Cooperative Extension in Washington County

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. […]

September brings the best of summer and fall produce in Maine. Five new food preservation webinars from UMaine Extension staff will help you preserve local food with safety and flavor in mind. Learn from the experts in these 45-minute sessions. The new topics for September are: September 1 – Canning Relish September 8 – Preserving […]

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program welcomes Brittany Foster to the Washington County office as the new 4-H Youth Development Professional! Brittany comes to us from Waco, TX. In her role, she will coordinate and manage the countywide 4-H program including partnerships with schools, afterschool programs and 4-H clubs. In addition Brittany will […]

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a webinar about growing garlic in Maine noon–1 p.m. Sept. 14. “Growing Garlic in Maine” topics will include planting stock, site selection, timing of harvest and proper drying. The webinar will be led by UMaine Extension agriculture and non-timber forest products professional David Fuller, who has grown garlic […]

September brings the bounty of both summer and fall produce to Maine. Five new food preservation webinars from University of Maine Cooperative Extension focus on preserving local food with safety and flavor in mind.  Canning relish is the topic 2–2:45 p.m. Sept. 1. Other webinars in the series will focus on preserving apples, which will […]

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering a new training video for pesticide applicators seeking recertification credits. “Sprayer Calibration” is now available for viewing, along with instructions for accessing the one-credit quiz and other current pesticide applicator recertification training videos. Quiz results are shared with the Maine Board of Pesticides Control. For more information or […]

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a webinar about ways to address the physical strain of gardening, noon–1 p.m. Aug. 31. “Pain-free Gardening,” led by Maine AgrAbility specialist Ellen Gibson, will include discussions about ergonomics and tool choices, and demonstrations of safely bending, stretching and getting your body ready to garden. Registration is required; […]

Gardens created to attract essential pollinators are the focus of a new pollinator-friendly garden certification available from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program. Pollinator-friendly gardens provide food and habitat for native insects and animals in a dedicated garden space. Maine gardeners can apply to have existing or new gardens certified when […]