November 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter

In this issue…

From the President

“November is the month that reminds us to be thankful. For the big things, for the small things, and for making a spring that will come in due time so much sweeter.”
– Rip Miller

Tenacious and hardy leaves still cling to the trees in my yard, accented by the colorful blue November sky. The slower trickle of falling leaves continues in what is always a fascinating and random manner. I empathize with the leaves that hang on, as they enjoy every moment of the good fall weather we’ve enjoyed.

While our fall gardening tasks seem to be never ending, they always come to a fairly abrupt end in November. We’ve been blessed with spectacular October days, but I soon expect the day when I find my garden’s soil a bit frozen. Ah… bittersweet.

As I mentioned in the past, each year I keep a list of my gardening successes and failures. While this year’s success list has been greatly helped by Mother Nature, I am telling myself once again to “cut back next year”. While the “cutting back” idea is not new for me, it rarely happens as there is always a new variety or method to try. I do find satisfaction in putting my gardens “to bed”, while at the same time planning for next year, no matter how big or small.

November is also highlighted with our local and state elections. Elections are mostly about ideas as to how to accomplish what is good and the people who profess to be able to make the ideas happen. Much like our gardening experience, there is a wide array of ideas and opportunities and not one “best way”. The only “best way” idea I have for both is to participate and follow your heart.

The MGV Advisory Committee met in October, so I have some news to share:

  • The Advisory Committee reviewed and gave thoughtful consideration to the first draft of the 2026 budget. Hopefully, we will give final consideration to the 2026 budget at our November meeting. 
  • The Advisory Committee continues to monitor our restructuring while also spending time planning for the transition of its members. 
  • The Advisory Committee also discussed our meeting schedule for the coming year, as well as dates for special events and the reformulation of our Business Calendar.
  • The Engagement Subcommittee reported on our 2025 gatherings and is exploring some exciting new possibilities.
  • The Advisory Committee hopes to coordinate our meeting schedule with the schedule of Master Gardener Activities in the coming year.

A friend recently reminded me that the greatest gift we have is “gratitude – gratitude for life”. Well into his 90’s, while confined to an extended care facility, my friend was growing in his spartan room a lemon plant (a thriving healthy plant) that he started from a seed. This amazing man reminds us all of the meaning of Thanksgiving, of the wonderful gift of life, and of our bond with nature.

Enjoy your gardening experiences. May they yield you not only a beautiful and bountiful harvest, but more importantly, tranquility. 

Gary Hoyt

CCMGA President

Roots – We’ll Be Back Next Month…

…but only if you send your ideas for people to feature to the editors! Please, please, please nominate your peers by emailing Heather Wiggins Berger. Thank you!

Project Spotlight: Tedford Emergency Shelter

Master Gardener Volunteer Joel LeakThe Tedford Emergency Shelter Master Gardener Volunteer project began in 2007, thanks to a bit of serendipity.  Joel Leak, MGV project leader, recalls the moment of inspiration.

I was visiting my Mom during the holiday season at a nursing home in Brunswick.  I had brought my guitar to sing Christmas carols to her and other residents.  When I arrived, I noticed several people mulling around and one of them said:  “Hey, he has a guitar”.  It turned out the Brunswick Mid-Coast Rotary Club was also there to sing carols, but their guitarist had not shown up.  So, they asked me to play. During my conversation with Rotary members, I mentioned I was a MGV.  They told me about some shrubs that they had planted at the emergency homeless shelter in Brunswick.  That led me to submitting a proposal to make it a Master Gardener Volunteer project. We have been teaming up every year since to maintain and improve the gardens. 

Tedford housing is a nonprofit organization located in Brunswick that supports individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. It consists of three sites: one for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, one for individuals in transition, and one for families. 

Each year, Joel organizes a garden clean up the first Saturday in May from 9 am to 12 pm. Spring cleanup includes raking leaves, weeding, pruning, reseeding grass, planting cold tolerant flowers and vegetables, and spreading mulch.  

Beds full of greens at the Tedford GardenA vegetable garden is planted at the family center and is maintained through the growing season. On the last Saturday in May, Joel gathers a smaller group of volunteers to plant tender flowers and vegetables.  During the growing season, one or two volunteers help with weeding and watering the garden.

Joel starts many of the annuals and vegetables from seed.  The Master Gardener Volunteer program has generously supplied seeds and plants over the years and the Mid-Coast Rotary Club contributes an annual grant to help cover the cost of seeds, plants, and supplies.

Over the years, they have learned which plants thrive in the various garden areas.  Some reliable favorites include pansies and other colorful annuals.  In shadier spots, they have transitioned to shade- loving perennials. On a sloped area, they have found sedum makes a great ground cover mixed in with some marigolds for added color.  

Raised garden beds planted for the growing season.At the family center, the vegetable garden features kid-friendly vegetables like multi-colored pole beans, easter egg radishes, and cherry tomatoes. These plants are not only easy to grow but are also appealing to children and families.  Other garden favorites include kale, herbs, and lettuce which are both tasty and ornamental.

Tedford Housing is currently constructing a new building in Brunswick. Plans include several raised vegetable beds and Joel hopes to incorporate native plants.

Joel shares, “My favorite part of the Tedford MGV Project is working with kids in the vegetable garden at the family center.  I’ve seen kids enjoy their first taste of kale or smell fresh herbs.  I also enjoy engaging with the adults – sharing recipes with the Moms and Dads and showing them how to harvest and use the food we grow there.”

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Joel Leak.

We’re looking for volunteer projects to feature in our Master Gardener  Volunteer Newsletter. If you are interested in having your project featured – or if there is a project you would like to learn more about – please reach out to Kerri Frazier.

Ask an MGV: Tips & Tricks for your Best Garden Yet

Q: My garden’s cleaned out, and I already miss the anytime-access to fresh veggies and herbs. Are there any edible plants I can grow inside this winter? 

A: [Excerpted from Indoor Gardening: How to Grow Fresh Greens and Herbs Year-Round in Maine by Ankit K Singh, Assistant Extension Professor, University of Maine]

YES! Absolutely.  

Growing greens indoors or starting an indoor herb garden is a fantastic way to extend the harvest throughout the colder months – even here in Maine. With a few simple techniques and the right equipment, you can enjoy fresh produce all winter long—no need to wait for spring to bring the salad back!

Choosing the Right Plants

Not all greens and herbs are suited for indoor growing, but many varieties thrive in controlled environments. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are great options due to their quick growth and tolerance of low light. Herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and cilantro also adapt well to indoor conditions. These plants are typically low-maintenance and can be harvested regularly, making them ideal for an indoor setup.

Light Requirements

One of the most important factors in successful indoor growing is providing adequate light. Most greens and herbs require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, which can be challenging in Maine’s short winter days. Setting up a space near a south-facing window may help, but investing in grow lights is often necessary for consistent results. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and customizable for different stages of plant growth. For best results, place the lights about 6 to 12 inches above the plants and leave them on for 12 to 16 hours per day to mimic natural sunlight.

Temperature and Humidity

Indoor plants thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F, making most homes suitable for growing. However, it is important to keep the plants away from cold drafts or excessive heat from radiators or vents. Humidity levels can also affect plant health. While herbs like basil prefer a more humid environment, greens like lettuce are more tolerant of drier air. If your home is particularly dry during the winter, consider using a small humidifier or misting the plants occasionally to maintain moisture levels.

Watering and Soil

Watering is a critical aspect of indoor gardening. The key is to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can stunt growth. Using pots with drainage holes helps prevent water from accumulating in the soil. A high-quality potting mix designed for indoor plants will provide the right balance of drainage and nutrient retention.

Containers and Space

One of the advantages of indoor growing is that you don’t need a large garden to be successful. Even small spaces like a kitchen windowsill or a corner of a room can be transformed into a productive mini-garden. Use containers that are at least 4 to 6 inches deep for herbs and 6 to 12 inches deep for greens. Vertical planters or shelving units with grow lights are also excellent space-saving options.

Harvesting and Maintenance

Indoor greens and herbs can be harvested regularly, which encourages continuous growth. For herbs, snip the leaves as needed, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time. For leafy greens, cut the outer leaves and allow the center to continue growing.

When Maine’s winter decides to throw a never-ending snow party, you can still outsmart it by growing your greens and herbs indoors! With the right setup, a sprinkle of TLC, and enough patience to rival a saint, your indoor garden can thrive even during the icy months. Who needs summer when you’ve got fresh herbs on your windowsill, making your home feel like a tropical vacation… minus the sunburn?

We want to help you with your gardening questions and issues. To get help from your fellow MGVs, submit your questions to Heather Wiggins Berger.

Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Wreath Making Workshop

December 4, 2025, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Cumberland County Extension Office, Falmouth

Learn how to make Balsam Fir Wreaths with locally harvested greenery and decorations! Participants will assemble and take home their very own holiday wreath using a single-faced 10” easy clamp ring that makes a wreath up to 22″ in size.

We encourage you to bring a pair of hand pruners if you have them and decorations (e.g., pine cones, winterberry branches) for your wreath. Please do not bring any invasive plant material with you. This workshop will take place at the Cumberland County Extension Office, 75 Clearwater Dr, Ste 104, Falmouth, ME 04105.

Space is limited. Program fee is $30, register online here. 

Community Events

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About this Newsletter: The Cumberland County Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter is edited by Clarissa Brown, Kerri Frazier, and Heather Wiggins Berger. If you would like to submit an event, article, or help with any aspect of the Newsletter, please contact Heather Wiggins Berger, the newsletter coordinator.