Small Scale Homesteading Tastes Just Right By Anna Hewitt Homesteading has historically been considered an act of self reliance typical of rural areas with abundant land, but small scale homesteaders in Maine and across the country are finding that they can grow, raise, and produce food wherever they live. Spurred by a desire to be…
The key to a lush, green lawn is healthy soil. And Yardscaping, a program of the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, seeks to help Mainers improve soil health, reduce the use of lawn care products, and grow a beautiful lawn with little or no additives. Using fertilizers and weed and bug killers unnecessarily can be unsafe for…
Ever wonder when certain foods are in season in Maine? The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) has compiled the following list, making it easy for all of us to eat locally and to eat in season. In addition to the seasonal recommendations, be sure to check out the side bar list of 20…
Most farmers’ markets in Maine operate from May to October, although a growing number of winter markets are giving us access to locally grown foods direct from the producer year-round. Markets provide an opportunity to meet the farmers, mingle with your neighbors, and select from the freshest local foods available. This list is current as…
By Heather Foran Preserving food can be a mystifying and daunting endeavor if you’ve never done it before. But have no fear. Maine has many resources to help you get started. Learning some of the myriad methods for preserving produce, meat, and dairy allows us to have access to locally sourced food year round, despite…
By Heather Foran Perhaps you’re a green-thumbed veteran looking to expand productivity, creativity, and diversity. Maybe you’ve had a difficult time keeping a cactus plant alive, but have a yearning to try for vegetables. Or maybe you’re an urban dweller using window boxes and 5 gallon buckets. Regardless, there are resources throughout Maine to support…
1. PICK A SPOT You want your garden to get lots of sun (6 hours is ideal) in an area that drains well (doesn’t hold water in a puddle after the rain). 2. PREPARE THE GARDEN SITE There are a few different techniques you can choose from to prep your site. Sheet mulched beds (sometimes…
Go beyond apples and pears in the fruited landscape By Lynn Ascrizzi People go to great lengths to beautify the landscape around their homes. But why not introduce plants that look beautiful and provide healthy, nutritious food? This is the credo of Tom Vigue of Kiwi Hill Farm in Sidney, Maine, an edible landscaper who…