Maine Home Garden News — June 2016

May 31, 2016 Maine Home Garden News

Photos by Edwin Remsberg, unless otherwise noted.

June Is the Month to . . .

By Donna Coffin, Extension Educator, UMaine Extension Piscataquis County

  • Sow seeds directly into the garden for a fall brassica harvest. Brassicas include:  broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and cauliflower. It’s also not too late to direct-seed carrots, peas, beans, beets, nasturtium, spinach, and lettuce. Keep your garden full!
  • Get ahead of garden pests by regularly scouting your plants for insects. Consider Integrated Pest Management (IPM) when you have a pest management issue.
  • Stake your tomato plants to ensure good air flow, reduce diseases, and improve  fruit development. For a quick how-to, check out Vegetable Specialist Mark Hutton demonstrating some best management practices for staking tomatoes. If you prefer tomato cages, he gives some tips on that too.
  • Celebrate National Pollinator Week, June 20 -26, 2016.
  • Enjoy a nice glass of iced tea while watching your garden grow.

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Plant of the Month: Old Gardener Finds a New Plant

By Liz Stanley, Horticulture Program Coordinator, UMaine Extension Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo Counties

Bee on Asclepias incarnata in Bangor
Asclepias incarnata in Bangor. Photo by Liz Stanley.

By the time you’re in your mid-50s, you think you’ve grown just about every plant, stretching the limits of your site, hardiness zone, and budget, with varying degrees of success (or complete failure). That’s why most experienced gardeners are overjoyed to the point of embarrassment when they “discover” something new for their gardens.

In July of 2014, I enjoyed such a discovery while visiting Bangor for a concert. The music turned out to be not to our taste, so my husband and I went for a walk. We were surprised and delighted by the pocket gardens scattered around the city. Almost all of these small urban gems contained an unfamiliar plant in full bloom, covered with a variety of pollinators — bumblebees, honeybees, solitary bees and butterflies of all sorts. The purple variety seemed more attractive to the insects, but the white ones were especially lovely to look at and smelled like vanilla.

When I returned home, I looked up the plant and decided I had to grow Asclepias incarnata. Swamp Milkweed (Rose Milkweed, Swamp Silkweed, or Indian Hemp) is a native, explaining its lure for pollinators. Like its wild field cousin, it’s an important nectar and nursery plant for the Monarch Butterfly.

Some factoids of interest: Asclepias incarnata is the only milkweed in New England that’s found in wet areas because if its specialized roots. Native peoples made twine from the sinewy stems and pods, used the roots medicinally, and dried the flowers for winter consumption. (Milkweed has some toxicity, so don’t try this at home.)

Asclepias incarnata in bloom.
Asclepias incarnata in Bangor. Photo by Liz Stanley.

Swamp Milkweed flowers best in full to dappled sun, likes moisture-retentive soils around ponds and marshes (great for a rain garden), but will grow well in most garden soil once established. Growing 2-5 feet tall, the simple lance-shaped leaves are very attractive, especially when planted in clumps or drifts. Swamp Milkweed flowers in early to mid-July well into August and makes long-lasting cut flowers. Cultivars include the deep pink ‘Cinderella’ and a white called ‘Ice Ballet.’ I like them all.

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What I Did on My Summer Vacation — the Prequel

By Lynne M. Holland, Community Education Assistant, UMaine Extension

Do you remember those long-ago essays on the first day back to school? Even though many of us are long out of the school year routine, the idea of having a great summer trip to talk about is still a nice tradition. June is an excellent time to plan and actually start going on some of those gardening jaunts that will make for good stories as summer fades to fall.

We often say, “Summer will be gone before you know it,” and some garden trip opportunities are the same way. Knowing what’s coming up in advance and planning appropriately is the best strategy — otherwise, you may be enviously hearing about a great trip the day after it happens! There are just a few things to keep in mind as you look at attending a “Garden Day,” “Garden Tour,” or some other form of garden vacation.

  • apple trees in blossom
    Lyle E. Littlefield Ornamentals Trial Garden, located at the University of Maine.

    Decide what you want to see and learn about. Are you looking for inspiration? Perhaps a Garden Tour that includes several homes (look into Buxton on June 18 and Cape Elizabeth on July 18) is the best way to see many gardens in a short time. Are you trying to find that perfect tree for your yard? A trip to an arboretum, university, or even one of the famous park cemeteries is in order. Did you know the entire campus of the University of Maine in Orono is an arboretum, not to mention the Master Gardener Volunteer Demonstration Garden at the university’s Rogers Farm?

  • Pick a spot or event that matches your garden interests. If you are looking for inspiration for your urban garden, then the Open Farm Day (Statewide, Sunday July 24) will be a great experience, but probably won’t have a lot of ideas that will fit the scale of your particular garden. If a specific geographic spot meshes with your interests, then find out what group is there and what their summer programs look like (for example, Mount Desert Island has the Beatrix Farrand Society). Some gardens are open to the public all season long, and towards the end of summer, there are also opportunities to visit various seed trial sites. If the spot of your dreams is further afield, then start the research early to find and contact the local garden club, horticulture society, or Cooperative Extension in that area.
  • water fall at Coastal Maine Botanical Garden
    Waterfall at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, Boothbay, Maine. Photo by C. Eves-Thomas.

    Make the most of the resources. Garden tours come in many shapes and sizes. Some are costly and some are free. All are a commitment of a resource that none of us have in abundance — time. Make the most of the experience by bringing a camera or a smart phone to record what you see for later perusal. Many folks now also bring a tablet or notebook to record information about, and leads on, great plant resources. If you really want to learn about an area and it is convenient, consider volunteering there to become part of the experience. Many tours would not be possible without the volunteers and as a reward you may get some time to tour yourself. No matter which way you participate, be prepared for a day outdoors. Bring water, a hat, insect prevention, and sunscreen or rain gear as the weather indicates. Wear layers of clothes so you can be comfortable in what we all know can be changeable weather. Make sure you have comfortable shoes.

A last word: gear your garden tour choice to your abilities, so you can enjoy the experience to its fullest. Some big tours can be like a marathon of walking or driving to get it all in. Many tours have accommodations for visitors with limited mobility; don’t be afraid to contact them in advance if you have questions. Pace yourself so you have an enjoyable time — time to smell the roses, literally. There are no rules that say you have to visit every garden on a 16 garden tour in one day. A self-directed stroll through an arboretum or historic garden might be the best fit. If you find a spot that speaks to your interest and your soul, then that is reward enough — and a great way to spend a summer day. Start your planning with the help of some of the resources below, so you can have a fantastic story when someone asks you, “What did you do on your summer vacation?”

Additional Resources:

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Learning and Laughter: The Hancock/Washington County Master Gardener Book Club

By Lavon Bartel, Master Gardener Volunteer in Hancock County

Books Northern Farm and Silent Spring (by Rachel Carson) and a tulipWhen the Hancock/Washington County Master Gardeners’ Book Club met last week and the query of “Why are you a member of this group?” was asked, there were numerous agreed to responses, but without exception “learning and laughter” were priority motivations. The laughter was witnessed by those assembled in the next room for a senior exercise class. Their coordinator approached me to inquire “What WERE you doing in here? We wondered why your group was having SO MUCH fun.”

The book club started in 2009 as a subset of the Hancock/Washington Master Gardener Education Committee. The first “leader of the pack” Susan Stahlberg served graciously for six years; recently the team of Sherry Fletcher and Lavon Bartel became communication and information coordinators for the group. Fourteen people are currently on the contact list with seven to ten in attendance at most monthly meetings.

There are NO assignments other than to enjoy books and be ready to participate in discussions at the monthly meetings held on the third Thursday of the month in September-April (skipping December). In May the group gets together to prioritize seven books, from among many more suggested, to enjoy the next reading season. See below for lists from the last two seasons.

When we recently reviewed what makes this book club so successful in the lives of the attendees we found that we all enjoying learning the diverse subjects covered in the reading (diversity is built into the selection process) from gardens, gardening history, environmental movements, biodiversity, to plant biology. Participation motivates us to read (and often enjoy) books we might not otherwise read. We get pleasure from learning from group discussions where we bring our own experiences in gardening. This has promoted friendships across the years of the program. As one member stated, “There are many interesting discussions and much fun without alcohol or food. The group participation feeds our mind and not our mouths.” Another said “This book club involves people with a similar interest in gardening; I don’t get that from others.” It was noted, everyone contributes, no one overpowers others in the group and we certainly have a lot of laughs, even about our increasing frailties from aging.

Attendance and preparation are purely voluntary and all are welcome to attend. At least yearly (or sometimes 2-3 times), Sue Baez of the local county UMaine Extension office “advertises” the group’s invitation and list of books selected to solicit newcomers. This is certainly a Master Gardener activity where there is a “consensus” we leave wanting more and knowing “A good time was had by all!” Should you enjoy books and look for great ways to be involved with other Master Gardeners, consider creating your own Master Gardener Book Club. It’s not only an excellent way to continue your education; it’s a fine way to expand your mind and meet others who have a similar passion to yours.

Hancock/Washington County Master Gardener Club Book List 2015-16 and 2016-17

  • Sept 2015: The Northern Farm by Henry Beston
  • Oct 2015: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
  • Nov 2015: A Year in the Maine Woods by Bernd Heinrich
  • Jan 2016: Queen Elizabeth in the Garden by Trea Martin
  • Feb 2016: The Inviting Garden, Gardening for the Mind and Body by Allen Lacy
  • Mar 2016: Unbound by Wangari Maathai
  • Apr 2016: Paths of Desire by Dominique Browning
  • Sept 2016: The Cabaret of Plants by Richard Mabey
  • Oct 2016: American Canopy: Trees, Forests and the Making of a Nation by Eric Rutkow
  • Nov 2016: Rachel Carson and Her Sisters by Robert Musil
  • Jan 2017: Mycelium Running / How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World by Paul Stamets
  • Feb 2017: Frida Kahlo’s Garden by Adriana Zavala [New York Botanical Gardens; Ed]
  • Mar 2017: Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
  • Apr 2017: Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy

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Food & Nutrition:

Storing and Preparing Homegrown Vegetables for Optimal Nutrition

By Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Many factors contribute to the vitamin and mineral content of homegrown vegetables. Soil health affects the nutrient profile of the vegetables. But just as important in maintaining the vitamin and mineral content, is the cooking and storage methods used for these vegetables.

Storage

unwashed carrotsThe question about whether to wash or not wash vegetables before storing is a common question. You may worry that not washing will bring dirt into your kitchen, but it is actually best to not wash vegetables prior to storage, as washing may cause the vegetables to rot.

  • When storing without washing, rub or brush off any garden dirt with a paper towel or soft brush.
  • For vegetables that need refrigeration, they should be stored at 40°F or less.
  • If your refrigerator has a fruit and vegetable bin, use that, and be sure to store fresh produce away from raw meats, poultry or fish.
  • Store fresh produce in plastic bags or containers in the refrigerator so they don’t contaminate other foods.

For more information about how to store vegetables, visit Five Steps to Food Safe Fruit and Vegetable Gardening and review the publication Storing Fresh Garden Produce.

Cooking

assorted fresh vegetablesEating fruits and vegetables is key in losing weight and preventing weight gain, and reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases. There is conflicting information about whether fruits and vegetables should be eaten raw or cooked. But, there are some nutrients — like water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C and folate), than can be destroyed during prolonged cooking. There are also some nutrients and phytochemicals that are more available when cooked — like lycopene, a phytochemical, from tomatoes.

Cooking methods that take less time and use less water tend to retain more water-soluble vitamins. These cooking methods include microwaving, steaming, sautéing, and pressure-cooking.

No one cooking method should be considered the only way to prepare and cook vegetables; instead, use a variety of cooking methods to prepare meals, including eating vegetables raw.

Preserving

Produce not eaten right away should be preserved for later use. A researcher at the University of Georgia found that freezing specific vegetables and fruits after harvest preserved more vitamin A, C, and folate than storing in the refrigerator and eating after five days.1 The sooner you eat harvested vegetables, the less chance of vitamin loss. Freezing is an easy way to preserve vegetables. For more information about freezing vegetables, see Bulletin #4384, Freezing Vegetables.

Home gardens are an excellent way to increase the availability of vegetables in your household. When you are planning your garden, remember that, in general, the more colorful the vegetables you plant, more vitamins and minerals they contain.

For recipes and more information about preparing Maine vegetables, check out UMaine Extension publication series: Vegetables and Fruits for Health.

Source:

1UGA study uses consumer behavior to determine whether fresh or frozen produce contain more nutrients. December 2013. Available at: http://www.caes.uga.edu/applications/gafaces/?public=viewStory&pk_id=4966.

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University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Maine Home Garden News is designed to equip home gardeners with practical, timely information.

Let us know if you would like to be notified when new issues are posted. To receive e-mail notifications fill out our online form.

For more information or questions, contact Lynne Hazelton at lynne.b.hazelton@maine.edu or 1.800.287.1471 (in Maine).

Visit our Archives to see past issues.

Maine Home Garden News was created in response to a continued increase in requests for information on gardening and includes timely and seasonal tips, as well as research-based articles on all aspects of gardening. Articles are written by UMaine Extension specialists, educators, and horticulture professionals, as well as Master Gardener Volunteers from around Maine, with Katherine Garland, UMaine Extension Horticulturalist in Penobscot County, serving as editor.

Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

© 2016

Call 800.287.0274 (in Maine), or 207.581.3188, for information on publications and program offerings from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or visit extension.umaine.edu.