to the topics relevant to your situation. This handbook is organized from the general to the specific and ends with inspirational success stories and a list of additional resources.

[...]

"Late summer is when squash, beans, flowers, and corn are typically in season. Fall is the season of hard squash, root vegetables, and potatoes, which are long-lasting storage crops. In the fall, apples are also a natural “group glean” for schools, companies, and families. Apple picking is a fall tradition, and this is a good “first glean” for new groups of volunteers. Gleaning can occur in test fields after data has been gathered at educational farms or even at farms that are growing plants to test for seed production. In Maine, #JohnnysSeeds has always been very generous when it comes to gleaning their fields."

Learn more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/harvest-for-hunger/gleaning-handbook/#additional-resources

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingFood
#MainersHelpingMainers #MOFGA #UMaineCooperativeExtension
#NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #BuildingComunity #GrowYourOwnFood
#FeedingNeighbors #GYO #FarmToTable #LocalFarms #ZeroWaste #ReduceFoodWaste #FoodSecurity #FoodInsecurity #HarvestForHunger #ReduceFoodWaste #FoodSecurity #MerrymeetingGleaners #AndroscogginGleaners #ApplePicking #EndOfHarvest #FoodSafety #YarmouthCommunityGarden #CumberlandCountyGleaning #MaineHarvestForHunger

Community-Based #SharingTables Offer New Way to Ease Hunger in #Maine

By Kathleen McLaughlin
September 1, 2024

“We need to have a table in each town. That is the ultimate goal we’re looking at here.” - #ViñaLindley

Read more:
https://www.mofga.org/stories/local-food/sharing-tables-for-hunger-relief/

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingFood
#MainersHelpingMainers #MOFGA #UMaineCooperativeExtension
#NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #BuildingComunity #GrowYourOwnFood
#FeedingNeighbors #GYO #FarmToTable #LocalFarms #ZeroWaste #ReduceFoodWaste #FoodSecurity #FoodInsecurity

#UMaineCooperativeExtension - Bulletin #4085, Let’s Preserve: #Tomatoes

Developed by Penn State Cooperative Extension with special project funds from Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Table of Contents

- Recommended Varieties
- Quality
- Quantity
- #Acidification
- #Freezing
- #Canning Procedure
- Process Times

Recipes

- #TomatoJuice
- Tomato and Vegetable Juice Blend
- Whole, Halved or Crushed Tomatoes
- Tomatoes and Okra or Tomatoes and Zucchini
- Chili Salsa (Hot Pepper-Tomato Dip)
- Standard Tomato Sauce
- Spaghetti Sauce without Meat
- Hot Barbecue Sauce
- Standard Tomato Ketchup
- Country Western Ketchup
- Blender Ketchup

Learn more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4085e/

#SolarPunkSunday #PreservingTomatoes #FoodSecurity #PreservingTheHarvest #GrowYourOwnFood #FoodPreservation

#UMaineCooperativeExtension - Bulletin #2750, An Introduction to #SeedSaving for the #HomeGardener

By Mark Hutton

"Rediscovering Seed Saving

"Seed saving is an ancient art that enabled humans to cease being hunter-gatherers. Up until the end of World War II, home gardeners typically saved their own seeds, because high-quality seeds at affordable prices were generally not available. However, seed saving declined with the development of the commercial seed industry, which made low-cost, high-quality vegetable and flower seeds readily available. Presently, renewed interest in #heirloom, unique, and locally adapted vegetable and flower varieties is sparking a resurgence in seed saving.

"Seed-saving is a natural next step for passionate gardeners. Saving seeds not only allows home gardeners to save money; it provides them with an opportunity to express their creativity! This is because saving seed is a form of selection—the very basis of plant breeding. When choosing which plants to save seed from, a gardener must decide which plants have the most desirable characteristics in terms of meeting their goals for plant size, yield, fruit quality, maturity date, attractiveness, etc., thus helping to improve the offspring. When you save seed from your garden, you can create a cultivar uniquely suited to your location, your aesthetic sensibilities, and culinary tastes. Saving seeds takes time, planning, and attention to detail. Here are some basics to get you started on your seed saving adventure."

Learn more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2750e/

#SolarPunkSunday #UMaine #Maine #GrowYourOwn #Seeds #HarvestingSeeds #HeirloomSeeds #Gardening #HomeGardens

So, we are battling some of the #InvasivePlants mentioned in this bulletin, and the #BlackCherry is winning out!

#UMaineCooperativeExtension - Bulletin #2575, #NativeTrees and Shrubs for #Maine Landscapes: Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

"This series of publications is the result of a five-year research project that evaluated the adaptability of a variety of native trees and shrubs to the stresses of urban and residential landscapes in Maine. Non-native invasive plants pose a serious threat to Maine’s #biodiversity. Plants such as #JapaneseBarberry, shrubby #honeysuckle, and #AsiaticBittersweet, originally introduced for their ornamental features, have escaped from our landscapes, colonizing natural areas and displacing native plants and animals. By landscaping with native plants, we can create vegetation corridors that link fragmented wild areas, providing food and shelter for the native wildlife that is an integral part of our ecosystem. Your landscape choices can have an impact on the environment that goes far beyond your property lines.

[...]

"Black cherry deserves a spot in any landscape devoted to wildlife. The cherries are an important food for songbirds and small mammals, and the plant is host to over 200 species of butterflies and moths."

Learn More:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2575e/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineLandscapes #NativePlants #VegetationCorridors #EdibleLandscapes #WildlifeCorridors #GardeningForWildlife

@MelissaBenyon Ooooh... Sprouts I've made using stuff around the house, but a yogurt maker would be cool...

https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/2021/07/29/how-to-make-yogurt-at-home/

#SolarPunkSunday #PreservingFood #UMaineCooperativeExtension

One of the most #SolarPunk events to happen in Southern #Maine! This Saturday!!!

#BrunswickME - 2nd Annual #DIYFestival

Saturday, June 13, 2026
10:00am - 1:00pm

#CurtisMemorialLibrary
23 Pleasant Street
Brunswick, ME 04011

"Roll up your sleeves and bring your curiosity— our 2nd annual #DIY Festival is packed with #inspiration, #creativity, and #PracticalSkills! From #repairing the things you love to #preserving the #harvest, we're bringing together #makers, #growers, and #doers of all kinds to celebrate #SelfReliance, #community, and #craft. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone.

DEMONSTRATIONS BY:

#UMaineCooperativeExtension (Strawberry Jam #canning preservation) | #MerrymeetingBayTrout Unlimited (#Flyfishing and #FlyTying) | #ArtVan (#ButtonMaking & #Crafts) | #RepairCafe | Design Your Own #Puzzle in the Children's Library | #BlockPrinting & more!

LECTURE SERIES in the MORRELL MEETING ROOM:

10:00 - Explore #NativeGardens with members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church's Earth Care Team

10:45 - Join the #MARIAProject from #BigelowLaboratory for #OceanSciences to learn what you can do with #MaineAlgae

11:30 - Enjoy a performance from Curtis' own Friday morning #Ukulele Friends

Noon - Try out a free #Pilates lesson with Routine. Bring your own mat if you can. 20 person limit.

Source:
https://curtislibrary.libcal.com/event/16450234

#SolarPunkSunday #LibariesRule #MaineLibraries #MaineEvents #RepairCafesMaine #PuzzleDesign #FoodPreservation #BuildingCommunity #Gardening #SelfCare

I spent a little time *weeding* in the backyard #FoodForest. And by weeding, pretty much pulling out the few patches of #OrientalBittersweet that were still around. With both #WildStrawberries and #Raspberries growing in that spot, there will be plenty of berries to go around -- just not invasive ones! And yeah, Oriental Bittersweet is something one has to pull up by the roots, and then burn them. I've pretty much eradicated it from two spots in my backyard, but I'll have to keep on top of looking out for it until other plants take over!

What is the best least toxic way to get rid of Oriental Bittersweet without using #Roundup

June 14, 2023, #UMaineCooperativeExtension

Excerpt: "The root stock is the bigger problem. Generally, chemical intervention is the preferred method at that point, but I understand and respect your efforts to keep away from pesticides. What you’re then looking at is conscientious removal of new shoots as they emerge from the root stock; it will take several seasons, but with diligence you can eventually starve out the underground portions of the plant. Take special care to inspect the area around the roots/new shoots, as the plant can spread underground and you want to make sure it isn’t sneaking a shoot up a nearby tree without you noticing."

Read more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2023/06/14/what-is-the-best-least-toxic-way-to-get-rid-of-oriental-bittersweet/

#SolarPunkSunday #InvasiveSpecies #Gardening #Weeds #InvasiveWeeds

#UMaine #TickLab - #Ticks of Maine

"There are fifteen different tick species that have been found in Maine, though not all are permanent residents. Some may arrive in the state on wildlife hosts and do not establish viable populations. Other species have thrived in Maine and are now widespread throughout much of the state. The biology and ecology of ticks can vary significantly based upon species and can determine the level of threat each species poses.

The Most Commonly Encountered Tick Species of Maine:

- Blacklegged Tick or #DeerTick (Ixodes scapularis)
- American #DogTick (Dermacentor variabilis)
- #WoodchuckTick (Ixodes cookei)

Other Tick Species Found in Maine:

- Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis)
- Brown Dog Tick or #KennelTick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
- Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum)
- Ixodes angustus
- Ixodes brunneus
- Ixodes dentatus
- Ixodes gregsoni
- #LoneStarTick (Amblyomma americanum)
- Mouse Tick (Ixodes muris)
- Rabbit Tick (Haemaphysalis leporispalustris)
- Seabird Tick (Ixodes uriae)
- Squirrel Tick (Ixodes marxi)
- Winter Tick or #MooseTick (Dermacentor albipictus)

Source [includes more information and photos]:
https://extension.umaine.edu/ticks/maine-ticks/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineTicks #TickIdentification #TicksInMaine #UMaineCooperativeExtension #UMaineCoopExtension #TickPrevention #SpendTimeInNature #TickSafety

Use this #DuctTape trick to protect yourself from #tick bites

By Sam Schipani, Bangor Daily News Staff
June 16, 2021

"With ticks on the rise in Maine this year, intrepid outdoorsy folks are getting creative with methods for keeping ticks at bay. Among the methods circulating via popular social media sites is to wrap duct tape with the sticky side out around pants ankles to catch ticks while they try to crawl up legs.

"It looks silly, sure. But does it work?

"Griffin Dill, who manages the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab, said that it’s not a terrible idea, as long as the tape is snug enough that the ticks can’t get underneath it.

" 'I have seen this trick circulating online, particularly through social media,' Dill said. 'A primary focus of tick bite prevention is creating a barrier that will prevent the tick from accessing bare skin. Wrapping a layer of sticky tape around your ankles will not completely prevent tick bites, but any added barrier can help.'

"The placement of the duct tape is key because it targets a place where ticks often climb onto bodies.

"Chuck Lubelczyk, vector ecologist at Maine Medical Center Research Institute, said most tick encounters happen below the knee.

" 'Especially on hot days like the last couple of days, ticks are really close to the ground,' Lubelczyk said. 'A lot of moisture is trapped around the ground level, which makes the ticks very happy. They tend to really get on people at the ankle height and crawl up pant legs. Anything you can do to close your pant legs will help.'

"Dill explained that if you have found ticks on your back, neck or head, they likely climbed up from your ankles, so the extra ankle protection is even helpful to keep ticks away from your upper body.

" 'Ticks have a natural inclination to climb up on a host, so if they don’t immediately encounter exposed skin they will generally travel up until they do,' he said. 'Dog ticks in particular are known to climb up and become attached high on the body, especially around the neck and head. Ultimately, the concern isn’t necessarily keeping the ticks from falling down your shirt, but keeping them from accessing exposed skin on their way up the body.'

"That said, the method isn’t perfect. Durability of the tape, for instance, can be an issue.

" 'I wouldn’t probably do that if I were doing any kind of real hiking or bushwhacking, or people that are going out for extensive hikes and stuff,' Lubelczyk said. 'I would see that stuff coming apart if you’re out walking in the brush heavily. If it’s raining it might get wet and may not be effective. I think people should be aware.'

"If you’re looking for a more effective way to keep ticks away, try #gaiters for your ankles and legs, Lubelczyk said."

Source:
https://observer-me.com/2021/06/16/living/use-this-duct-tape-trick-to-protect-yourself-from-tick-bites/

#SolarPunkSunday #UMaineCoopExtension #UMaineCooperativeExtension #TicksInMaine #TickControl #DuckTape #StopTickWraps

Bulletin #7151, Landscaping for #Butterflies in #Maine (PDF)

This fact sheet was developed by: Nancy Coverstone, Extension educator, Jim Dill, Extension pest management specialist, and Lois Berg Stack, Extension ornamental horticulture specialist.

Table of Contents:

- The Life Cycle of Butterflies
- Common Maine Butterflies
- How to Create Habitat that Entices Butterflies
- “Wild” Places Attract Butterflies
- #NativePlants Support Butterflies
- Design Tips for a Successful #ButterflyGarden
- Nectar Sources for Butterflies and Moths
- Larval Food Sources
- Further Readings

"Butterflies are beautiful insects, and they are also an important part of the ecosystem. In their search for nectar, they spread pollen from one flower to another and help ensure seed for new generations of plants. They also recycle nutrients and are prey for many species of birds, spiders and small mammals. Gardening and landscaping can create or enhance habitats for butterflies so they may survive and thrive. Whether your yard is in a city, suburb or rural community, you can make it a haven for butterflies.

Butterflies belong to the insect order Lepidoptera, along with moths and skippers. All species of butterflies in Maine, of which there are more than one hundred, have four wings covered with small scales. The butterfly families in Maine are #swallowtails (Papilionidae), whites and sulphurs (Pieridae), gossamer-wings (Lycaenidae), brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae), #monarchs (Danaidae), and arctics and satyrs (Satyridae), which includes the endangered #KatahdinArctic. Skippers (#Hesperiidae) have characteristics of both butterflies and moths.

When developing a landscape for butterflies, first consider butterfly species present in your area and their preferred habitats. Then consider plants suited to your climate and your backyard habitat. Assess what your landscape already provides, and add to that. Each butterfly species has a preference or need for a particular habitat type, such as meadow, woods, woodland edges or marshes. Also, some species are specialists, while others are generalists regarding food sources. The habitat preference as well as plants you provide will determine your success in attracting a particular butterfly species. An identification field guide will prove helpful."

Learn more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/7151e/

#SolarPunkSunday #ButterflyHabitat #BackyardHabitats #GardeningForPollinators #UMaineExtension #UMaineCooperativeExtension

Bulletin #7153, Understanding #NativeBees, the Great #Pollinators: Enhancing Their Habitat in #Maine (PDF)

This fact sheet provides information on the native bees in Maine and their habitat requirements. It suggests ways to manage our yards for bees, so that the bees will survive, thrive and reproduce. Food plants, nest sites and appropriate nest materials are critical for enhancing bee habitats.

Includes a list of "some plants known to be attractive to native bees in Maine."

Excerpt: "Finding the Bees in Your Yard

The most likely place to find bees is in the flowers of native plants, when the day is sunny, relatively calm, and the temperature is above 70°F. To be active, fly and feed, bees need to be warm. A few species are active below 60°, but most prefer temperatures above 72°. Wind makes flying more difficult because it requires more energy. Although some species may be active by late February if temperatures are unusually warm, the vernal bee species (those present in the spring) generally become active by mid-April. You may observe them on early blooming flowers, such as willow catkins and dandelions. Some native bee species continue their activities into the autumn until the last asters, dandelions and autumn dandelions die. The greatest diversity and abundance of native bees is in midsummer, unless there is a lack of suitable flowers, perhaps because of drought, heavy rains, or how the landscape is managed.

Other places to find native bees are where they nest. Look at the soil along bare banks with a sunny southern exposure. Look in bramble canes, beetle borings in snags, and in abandoned birdhouses. If you do search for bee nests, remember to be cautious for yourself and respectful of them!"

Read more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/7153e/

#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #PollinatorHabitat #MainePollinators #MaineBees #NativeBees #NativePlants #BeeFriendlyPlants #UMaineExtension #UmaineCooperativeExtension

Doing some of this myself!

The Last of Winter: Using Up Your Home #Canned and #FrozenFoods

April 9, 2026, Sandra Mitchell, #UMaineExtension

"By the time April rolls around, the rhythm of the kitchen begins to shift. The bins of stored vegetables—once full in the fall—are noticeably lighter. The onions have softened, a few potatoes have begun to sprout, and the last of the carrots are tucked into the corners of the crisper drawer. In the freezer, bags of berries and containers of soup remain, but their number is dwindling. Shelves that held neatly stacked jars of tomatoes, beans, and pickles now show gaps. This is the quiet end of the storage season.

For those who preserve food, April is not a time of abundance. It is a time of assessment, creativity, and careful use—a moment to take stock of what remains and use it well, while maintaining food safety and quality.

Taking Inventory: What Do You Have Left?

Before planning meals or preservation projects, it is worth taking a deliberate inventory of stored foods:

- Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets, onions, winter squash)
- Frozen produce (berries, vegetables, prepared meals, stocks)
- Home-canned goods (vegetables, fruits, sauces, soups, pickles) [Also store-bought canned foods -- check dates and make sure cans aren't bulging or rusted]

As you assess, check for quality and safety:

- Discard root vegetables that are soft, moldy, or show signs of rot
- Remove sprouts and green portions from potatoes before use
- Examine home-canned jars for seal integrity and discard any with signs of spoilage (bulging lids, leakage, or off-odors)
- Use frozen foods that have been well-wrapped and free of freezer burn first

This process not only ensures safety but helps guide how to use remaining foods efficiently."

https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/2026/04/09/the-last-of-winter-using-up-your-home-canned-and-frozen-foods/

#SolarPunkSunday #UMaineCooperativeExtension #FoodWaste #FoodSecurity #Recipes #FoodPreservation #CannedFood #FrozenFood #FoodSafety #FoodStorage

#UMaineCooperativeExtension - 6 Fast Recipes for That Can of #Beans in Your Pantry

by Alex Gayton, January 8, 2026

"Many of us have had it happen—you buy a can of beans that you think you will use eventually, but alas, it has been in the pantry for months. It’s easy for me to say use your can of beans to make your own hummus, but something tells me that if you have a can of beans not used, this will be too much effort compared to buying a store-bought hummus – confession, I hardly ever make homemade hummus, it’s just too much work for me. Here are 6 quick, low-effort recipes you can make with those pantry beans right now."

Learn more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/2026/01/08/6-fast-recipes-for-that-can-of-beans-in-your-pantry/

#SolarPunkSunday #RecipesOnABudget #CannedBeans #FoodSecurity #FoodWaste #LowEffortRecipes #ChickpeaPotPie #Recipes #BlackBeas #BlackBeanBrownies #BlackBeanBurgers #VegetarianChili #VegetarianRecipes #CannedFood

NEW! From #UMaineCooperativeExtension - Bean Basics: How to Safely Can Any Type of Dried Bean

Kate McCarty
March 19, 2026

"I typically buy canned beans from the grocery store. They’re inexpensive and ready in a pinch. But with so many great varieties of dried beans available from local farmers in #Maine, I decided to challenge myself to a new food preservation project and try my hand at making my own canned beans using dried beans."

Learn more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/2026/03/19/can-dried-beans/

#SolarPunkSunday #FoodSafety #Canning #DriedBeans #FoodPreservation #FoodSecurity

#UMaineCooperativeExtension - Bulletin #2077, #Potato Facts: Growing Potatoes in the #HomeGarden

"Potatoes and #Maine have a long tradition together. Potatoes have always been a popular crop in home gardens, especially since they can be stored for use during the long Maine winter.

Potatoes can be grown in all parts of Maine in home gardens, but they need more attention and care than most vegetables. If you do a good job controlling insects and diseases, you’ll improve potato yields, and also protect Maine’s commercial potato industry."

Learn more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2077e/

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwn
#GYO #GrowYourOwnFood #MaineGardens #Gardening

Alrighty then. I found some nearby #CommunityGardens, and also some good materials from #UMaineCooperativeExtension , including guidelines!

I'm also going to suggest that the town money be used for these expenses...

- Electric Fence? (If needed)
- Soil Testing?
- Materials to build compost bins?
- Water tank?
- Water source for refilling tank (compensation)?
- Markers to mark out plots?

Guidelines for Community Gardens:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4300e/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #GrowYourOwn #FoodSecurity

This event has passed. But keep an eye out for more from presenter #ViñaLindley !

#Online - Produce #SharingTables: An Approach to #GardenGrown #FoodAccess

April 7 @ 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Free – $15

"This event is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

This webinar will explore #WaldoCounty Bounty’s Give and Take program, a stigma-free model for sharing surplus #GardenProduce through community drop-off sites. Participants will learn how the program operates, how new sites are selected, and how to start a #GiveAndTake site in their own community. Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to address farm losses and food insecurity in rural Waldo County, #Maine, where nearly 6,000 residents face #FoodInsecurity, the program connects local #gardeners, #farmers, and #neighbors to expand access to healthy, local food.

Speakers: Viña Lindley, UMaine Extension Horticulture Professional and Mattie John Bamman, Waldo County Bounty Communications Coordinator"

FMI and to register:
https://www.mofga.org/event-calendar/produce-sharing-tables-an-approach-to-garden-grown-food-access/

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingFood #MainersHelpingMainers #UMaineCooperativeExtension #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #BuildingComunity #GrowYourOwnFood #FeedingNeighbors #GYO #FarmToTable #LocalFarms #LocalFood #OnlineWorkshops

#Online - #CommunityGardens and #FoodSecurity in Maine

April 14 @ 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Cost: $0 - $15

"This webinar is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Across Maine, community gardens are increasing food security by bringing people together to grow food for their communities. This panel will explore how collective garden spaces allow neighbors to work side by side to grow fresh, local food that is donated to food security organizations. Panelists will share real examples from across Maine and offer practical insights into how community gardens get started, build partnerships, and grow into lasting resources that strengthen local communities.

Speakers: Rachel Stamieszkin, Master Gardener Volunteer in Cumberland County, Johnny Sanchez, Collective Gardens Program Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator at #FoodAndMedicine (FAM), and Julia St. Clair, Agricultural Programs Manager at #BrunswickTopshamLandTrust."

To register:
https://www.mofga.org/event-calendar/community-gardens-and-food-security-in-maine/

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #GYO #UMaineCooperativeExtension #MOFGA #CollectiveGardening #BuildingCommunity #SelfReliance #FeedingCommunity

#RockportME - 2nd Annual SEED FEST

April 11 @ 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

"The #RockportPublicLibrary will host its second annual SEED FEST on Saturday, April 11. This free, family-friendly event will take place on the upper and lower levels of the library. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., visitors can browse educational exhibits and activities covering #SeedStarting, #pollinators, #SoilHealth, #Composting, #NativePlants, #HeirloomVegetables, growing #rice and #grains in #Maine, #Wabanaki #FoodSovereignty, and much more!

"At 12:30 p.m., Petra Page-Mann of #FruitionSeeds will deliver an interactive keynote presentation. Page-Mann and her nonprofit seed company are strong advocates of 'gift culture,' which involves giving away seeds to promote food cultivation and community building. This ethos aligns perfectly with the theme of SEED FEST.

"The event is generously sponsored by the Rockport Library Foundation and is organized in partnership with several organizations, listed alphabetically: Herbal Hummingbird Hub, Knox Lincoln County Beekeepers, Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, Maine Grains and Maine Grain Alliance, Maine Heirloom Seed Network, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association [#MOFGA], #MaineRiceProject at Ararat Farms, #MerryspringNatureCenter, #Niweskok: From the Stars to Seeds, Roots n Shoots, #UMaineCooperativeExtension, and #WildSeedProject.

"The exhibiting partners will provide valuable information, hands-on activities, items for sale, and an abundance of free seeds and seedlings. Additionally, #midcoast artist Katharine Cartwright’s beautiful #BotanicalPaintings will be showcased in the library’s lower level for a month-long exhibition titled 'In My Garden.' "

FMI:
https://www.rockportlibrary.net/event/2nd-annual-seed-fest/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #GrowYourOwnFood #GYO #IndigenousFoodSovereignty #FoodSovereignty #LibrariesRule #SeedFest #WabanakiFoodSovereignty #SoilIsLife

#UMaineCooperativeExtension - Bulletin #4311, Planning and Managing a Community “Giving” Garden in Maine

By John Jemison, Extension Professor, Soil and Water Quality, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

"Fifteen years ago, I taught an Environmental Sustainability course for University of Maine Cooperative Extension. It was a seven-evening session involving approximately 20 hours of education/training. I asked participants to return 20 hours of service to the community. I also suggested (having never really gardened in a group or community setting) that we might consider taking some unused town land and starting a garden where we could supply food to the Birch Street Senior Citizen Center in #OronoME. A low-cost lunch is offered at the center four days a week, which helps ensure that Orono seniors do not go hungry. I thought some fresh food would be nice. The original plan fell through, but we altered the plan to grow diverse fresh vegetables and bring a bag of vegetables with a recipe to people living in low-income senior housing near the garden. We have delivered many tons of food over the past 15 years and made great connections with seniors in the area. All of us have learned a great deal about the challenges and rewards of growing food and working together. This publication is an effort to capture what we have learned and give others a guide to do this type of a program in another area. The information provided here should be reasonably applicable across all New England.

Guide Organization

This guide is intended to help anyone who has an interest in community gardening to do that task with skill and capacity. Gardening isn’t difficult, but gardening well is not easy. This guide can be useful for anyone who gardens, but I have designed it intentionally to help people start community gardens and community giving gardens. This guide provides information on gardening methods; pest management; what, when, and how to plant specific vegetables with a focus on #NewEngland growing conditions; delivery program basics; and putting the garden to bed for the winter. I have also included some links to recipes that can be given to the food recipients so that they know what to do with the foods we provide."

Learn more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4311e/

#SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #Gardening #GivingGardens #BuildingCommunity #FreshFood

#Maine - #CommunityGarden Map

via #UMaineCooperativeExtension

"Community gardens are 'collaborative projects on shared open spaces where participants share in the maintenance and products of the garden, including healthful and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables'. Community gardens are important resources for towns and neighborhoods as they have the reciprocal effect of benefiting the community, environment, and individuals who participate.

Numerous health and wellbeing outcomes have been reported as a result of participating in a community garden:

- Promote a sense of belonging: The social aspects of community gardens can attract residents who may not normally engage in gardening activities, but see it as an opportunity to be seen or remain active in their community.
- Expand social networks: Many families with children have found community gardens to serve as a social network, and in some cases, a safe space for kids to play while adults tend to their plots.
- Improve physical health: Community gardeners often experience improved physical health through the natural ways in which gardening serves as exercise and increases their daily consumption of vegetables.
- Enhance mental health: Engaging in gardening activities provides residents with the opportunity to relax, decompress and enjoy their time outdoors.

The purpose of developing this community garden map is to help connect Mainers with community gardens in their area and how they can become involved. There are three major categories of community gardens on the map we’ve developed, and they include:

- Individual: Gardens to grow your own food on your own plot
- Collective: Gardens where a group grows food for community need
- Both: Gardens that have both individual plots and collective growing for community need"

Read more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/community-garden-map/

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #GrowYourOwn #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #MaineGardens #FoodSecurity

#UMaineCooperativeExtension - Harvest for Hunger

#Recipes

"What comes in all shapes, colors and sizes, and can help prevent cancer, heart disease, and obesity? The answer is not some magic diet pill, but fruits and vegetables!

We’ve compiled a collection of our own recipes to help you make nutritious meals and snacks from fresh produce that you can either grow yourself or buy locally. Each recipe includes step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions and nutrition information."

Includes recipes and tips for:
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Green beans
- Spinach
- Greens
- Lettuce
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Winter Squashes

Learn more:
https://extension.umaine.edu/harvest-for-hunger/resources/recipes/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineFood #LocalHarvest #FreshProduce #EatYourVeggies #EatSeasonally #EatLocally #FoodSecurity #Maine

Ooooh! I just found out about these!

2025 #PastureWalk Series

"Dr. Jaime Garzon, University of Maine Cooperative Extension forage specialist, will lead five pasture walks in five counties in Maine each year. Come to meet and learn about the production system and forage management of forage producers, identify forage species in the field, learn about climate-smart practices, regenerative grazing, and more.

We welcome local farmers to come out and offer your advice and experience, as well as to hear in real time what it’s like to work with local ag services. Whether a beginner or experienced farmer, or simply interested in the topic, we welcome you!"

https://extension.umaine.edu/livestock/pasture-walk-series/

#SolarPunkSunday #PastureWalks #GrowYourOwn #LandManagement #RegenerativeAgriculture #UMaineCooperativeExtension #UMaineCooperative #Farming #MaineEvents

#LisbonFallsME - #UMaineExtension offers #pickling and #salsa workshops at #LittleRidgeFarm

July 2, 2025

"University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering two food preservation workshops at Little Ridge Farm, 103 Gould Rd. in Lisbon Falls. Pickling and canning #DillyBeans (pickled green beans) will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. and preserving #TomatoSalsa will take place Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 2 – 5:30 p.m.

"Participants will learn recommended methods for preserving foods, the latest and safest recipes, what equipment to use to ensure safety, and how to check for properly sealed jars. A local snack is included with the course. Attendees are encouraged to bring a potholder.

"Registration is required for the courses. The fee is $25 per workshop. Register on the program webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Kate McCarty, 207.781.6099; [email protected]."

https://extension.umaine.edu/2025/07/02/pickling-and-salsa-workshops-at-little-ridge-farm/

#SolarPunkSunday #FoodPreservation #HowTo #HandsOn #FoodSafety #PreservingTheHarvest #FoodSecurity #UMaine #UMaineCooperativeExtension #Maine #Pickling #Salsa #Canning

#HowToVideos from the #UMaineCooperativeExtension

#VictoryGardens for #Maine

A series of videos for #Mainers growing their first #VegetableGarden.

- Episode 1: Vegetable Gardening – Where to Begin
- Episode 2: Planning Your Garden
- Episode 3: Preparing Your Garden Soil
- Episode 4: Get Planting
- Episode 5: Managing Weeds
- Episode 6: How to Water Your Garden
- Episode 7: What’s Wrong With My Plant?
- Episode 8: What to Do With Your Harvest
- Episode 9: Pain-Free Gardening
- Episode 10: Preparing Your Garden for Winter

Watch:
https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/victory-gardens-for-me/

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #FoodSecurity #GrowYourOwn #GardeningVideos #UMaine

So, I did some research on #CooperativeExtension websites last night for today's #SolarPunkSunday . It seems that #UMaineCooperativeExtension is one of the few that has a lot of free advice (many others have workshops, some with fees). I did find a few other ones -- #GeorgiaCooperativeExtension, #VirginiaCooperativeExtension. But the #UAFCooperativeExtension (University of Alaska - Fairbanks) had some really cool information about foraging for native Alaskan berries which I'll be posting later today!

#SolarPunkSunday #FoodSecurity #Gardening #GrowYourOwnFood #Composting #ContainerGardening #FoodPreservation

#UMaineCooperativeExtension “How To” Videos: #FoodPreservation

How to Cook and Preserve #Fiddleheads
How to Preserve Fresh #Greens
How to Freeze #Rhubarb
How to Freeze #Strawberries
How to Make #StrawberryJam
How to Make Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam
How to Freeze #GreenBeans
How to Preserve #DillyBeans (Pickled Green Beans)
How to Preserve #Raspberries: Freezing, Jams and More
How to Freeze #Tomatoes
How to Preserve #TomatoSalsa
How to Harvest and Store #Apples
How to Harvest and Store #Onions
How to Harvest and Store #Pumpkins
How to Use and Preserve Maine #Cranberries
How to #DryFruit
How to #DryHerbs
How to #DryVegetables

https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/food-preservation/how-to-videos/

#FoodSecurity #PreservingTheHarvest #SolarPunkSunday

This is the workshop I took a few years ago...

Food Preservation Workshops

Ever wonder how to preserve and use all of that great locally-grown produce? University of #Maine Cooperative Extension food preservation workshops will teach you the basics of #canning and #freezing, including how to use #PressureCanners and water bath canners to preserve #pickles, #jam, and #vegetables. Workshops are taught by #UMaineExtension staff and #MasterFoodPreserver Volunteers.

Financial assistance is available; please email the UMaine Extension staff at [email protected] for more information.
Hands-On Preserving Workshops

Spring 2025 workshops coming soon!

Financial assistance is available for those in need; please contact UMaine Extension staff at [email protected] for more information.

Don’t see a workshop offered near you? Request a food preservation workshop by completing and submitting the Request a Food Preservation Workshop form.

https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/food-preservation/hands-on-workshops/
#FoodPreservation #UMaineCooperativeExtension