Homestead
BDN’s Homestead section is a celebration of rural life. Our writers cover small farms, animals, DIY solutions and fascinating Maine people who find unique ways to live simply. Read more Homestead stories here.
The weather made things easier on Maine gardeners this season than it has in recent years, but there are always surprises in the complex world of plants.
With early frosts upon us, this year’s growing season is coming to an end, leaving six months worth of activity to reflect on and lessons to learn for next year.
As the BDN’s homestead writer, I’ve spent possibly more than my fair share of time on social media groups for Maine gardeners to learn what people are planting, the challenges they’re facing and the creative improvements they are making to their gardens and work processes.
I’ve seen tomatoes with curious long “noses,” albino onions, mysterious squashes, plants that never flowered or set fruit, frightening aphid infestations, weirdly hairy caterpillars and many mysterious bug cocoons.
Maine gardeners also shared unusual crops I didn’t know could thrive here: astonishingly long green beans, uniquely colored dry beans, passionfruit, kiwis, giant pumpkins, homegrown cranberries, tunnels of gourds, unique herbs and much more.
I also read people’s concerns about how to protect plants from record-breaking midsummer heat waves, and saw others seeking advice on safely predicting first and last frost dates. Even now, I’m wondering if I should plant my garlic or if our current stretch of post-frost warm weather would affect it.
Social media can be a limited source, though, so I want to know: How did things go for you in your garden this year? Did anything odd or unexpected happen? Did you try a new technique that really worked well for you, or end up with a problem that you couldn’t figure out?
Tell us all about it, and include a photo if you can. You may post them in the comments section below or send them to [email protected].
