{"id":6031,"date":"2015-10-01T12:02:39","date_gmt":"2015-10-01T16:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/?p=6031"},"modified":"2019-06-07T14:15:11","modified_gmt":"2019-06-07T18:15:11","slug":"maine-home-garden-news-october-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/2015\/10\/01\/maine-home-garden-news-october-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"Maine Home Garden News &#8212; October 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a name=\"top\"><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#month\">October Is the Month to . . .<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#article-1\">Winter Is the Time to . . .<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#article-2\">Help Us Celebrate Farm to School Month!<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#article-3\">Meet Maine&#8217;s Master Gardeners: John Beraud<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#article-4\">Food &amp; Nutrition: How to Prepare Winter Squash<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"month\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #3698d4\"><strong>October Is the Month to . . .<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>By Peter Bastien, Community Education Assistant, UMaine Extension Somerset County<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6035 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"fall foliage\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves-105x72.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves-317x216.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves-423x289.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves-634x433.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves-846x577.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves-951x649.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/autumn-leaves.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a><strong>Visit fairs and enjoy other fun activities across the state.<\/strong> With less to do in the garden and yard, you may have some time to explore fall activities throughout the state. Here are some options:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fryburg Fair<\/strong>: October 4 to October 11, the last fair of the season as recognized by the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs. The Association also considers this fair to be the \u201clargest agricultural fair in the State.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Open Creamery Day:<\/strong> Maine is the fastest growing artisan cheese producer in the U.S., making almost 1 million pounds of artisan cheese per year. The Maine Cheese Guild recognizes this accomplishment on Sunday, October 11. To find creameries participating in this event, go to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mainecheeseguild.org\/wp-content\/plugins\/leaflet-maps-marker-pro\/leaflet-fullscreen.php?layer=5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2015 Open Creamery Day Participants<\/a> for an interactive map of creamery locations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fall Festivals<\/strong>: There are a number of fall-themed festivals throughout the state this month, celebrating everything from pigs to pumpkins. A great list, including maps, schedules, events, and cost, can be found at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.info\/events\/festivals\/october.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine Events<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Leaf Peeping<\/strong>: Maine is known for its incredible fall foliage. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry produces a report of foliage in Maine, and also has a map showing the foliage status of the state broken into seven different regions. They will also provide you with regular reports of the status of foliage if you provide them with your email address. See <a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/mfs\/projects\/fall_foliage\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine Foliage<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make note of your garden successes and failures for the year<\/strong>. October is really the last month that you can make those final notes on how the yard and garden performed before the outdoors shuts down for winter. As the summer moves along it can be hard to keep track of yard and garden events, and recalling those events during the snow cover of winter can be difficult. Take a walk through your yard and garden(s) with a camera and notepad to do this very important end-of-year inventory. A very simple approach is to take a picture of an area of the yard and in the notepad write down the picture number, two or three things went well, and two or three things that need some thought. This not only helps you solve specific garden issues, but also helps trigger ideas when you start planning next year&#8217;s garden later in the winter.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cut grass a little shorter in the fall<\/strong>. <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2289 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2012\/05\/lawn-grass.jpg\" alt=\"lawn grass\" width=\"252\" height=\"178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2012\/05\/lawn-grass.jpg 252w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2012\/05\/lawn-grass-105x74.jpg 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,252px\" \/>We recommend you cut your lawn no shorter than three inches during the regular growing season. This height helps the grass establish a deeper root system so that during the dry periods of summer it can compete with weeds better. The taller grass also helps shade out the weeds. However, we recommend that you gradually cut the grass lower as fall progresses, with the final cut at 1.5 inches. The shorter grass gives the lawn a better jump in the spring, as there is less an opportunity for the grass to matt or clump overwinter.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Remove lawn clippings&#8230;or not<\/strong>. In some situations, clippings should be removed from the site. For instance, remove clippings from a weedy lawn to prevent weed seeds from growing and taking over your lawn. If mowing a very tall lawn, rake off the clippings because if left in place, the clippings shade the lawn and create a moist environment that favors disease development. Grass clippings that are removed from a lawn can be composted, unless they contain an herbicide from a recent application of a weed-killing chemical. Otherwise clippings should be left in the lawn to help provide organic matter.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mulch winter-sensitive plants and perennials<\/strong>. After a few heavy frosts, place 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of the plant. Good mulching materials include leaves or straw. The mulch will also serve as a soil amendment next growing season.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plant spring bulbs<\/strong>. In order to start next spring with a burst of color, even as snow is still piled up in places around the yard, plant daffodils and tulips now. A good primer on planting tulips is available from the University of Illinois Extension: <a href=\"http:\/\/extension.illinois.edu\/bulbs\/planting.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bulbs &amp; More: Planting &amp; Care<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dig up dahlia tubers and gladiola corms<\/strong>. Dig up tender bulbs, corms, tubers, and roots (canna lilies, dahlias, and gladiolas) after their foliage has died back or has been killed by frost. Let them dry in a well-ventilated room, with temperatures between 60\u00ba \u2013 70\u00b0, and out of direct sun. Most tender plants will take 1-3 days to cure; gladiolas can take much longer \u2014 up to 3 weeks. To store the cured materials, place them in a ventilated container and layer them with peat moss, sand, and shredded newspaper or sawdust. Store them in an area with temperatures ranging around 35 to 45\u00ba. For more information, check out University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www1.extension.umn.edu\/garden\/yard-garden\/flowers\/storing-tender-bulbs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Storing Tender Bulbs and Bulblike Structures<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plant garlic<\/strong>. The end of September though October is the time of year to plant garlic for next year\u2019s harvest. Planting at this time will allow the garlic cloves time to set roots so they will have a jump start next spring. If you plant later or even next spring, the plant will mature before the bulb can gain size, and you&#8217;ll be left with very small garlic bulbs for harvest. For more information, see Bulletin #2063, <a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2063e\/\">Growing Hardneck Garlic in Your Maine Garden<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"responsive-video\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How Do I Grow Garlic in Maine?\" width=\"1268\" height=\"713\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3FTht2DIJu8?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><em><a href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"article-1\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #3698d4\"><strong>Winter Is the Time to . . .<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>By Kate Garland, Horticulturist, <\/em><em>UMaine Extension <\/em><em>Penobscot County<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Each year, we wrap up the Maine Home Garden News season in October, but there\u2019s still much to talk about and enjoy with our gardening friends while the fire crackles and seed catalogs land in our mailboxes. Here\u2019s a review of some favorite garden-related tasks for the winter months in Maine:<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-4244 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2014\/03\/pruning-overcut-4.jpg\" alt=\"Pruning a fruit tree branch\" width=\"288\" height=\"274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2014\/03\/pruning-overcut-4.jpg 288w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2014\/03\/pruning-overcut-4-105x100.jpg 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,288px\" \/>Be mindful of hazardous trees in your landscape.<\/strong> If you have potentially unsafe trees on your property, have a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/php\/arborist\/ArboristList.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">licensed arborist<\/a> evaluate and take care of weak limbs or whole trees before winter storms make them a real issue. For information on smaller do-it-yourself pruning projects, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2169e\/\">pruning resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Use items from nature to decorate empty window boxes and containers.<\/strong> Sumac fruits, sensitive fern fronds, winterberry, dried flowers (hydrangea, sedum, etc.), and seed heads tucked in nests of fir boughs are an enjoyable sight as the snow flies.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/1143e\/\">Keep composting<\/a>.<\/strong> Store those plentiful and very useful fall leaves in a large covered bin now and use them to cover your to kitchen scraps when you add them to the compost through the winter. The composting process will slow when temperatures drop, but will pick back up in the spring. Excess leaves also make great mulch for the garden when shredded with a lawn mower.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Give a great gift.<\/strong> For friends and family members looking for gifts <em>for<\/em> a gardener, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Ornamental Horticulture Specialist Lois Berg Stack suggests books for inspiration, tools, gloves, memberships to botanical gardens and garden clubs, magazine subscriptions, or gift cards to a favorite seed company or nursery. In addition, gifts <em>from<\/em> the gardener include <a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/food-health\/food-preservation\/lets-preserve-herbal-vinegar\/\">herbal vinegars<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4385e\/\">infused oils<\/a>, a garden design, <a href=\"http:\/\/umaine.edu\/publications\/4275e\/\">dried herbs<\/a>, a gift certificate for an hour of weeding, potted herbs for the winter windowsill, and those fabulous pickles you made last summer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Practice food safety.<\/strong> UMaine Extension food safety experts have prepared a number of resources for specific situations (<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4278e\/\">tailgating<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4279e\/\">hiking,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4274e\/\">gift giving<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4213e\/\">Thanksgiving<\/a>, etc.), audiences (<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4089e\/\">age 60 and over<\/a>), and food items (<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4191e\/\">cider<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2257e\/\">eggs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4198e\/\">fiddleheads<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4277e\/\">canned goods<\/a>, etc.) as well as some <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4107e\/\">basic food handling<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4067e\/\">hand<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4336e\/\">food washing<\/a> tips. Knowledge is key to preventing food borne illness. <a href=\"http:\/\/extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu\/ePOS?this_category=8&amp;store=413&amp;sort_by=0&amp;set_count_cookie=YES&amp;listtype=begin&amp;item_qty=100&amp;form=shared3%2fgm%2fbrowse%2ehtml&amp;design=413&amp;current_total_count=63\">More resources are listed here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/snow-on-seedheads.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6060 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/snow-on-seedheads-210x300.png\" alt=\"snow-covered seed-heads\" width=\"210\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/snow-on-seedheads-210x300.png 210w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/snow-on-seedheads-98x140.png 98w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/snow-on-seedheads-317x452.png 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/snow-on-seedheads-423x603.png 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/snow-on-seedheads.png 498w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,210px\" \/><\/a>Note plants with winter interest to add to your landscape.<\/strong> Bright red branches, ornamental bark, persistent fruit, or interesting growth habits can all be lovely features to enjoy in a winter garden. Use these observations to make a shopping list for your spring garden center outings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Stay fit.<\/strong> Gardening can be quite strenuous. Staying flexible and strong can help minimize those aches and pains of early season gardening adventures.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Try <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/master-gardeners\/manual\/food-nutrition\/\">new recipes<\/a> for crops you plan to grow.<\/strong> Did you get overwhelmed with cherry tomatoes last year? Take time to find new recipes for those bountiful crops so you can enjoy every bit of the 2016 harvest.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Connect with your local food pantry or homeless shelter to find out what vegetables are most wanted by their patrons and plan to devote some of your garden space for <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/harvest-for-hunger\/\">Maine Harvest for Hunger<\/a>.<\/strong> Storage crops such as onions, carrots, beets, and winter squash are typically easier to handle for food distribution sites with limited refrigeration space or infrequent distribution days (i.e. only open once or twice a month).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mark your new calendar with notes<\/strong> about when to start seeds and scout for garden pests, who to contact when you\u2019re ready to donate some of your harvest, and upcoming <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/news\/\">educational events<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Grow your own sprouts.<\/strong> Homegrown, crunchy greens can be yours with only a few simple materials: mason jar with screw-top ring, small piece of cheesecloth, aluminum foil, and sprouting seeds. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.extension.iastate.edu\/lyon\/sites\/www.extension.iastate.edu\/files\/lyon\/2014-1-6%20Clippings.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn how (PDF).<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-4193 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2014\/02\/maple-sap-buckets-5001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Maple sap buckets on trees.\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2014\/02\/maple-sap-buckets-5001-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2014\/02\/maple-sap-buckets-5001-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2014\/02\/maple-sap-buckets-5001-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2014\/02\/maple-sap-buckets-5001-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2014\/02\/maple-sap-buckets-5001.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>Tap maple trees.<\/strong> The exact best time to start depends on the weather. Watch for when temperatures are freezing at night and 40-45<sup>o<\/sup>F during the day. <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/programs\/natural-resources\/maple-syrup-production\/\">Learn how.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Care for garden tools.<\/strong> Tools should be cleaned off after every use. For those not always mindful of tool upkeep, make routine cleaning your New Year\u2019s resolution! Invest in a wire brush and collect some rags for wiping them down, sand down rough handles, wipe with linseed oil, consider painting wooden handles with a bright color to make them easier to find and distinguish from other gardener\u2019s tools, and sharpen blades. If you don\u2019t feel comfortable sharpening your own tools, your local hardware store may offer a sharpening service.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6055 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"snow-covered oak leaves\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow-846x635.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow-951x713.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/oak-leaves-in-snow.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>Learn how to identify the trees in your woods.<\/strong> Forest Trees of Maine, written by the Maine Forest Service, has a fantastic winter key to native trees of Maine. This resource is available in print at area bookstores and is fully accessible online for FREE.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/mfs\/publications\/handbooks_guides\/forest_trees\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here for the full book.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Start seeds indoors.<\/strong> This great gardening tradition fills gardeners with hope of a colorful and flavorful year ahead. New and seasoned seed starters should check out the great resources from UMaine Extension and MOFGA about <a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2751e\/\">how<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mofga.org\/Publications\/ArticlesforReprinting\/OrderSeeds\/tabid\/1056\/Default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">when<\/a> to get started. Remember to refer to our bulletin\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2190e\/\">Vegetable Varieties for Maine Gardens<\/a>\u00a0to select good performers for our climate.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"article-2\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #3698d4\"><strong>Help Us Celebrate Farm to School Month!<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>By Ellie Libby, Extension Educator for 4-H Youth Development, UMaine Extension Knox and Lincoln Counties <\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/F2SM_FBcover.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6066 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/F2SM_FBcover-300x111.png\" alt=\"October is National Farm to School Month\" width=\"300\" height=\"111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/F2SM_FBcover-300x111.png 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/F2SM_FBcover-768x284.png 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/F2SM_FBcover-105x39.png 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/F2SM_FBcover-317x117.png 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/F2SM_FBcover-423x157.png 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/F2SM_FBcover-634x235.png 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/F2SM_FBcover-846x313.png 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/F2SM_FBcover.png 851w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>October is\u00a0National Farm to School Month, a time to celebrate the connections happening all over the country between children and local food! Throughout October, follow the National Farm to School Network on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter, and\u00a0Instagram\u00a0to see how communities are celebrating; include the hashtags\u00a0<strong>#farmtoschool<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>#F2SMonth<\/strong>\u00a0in your social media messages; and, visit\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/farmtoschool.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">farmtoschool.org<\/a> to read great stories about farm to school\u2019s impacts and successes. New to farm to school?\u00a0Register\u00a0to attend the Farm to School 101 webinar on Tuesday, October 13 from 12-12:30 p.m. CT for a look at how the movement is working to connect millions of kids to healthy, local food. Whether you are a food service professional, farmer, fisherman, teacher or food-loving family, there are plenty of ways to celebrate National Farm to School Month! Visit\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/farmtoschool.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">farmtoschool.org<\/a>\u00a0to learn more.<\/p>\n<p>Farm to School in Maine has been growing steadily since the first <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cumberlandswcd.org\/education\/harvest_lunch\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine Harvest Lunch program<\/a> in 2003. The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/doe\/nutrition\/programs\/localfoods\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition Services<\/a> encourages schools to purchase local products throughout the year with an emphasis on the Fall harvest during the last full week of September. Maine schools will be submitting recipes using local products to Maine DOE\u2019s \u201cA Fresh Take on School Meals\u201d Harvest Lunch Contest with winners to be publicly celebrated at the upcoming <a href=\"http:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/2015-maine-farm-to-school-conference-tickets-18006692502\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine Farm to School conference<\/a> on Friday, October 16 at the campus of Kennebec Valley Community College-Alfond and Maine Academy of Natural Sciences in Hinckley.<\/p>\n<p>To complement Maine Harvest Lunch Week and highlight the use of school gardens as classrooms, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.msgn.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine School Garden Network<\/a> (MSGN) encourages schools to hold \u201cOpen House\u201d events in their school gardens that same week. Students plant, tend, and harvest produce in schools throughout Maine as noted by the over 120 school gardens registered in the MSGN directory. A key ingredient of Farm to School programming, gardens not only teach students about where their food comes from, they also provide an experiential classroom for all areas of the curriculum. Hands-on learning engages the body, mind, and spirit, and cements learning standards in real-world activities.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands-.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6062 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--300x225.jpg\" alt=\"THMS students collect bean seeds\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--846x635.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--951x713.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands--1268x951.jpg 1268w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/THMS-BEANS-and-Hands-.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>Another component of Farm to School practices are lessons on nutrition and agriculture that complement the efforts of food service staff to introduce and educate students to food grown in their environment. Maine Agriculture in the Classroom has created <a href=\"http:\/\/teachmefoodandfarms.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teach ME about Food and Farms<\/a>, a website for teachers with searchable lessons related to agriculture. Community organizations, Healthy Maine Partnerships, and local UMaine Extension county offices can also be great resources for lessons related to food, health, and agriculture. Several schools have created their own garden-based curriculum such as the award-winning <a href=\"http:\/\/www.schoolgardenproject.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Troy Howard Middle School<\/a> (THMS) in Belfast where students learn in the school garden, greenhouses, and outdoor kitchen. \u201cSchool Garden Grown\u201d stickers sponsored by MSGN were seen on over 120 vegetable entries at the recent Common Ground Country Fair in Unity, many of them from THMS.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6063 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"MVHS Heirloom Long Pie Pumpkin and seeds\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-846x635.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-951x713.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin-1268x951.jpg 1268w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/MVHS-Heirloom-Long-Pie-Pumpkin.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>Another school with a unique program over 26 years old is the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mvhsheirloomseedproject.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medomak Valley High School Heirloom Seed Project<\/a>. Through the study of heirloom seed varieties, methods of growing them for seed production and marketing\/selling them worldwide, students are immersed in every subject area. Produce is also provided to the cafeteria for schools meals. With the help of an AmeriCorps VISTA member, a summer Teen Ag program was added several years ago to help maintain the growing gardens and historic tree arboretum while also teaching the students important skills related to the business of agriculture.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6065 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"FoodCorps volunteer Alissa\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps-634x845.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps-846x1128.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps-951x1268.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/Alissa-FoodCorps.jpg 1125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,225px\" \/><\/a>This program has also had the support of <a href=\"https:\/\/foodcorps.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FoodCorps<\/a>, a nationwide team of AmeriCorps leaders who connect kids to real food and help them grow up healthy. Twelve FoodCorps members are serving in schools throughout Maine this year with service sites in local communities. The program is hosted by <a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/foodcorps\/\">University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/a> and is helping us provide direct support to schools for farm to school activities such as taste tests, cooking lessons, garden-based learning, and connecting local food producers and schools. To learn more about what our twelve members are doing, follow them on their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FoodCorpsMaine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>To help us celebrate Farm to School Month in Maine, you can:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Volunteer with a school in your community.<\/strong> They may need help conducting a local foods taste test, harvesting from their garden, reading a story about agriculture, chaperoning a farm field trip, bringing a recipe using local food to a school event, etc.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Come to the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/2015-maine-farm-to-school-conference-tickets-18006692502\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine Farm to School conference<\/a><\/strong> to network with teachers, food service staff, community leaders, and volunteers, and find out how you can stay engaged with Farm to School all year long.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eat kale on <a href=\"http:\/\/nationalkaleday.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Kale Day<\/a><\/strong>, October 7!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Read inspiring stories<\/strong> about farm to school practices happening throughout the country at the <a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.usda.gov\/tag\/farm-to-school\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA blog<\/a>, the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.farmtoschool.org\/news-and-articles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Farm to School Network blog<\/a>, and the national <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/foodcorps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FoodCorps facebook page<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>For more information on Farm to School and related programs, please visit the following sites:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MaineFarmToSchoolNetwork\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine Farm to School Network Facebook page<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.msgn.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine School Garden Network<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.agclassroom.org\/me\/index.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine Agriculture in the Classroom<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/\">UMaine Extension Food and Health page<\/a> (Maine Garden to Lunchroom food safety videos, FoodCorps ME information, etc)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.foodcorps.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FoodCorps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.farmtoschool.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Farm to School Network<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fns.usda.gov\/farmtoschool\/farm-school\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Farm to School<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.vtfeed.org\/tools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vermont FEED<\/a> (Farm to School Food Education Every Day)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To learn more about what is happening throughout Maine to connect kids to food from land and sea, please join us at the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/2015-maine-farm-to-school-conference-tickets-18006692502\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2015 Maine Farm to School conference<\/a> on Friday, October 16!<\/p>\n<p><em>Ellie Libby is an Extension Educator for 4-H youth development in Knox and Lincoln Counties. She is a 1993 graduate of the Master Gardener Volunteer training. Ellie is the former Maine supervisor for FoodCorps, board member of Maine School Garden Network, chair of the Maine Ag in the Classroom Council and co-state lead with Renee Page for the National Farm to School Network. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"#top\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"article-3\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Meet Maine&#8217;s Master Gardeners:<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #3698d4\">John Beraud<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><em>By Linda Trickey, Community Education Assistant (Agriculture\/Horticulture), UMaine Extension Aroostook County<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6070 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"John Beraud, Maine Master Gardener Volunteer with a display about straw bale gardening\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7-846x635.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/photo-7-951x713.jpg 951w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>John Beraud of Houlton is a recent 2015 graduate of the Aroostook Master Gardener Volunteer program, but has been an avid gardener for most of his adult life. At age 80, he continues his love for gardening by sharing his experiences with others as a Master Gardener Volunteer.<\/p>\n<p>John\u2019s first garden was on Long Island in the late 60s. It was small, about 8&#8242; x 20&#8242;, but very productive and John marvels that \u201cI grew everything in there.\u201d He also grew dwarf peach, apple, and cherry trees on his small lot. When he met his wife Pat, they continued to have at least a small garden wherever they lived, although he admits, \u201cit was a real challenge\u201d to grow almost everything in Arizona.<\/p>\n<p>When asked what he enjoyed most about the Master Gardener Volunteer course, John said that he appreciated the fact that it helped him to learn how to look things up on the Internet. \u201cYou can\u2019t know everything, no one can know everything,\u201d and he feels that his newly developed computer skills are more effective in helping him to find answers to his gardening questions.<\/p>\n<p>He also appreciates learning more about pruning trees and has already enjoyed putting his new knowledge and skills to real practice. He spoke of watching a neighbor lopping limbs from a fruit tree in his yard and when John offered to show him how to do it properly, his neighbor was delighted to learn the basic whats and whys of pruning. It was a satisfying experience for John to share this information while helping others.<\/p>\n<p>John\u2019s MGV Project for the summer was creating a Straw Bale Garden at his home and presenting a demo\/display at the Northern Maine Rural Living Day in September. John and his wife Pat are in the process of moving to Georgia to support John\u2019s brother as he deals with illness. They will miss the Houlton community, but not Northern Maine winters!<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"#top\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"article-4\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Food &amp; Nutrition:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #3698d4\"><strong>How to Prepare Winter Squash<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>By Kate Yerxa, Statewide Nutrition and Physical Activity Educator, UMaine Extension<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2012\/09\/squash-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2511 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2012\/09\/squash-1-300x222.jpg\" alt=\"butternut squash\" width=\"300\" height=\"222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2012\/09\/squash-1-300x222.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2012\/09\/squash-1-105x78.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2012\/09\/squash-1-317x235.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2012\/09\/squash-1-423x313.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2012\/09\/squash-1.jpg 524w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>Maine-grown winter squash is available September through February. Acorn, butternut, buttercup, Hubbard, and spaghetti are all different varieties of winter squash. The thick and tough outer skin of winter squash can make it difficult to prepare. The steps below will make using winter squash easier this fall and winter.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Wash squash under running water and dry with a clean towel.<\/li>\n<li>Pierce the squash several times with a sharp knife and place on a microwave safe plate or dish.<\/li>\n<li>Microwave the squash on high for 6-8 minutes. Allow it to cool enough to be touched.<\/li>\n<li>Cut off the top inch of the squash including the stem.<\/li>\n<li>Cut the squash in half. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.<\/li>\n<li>Place the two halves face down on the microwave safe plate or dish with \u00bd cup of water. Microwave on high 5 minutes. Check if the squash can be easily scooped with a spoon. If not, cook another 3-5 minutes or until the flesh is the texture of a cooked potato. Set aside to cool.<\/li>\n<li>Once the squash is cool enough to touch, dice the squash with a knife without cutting through the skin and scoop out the diced pieces or scoop out the flesh. Use the cooked squash in recipes, or mash with a fork and enjoy!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><em>This material is provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. For more tips like this, visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.extension.iastate.edu\/foodsavings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spend Smart. Eat Smart. website<\/a>. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"6052\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6052 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/preparing-squash.jpg\" alt=\"Steps in preparing squash: cut in half length-wise; scoop out seeds; cut slits in a crosshatch pattern through the thick end of squash; scoop into bowls for serving\" width=\"1004\" height=\"312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/preparing-squash.jpg 1004w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/preparing-squash-300x93.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/preparing-squash-768x239.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/preparing-squash-105x33.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/preparing-squash-317x99.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/preparing-squash-423x131.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/preparing-squash-634x197.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/preparing-squash-846x263.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/10\/preparing-squash-951x296.jpg 951w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,1004px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photos by Zoe Yerxa.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you are interested in freezing or canning green or yellow beans from your garden, review the following UMaine Cooperative Extension Bulletins: #4382, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4382e\/\">Canning Vegetables in a Pressure Canner<\/a> or #4384, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4384e\/\">Freezing Vegetables<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you are interested in the nutritional value and how to store winter squash, review bulletin #4176, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4176e\/\">Winter Squash and Pumpkins<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>University of Maine Cooperative Extension\u2019s <em><strong>Maine Home Garden News <\/strong><\/em>is designed to equip home gardeners with practical, timely information.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Let us know if you would like to be notified when new issues are posted. To receive e-mail notifications <a href=\"http:\/\/eepurl.com\/gtJGR5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">fill out our online form<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For more information or questions, contact <span class=\"gI\">Lynne Hazelton at <a href=\"mailto:lynne.b.hazelton@maine.edu\">lynne.b.hazelton@maine.edu<\/a><\/span> or 1.800.287.1471 (in Maine).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/maine-home-garden-news\/#archives\">Archives<\/a> to see past issues.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Maine Home Garden News <\/strong><\/em>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.<\/p>\n<p><em>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.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u00a9 2015<\/p>\n<p>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 <a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\">extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>October Is the Month to . . . Winter Is the Time to . . . Help Us Celebrate Farm to School Month! Meet Maine&#8217;s Master Gardeners: John Beraud Food &amp; Nutrition: How to Prepare Winter Squash October Is the Month to . . . By Peter Bastien, Community Education Assistant, UMaine Extension Somerset County [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[28],"class_list":["post-6031","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-maine-home-garden-news","tag-maine-home-garden-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Maine Home Garden News - October 2015 - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/2015\/10\/01\/maine-home-garden-news-october-2015\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Maine Home Garden News - October 2015 - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"October Is the Month to . . . 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