Foster’s Daily Democrat reported last month’s annual plant sale hosted by the Master Gardener Volunteers with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in York County was a success. The sale, held in Springvale, saw hundreds of customers and generated several thousand dollars for community programs, according to the report.

Teams of Master Gardener volunteers from Cumberland County are engaged in the horticulture education programs at the farm, where youth and adults learn best practices for growing fruits and vegetables. Purchased locally, the tractor will also be used in Extension’s Farm Tractor Safety classes in which youth and adult drivers gain skills and knowledge for the safe operation of tractors.

The pledge is the lead gift kicking off the 2013 campaign to raise an additional $10,000 to purchase farm tractor implements and gardening supplies for the educational programs in response to the increasing public interest in growing fresh produce and feeding Maine’s hungry. The long-range vision for UMaine Extension at the farm is to offer expanded educational and cultural programs year-round for the public.

Since arriving at Tidewater Farm in 2011, UMaine Extension has worked closely with the Tidewater Conservation Foundation, local neighbors, town officials and organizations, such as Cultivating Community and the Center for African Heritage, to create an agricultural learning center offering popular gardening and horticulture programs throughout the growing season.

With the support of the Master Gardener volunteers, in collaboration with UMaine Extension staff, the gardens generated more than 500 pounds of fresh produce for area food pantries in the last growing season, with plans to increase that number in coming years. According to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, 23 percent of Maine’s children are food insecure, meaning they do not have enough food to eat on a regular basis. Educational programs at Tidewater Farm are part of UMaine Extension’s statewide Harvest for Hunger program that collects and distributes more than 209,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. A portion of that annual harvest is distributed to area food pantries and through the Good Shepherd Food Bank, one of UMaine Extension’s key partners in addressing hunger in Maine.

To become involved as a donor or volunteer at Tidewater Farm, contact the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office in Cumberland County, 207.781.6099. More information is online (extension.umaine.edu/cumberland).

Organizers called the drive a success after collecting 12,350 items.

Fenceviewer talked to Marjorie Peronto, educator at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Hancock County, about the extension’s involvement in the drive.

• Gardener Volunteer (Word)
• Vegetable Delivery Volunteer (Word)
• Gardener and Vegetable Delivery Volunteer (Word)

If you’re interested, please view the Word documents above for detailed information about time commitment, training/support, responsibilities, and benefits. For more information or to apply, contact John Jemison, Extension Specialist, at 581.3241 or jemison@maine.edu .

Orders are now being taken in the”Grow It Right!” plant sale for highbush blueberry plants — three young plants, two varieties per pack for $35.95 and asparagus — a pack of 10 crowns for $15.00. Plants must be ordered by April 30, 2013 and will be available for pickup at University of Maine Cooperative Extension county offices and at Highmoor Farm in Monmouth on Saturday, May 18. UMaine Extension county office locations are listed online.

UMaine Extension experts will provide advice on growing blueberries and asparagus, as well as take-home instructions from Master Gardener volunteers. Online resources are available to gardeners throughout the growing season and harvest.

“This is more than a plant sale. It is an educational experience with positive results,” says Richard Brzozowski, UMaine Extension educator in the Cumberland County office.

Money raised will assist Master Gardener Volunteer projects and provide scholarships for participants. Since its inception more than 30 years ago, the UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program has assisted in dozens of community horticultural projects across the state, including Maine Harvest for Hunger, youth gardening and other community-based volunteer efforts.

A soil test is recommended prior to planting to help gardeners get the most out of their garden site. Additional information is available at the plant sale website.

For more information about Grow It Right! contact Brzozowski at 207.781.6099 (toll-free in Maine 800.287.1471), or Marjorie Peronto at 207.667.8212 (toll-free in Maine 800.287.1479), or email richard.brzozowski@maine.edu or marjorie.peronto@maine.edu.