Maine Backyard Gardens (Presque Isle: live in, restaurant, to eat)

[Bydand]

No argument from me elston. I stay away from fiddleheads, more because I just don't like them and the whole idea of eating a fern holds zero appeal. The carcinogenic aspect was just the added topper for me for me to have a real reason for not eating them nasty little things.

[elston]

Originally Posted by Bydand

No argument from me elston. I stay away from fiddleheads, more because I just don't like them and the whole idea of eating a fern holds zero appeal. The carcinogenic aspect was just the added topper for me for me to have a real reason for not eating them nasty little things.

LOL I was afraid I would get flamed for even raising the subject as tentatively as I could manage....you take on the subject head on.

[Eastport4me]

Originally Posted by elston

This is probably heresy, but I want to ask anyway. Some years ago I heard that fiddleheads were carcinogenic and should be avoided. I can tell that people on this forum don't put stock in that warning. What do you know that I don't? Just wondering--not trying to slam a regional favorite!

The bracken head ferns are noted carcinogenic...the fiddleheads I don't know about other than they should only be eaten young (short) before the spores(under the leaves) become asexually reproductive...refer to link...

Edible Ferns of New England - New York Times

[elston]

Asparagas sounds like a good alternative to me; great article MenMe thank you!

[Eastport4me]

Elston,

I read that fiddlehead ferns have a similar taste to asparagus but I don't know how you can perfect the taste of asparagus!!

[elston]

When I was in Japan I went foraging with one of my DP's aunts way up in the mountains. The delicacy were were seeking was a fern like frond unrolling or unfurling on the tips of a wild plant. Other than the tips which had a violin like shape...the plant did not obviously appear to be a fern. (We also found out that it was protected in the national park in which we were foraging.. auntie acted as if the ranger were a "revenuer" smashing her still; and protested that her family had been foraging there for generations. We got to keep what we had but no more....they were delicious for supper and did have an asparagas taste and texture. She is also always on the hunt for "Taki Noko" (bamboo shoots) which are worth a mention anyday for great food found growing wild.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by boonskyler

kitchen garden variaties that doing well at location and when to grow them is very valuable for new comer.
USDA zonning guildline is good, but not as good as local experiences.
thanks in advance.

USDA zones are only useful for choosing perennials and growing in winter. The zones break down the US into zones according to the coldest average annual temperature which of course happens in winter. Perennials will tolerate only so much cold before they die. It's helpful for winter growing in areas where it doesn't get too cold to grow plants but cold enough that some might not survive the coldest weather. Clear as mud? Zones aren't relevant to spring, summer or fall gardening.

For spring, summer and fall growing you should know the average last frost date in the spring, the average first frost date in the fall and keep an eye on the soil. When I need to know if the soil is warm enough to plant things like corn and bean seeds I jab a meat thermometer into the soil

[Abbymoulton]

I guess this is the best thread to ask this on.......
Does anyone know if there is a place in Limestone, Caribou, P.I. etc. that one could rent a rototiller? If not I an looking at a severe backache next Spring.

[boonelsewhere]

thanks MW,
Very well inform, I though i have to give up on growing Asian vegetables
in Maine because the seeds package said for USDA zone 9 and 10.
I assume best to start grow Asian veg early and learn grow vegetables that do well in Ellsworth for the late growing season.

USDA zones are only useful for choosing perennials and growing in winter. The zones break down the US into zones according to the coldest average annual temperature which of course happens in winter. Perennials will tolerate only so much cold before they die. It's helpful for winter growing in areas where it doesn't get too cold to grow plants but cold enough that some might not survive the coldest weather. Clear as mud? Zones aren't relevant to spring, summer or fall gardening.

For spring, summer and fall growing you should know the average last frost date in the spring, the average first frost date in the fall and keep an eye on the soil. When I need to know if the soil is warm enough to plant things like corn and bean seeds I jab a meat thermometer into the soil

[Bydand]

I guess this is the best thread to ask this on.......
Does anyone know if there is a place in Limestone, Caribou, P.I. etc. that one could rent a rototiller? If not I an looking at a severe backache next Spring.

Grand Rental Station in Presque Isle.

Another place to ask would be right after you get to town ask down to Portous Service station just down the street from the house you are looking at. They might know somebody right in town that has one you can bum for a beer and bag if veggies come fall.