Growing Good

Building an Amazing Garden in Farmer Steph’s Backyard

As Farmer Steph moves her garden from Skyline Farm to her own Backyard, we get to experience how she uses her power and passion to move and rebuild everything in her life.  In today's lesson it is time to get your head out of the seed cages and start digging outside! We talk about raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, yarrow and more!  Discover how to top-dress with Castine Raised Bed Mix and Stonington Grower's Mix to save money and create a more abundant and vital crop.  Steph also gives us some seed starting tips as she starts her seeds in Sprout Island Seed Starter.  You can also receive a free bag of Stonington Grower's Mix by volunteering to help clean up the former Farm to Tables Kids Farm at Skyline Farm 95 The Ln, North Yarmouth, ME 04097 on April 9th!  Please join us, learn and enjoy great company while you get dirty in the soil!

Don’t Be Afraid of Seed Starting

Setting a gentle diverse culture for your seeds will make the future plants strong and vibrant. Farmer Steph teaches us to not overthink the process and use a trusted seed starter like Sprout Island Blend Seed Starter.

Garden Season is Buy Local Season

For the best results in your garden, purchasing produce, or starting seeds, buying local is the way to go. Farmer Steph talks about shopping at a local nursery, growing native plants, purchasing a CSA, and using trusted local suppliers for seed starting. Follow her experienced advice and save time and money while helping to create a deeper sense of community.

Simple Steps to Successful Seed Starting

Farmer Steph tells us simple steps to successful seed starting. Be patient. Set your frost date. Create airflow. Avoid damping off. Don't start too soon. Plant what you enjoy. Be inspired.

The Power of Connecting Seed with Soil

In celebration of World Soil Day on December 5th Farmer Steph and Cameron Bonsey talk about teaching kids and getting them inspired to understand the power of connecting seed to soil.

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with Heather Whitaker 2020 Teacher of the Year for Maine

Heather Whitaker teaches with passion and fearlessness in giving her students an experiential classroom setting. The Gorham Middle School Garden is part of her classroom, and she uses the garden to teach, donate and bring the community together. She is an inspiration!

Why Our Grower Consultants Are a Part of Every Bag of Stonington Growers Mix

David Delacroix was so impressed with Stonington Grower's Mix that he had to reach out to Cameron Bonsey of VP of Marketing for Coast of Maine. They found they had a deeper connection because Cameron's mother was David's favorite teacher in high school, and she had an extraordinary impact on his life. Stonington Grower's Mix has had the same impact on his cultivation. Find out how the two connect and why we believe that David and many other growers are now a part of every bag of Stonington Growers Mix we sell.

Teaching Children to Be Better Learners Through Gardening

We spent a winter day with Farmer Steph of Farm to Table Kids in North Yarmouth, Me. In our interview we discovered her teaching philosophy and witnessed her ability to create enthusiasm while helping children become better leaners. Playing is really when they grasp new concepts.

A Garden Center Business on an Island! LIVE with Frost Farms Garden Center

Melissa Frost, aka "Frosty" of Frost Farms Garden Center in Bar Harbor chats live with Cameron Bonsey about the challenges of starting a new garden center business on an island!  From their Christmas décor to their adoption of a pandemic friendly website, Frosty and Cameron discuss it all!  Enjoy getting to know Frosty and visit www.frostfarmsmdi.com for more info about her store.  If you are in the area, take a trip to "Frost Farms Garden Center" and "Find Your Plant Passion!"

What Makes Coast of Maine Special?

Coast of Maine was founded in 1996 with a focus on making the best compost blends, using Maine marine residuals while supporting local retailers. Our explosive growth today is based on our dedicated, motivated, and creative employees.   In this first episode our VP of Marketing, Cameron Bonsey, interviews Felicia Newman, Director of Operations Planning, Product Development, and Quality.  Her experience, drive, and creativity is a huge reason that Coast of  Maine continues to grow in the organic gardening world with gardeners  who want to be able to trust the organic growing media they are using.  Enjoy.