Happy Thursday, Homesteaders!
Last summer, I was content without a garden to tend. New to the area, our home doesn’t have space for outdoor planting — at least not in beds, as I’ve done in the past. But as winter wound down this year, I found myself daydreaming about warm tomatoes just plucked from the vine and fresh basil snipped from a thriving plant.
I explored the idea of renting a plot in the Community Garden. In fact, until recently I thought that’s what I’d do. But realistically, with a busy schedule and two active kids, I am not sure I can commit to it for the season. What if I get busy and forget to weed? As part of a community, it won’t just impact me — as it has in the past when I grew vegetables on my own land.
So, now I’ve decided to take a cue from Natalie Feulner and go extra simple with my gardening this year: by planting the few things I really want to go in containers and hoping they thrive on my back porch.
What are you planning for your garden this year? Why not share a pic on Twitter or Instagram? Be sure to use #BDNHomestead so that we can see what you’re growing. Also, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to email me at scaron@bangordailynews.com.
Best wishes for living a good life,
Sarah Walker Caron
Senior Editor, Features
What’s happening in Homestead
Interesting in having chickens? Beware of free-ranging them, because it can draw predators, says one Maine warden.
In an urban area? No worries, in some cities chicken ownership is not only allowed but on the rise.
A couple who met at sea have come ashore to start a land-bound bakery in a barn. This sweet story is the topic of this week’s barn feature by Kathleen Pierce.
Just for fun
- Learn the right way to do home firewood production
- Got ticks? Natalie Feulner shares her recent experience when she thought she found a tick on her daughter.
- Composting with worms
What’s coming
Fiddlehead greens are in season. Are you a fan? We’re talking to a Maine author who’s literally written the book on them. Natalie Feulner is also taking a close look at the Bangor city ordinances that prohibit urban chicken ownership.