Cooperative Extension in Washington County

Updated research on supporting habitat for Maine’s 278 species of bees is included in a new publication from University of Maine Cooperative Extension. “Selecting Plants to Support Bees in Maine: Summary of the Bee Module Project” includes data from the original project conducted 2012–15 across four Maine sites, broad and specific recommendations for planning or […]

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer two updates specific to the agricultural industry 7–8 p.m. Oct. 14.  “Navigating the Label Regulatory Requirements for Soil Fumigation” will be presented online by Maine Board of Pesticide Control inspector Keith Brown, followed by “Dickeya in the Maine Potato Industry” with UMaine Extension crops specialist Steve Johnson.  The […]

The Maine Hunger Dialogue will convene by webinar from 10 a.m.–noon Oct. 23. The event is free and open to the public. With a focus on food and housing insecurities experienced by college students, speakers will address best practices for campuses, discuss the results of a statewide survey on the primary issues, and explore food […]

For Maine farmers who must comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act, or who want to hone their skills regarding food safety, University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering two sessions of the Produce Safety Alliance grower training from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Nov. 5–Nov. 6 or Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.  Training topics include foundational […]

October closes out the season for growing and preserving Maine foods. Four new food preservation webinars from University of Maine Cooperative Extension begin 2–2:45 p.m. Oct. 6, with the first talk focusing on how to store vegetables through the winter.   Subsequent webinars scheduled for the same time on Tuesdays through Oct. 27 will address storing […]

University of Maine Cooperative Extension begins collection of greenhouse plastic for recycling Sept. 25 with 16 drop-off sites across the state. Disposal is free of charge through Dec. 15 to all Maine growers who register.  The target material for recycling is clear, low-density, polyethylene (LDPE#4) plastic typically used to cover greenhouses, high tunnels, hoop houses […]

University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association will offer a webinar on planning for backyard fruit trees noon–1 p.m. Oct. 7. “Planning Your Backyard Orchard” will explore selecting planting sites, deciding on rootstocks and tree size, choosing and sourcing varieties, site preparation and best planting practices, and caring for young fruit trees. […]