McElwain's Strawberry Farm

06/12/2026

Click on pics to see what's happening on the farm.

06/04/2026

Senior Farm Share Applicants:

Concerning the problem using Apple devices to submit application form:
We received a great suggestion to use the computer at your public library. Other folks have used family or friend's phone or laptop.

Also, There is an in-person sign up on Monday June 8th from 3-6 pm at the Caribou Wellness Center at 55 Bennett Drive.

Please look at our previous postings for more info.

First crop of the season....... What else to do with them but build a rock wall!

06/02/2026

About the online applications for the Maine Senior FarmShare Program:
The department replied that their is an issue with I phone and I pad applications...it won't let you submit. They suggest using Android phone or laptop. If unable to do that, they suggest attending the in person sign up they are having on June 8. (See my previous post.)

A reminder of who can participate....

To take part in MSFP, you must:

Be a Maine resident

Be 60 years old or older

55 years old or older for Native Americans

18 years old or older with a disability and currently living in housing facilities occupied primarily by older individuals where congregate nutrition services are provided

Meet the 2026-2027 Income Guidelines.

The annual household gross income is at or below the amount listed beside household size:
1 person household: $29,526
2 person household: $40,034
3 person household: $50,542
4 person household: $61,050
5 person household: $71,558
6 person household: $82,066

06/01/2026

Good morning everyone!! Maine Senior FarmShare Program sign up starts today!!
As we posted earlier, you need to use the online application form. Click on this link:

www.maine.gov/dacf/seniorfarmshare

and when you click on "Apply" the application pops up.
The form is easy to fill out, and even has a proxy form attached if you want to designate someone to pick up your produce.
If someone is using their smartphone or laptop to help you do this, you can type in your name yourself and it will be your electronic signature.
If you have no way to apply online, you may call 207-287-3491 to schedule an appointment for phone-based enrollment.

We will also have an in person sign- up opportunity on Monday June 8th from 3-6 pm at the Caribou Wellness Center at 55 Bennett Drive. Two members of DACF will be there with laptops to sign folks up.

We encourage you to sign up online, as it is the quickest way and you find out right then if you are enrolled with the farm.

There is also a 15- day waiting period from the day you sign up till you can use your farmshare, so don't wait too long!

SO MUCH INFORMATION! I know we will get through this new process just fine. You can call us if you have questions and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!!

05/23/2026

Kate found our first apple blossoms....The bees will be happy!
These raised rows are ready for our strawberry plants, which will arrive next month. 🍓

05/20/2026

Happy World Bee Day!! We are very thankful to our two hives of bumblebees who pollinate first our apple trees and then our strawberries!

Happy World Bee Day! 🌼🐝

Bees and other pollinators play an essential role in Maine gardens, farms, forests, and ecosystems. One way to help support native bees is by providing nesting habitat and planting a variety of pollinator-friendly plants throughout the growing season.

Did you know? Many native bees are solitary and nest in hollow stems, wood, or underground rather than in large hives. 🐝🌱

Learn more about Maine’s native bees and how to support pollinators with this resource: extension.umaine.edu/publications/7153e/

05/19/2026

This was taken yesterday afternoon...laying plastic.

05/17/2026

Looks like we'll have to wait to get the tractor on this field. But the ducks are loving it!! 🦆🦆

05/07/2026

The boys are checking out the big hoophouse earlier this week.
Today Frank moved the tomato and cuke plants to the bubble greenhouse. After it gets warmer they'll get planted in the hoophouse. Paul is hanging the strings up today.

04/28/2026

Checking out the orchard on Saturday...Frank did a great job pruning!
Showing our grandsons how the buds are getting fatter
(Pics by Kate)