Mon, 06/09/2025 - 5:28am

PFAS are toxic chemicals that are widely used and have accumulated to dangerous levels in agricultural soils in some areas. On tomorrow’s pod we talk with Caleb Goossen, an Organic Crop Specialist at MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association) about why Maine may be the canary in the coal mine for this type of contamination, and how farmers in other areas can know whether their properties are at risk for contamination. As the Organic Crop Specialist for MOFGA he has been helping farmers deal wit

What is in Your Soil? Plant Your Garden with Confidence

Limitations to Consider When Planning A Garden

Caleb will be speaking on all things soil at the July 17 Garden Expo. You may have enough space for your garden, but do you have the right conditions? Caleb will talk about the importance of considering light, drainage, and soil composition when planning a garden so that plants will be lush and healthy.

Caleb is the Organic Crop and Production Specialist at Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA.). He works with farmers to develop soil and pest management plans, crop rotations using green manures and helps solve disease and insect problems.

Tickets for the Expo with all the details of the day are available at camdengardenclub.org/2025-garden-expo

2025 Expo: “Edible Gardens & Bountiful Tables” Overview of the Day

8:15 - 9:00 Doors Open at Camden-Rockport Middle School

Show your ticket receipt on your mobile phone or a receipt print-out

9:00 - 1:00 Bountiful Tablescapes, Center Hallway

View tabelscapes spanning a number of “themes” and styles from rustic to whimsical and from contemporary to traditional.

9:00 - 10:00 Pecha Kucha Style Presentations, Auditorium

Enjoy fast and furious presentations by four noteworthy speakers: Rory Keohane, Tenderwild Farm Charlie Costello, Marilak Farms Hannah Semler, FarmDrop Gleaners Melissa Kelly, Executive Chef and Owner, Primo Restaurant

10:15 - 11:15 Keynote Speakers, Auditorium

Barbara Damrosch Nancy Harmon Jenkins

11:30 - 12:30 Breakout Sessions, Auditorium and Cafeteria

Choose two breakout sessions to attend (25 minutes each) Caleb Goosen, MOFGA. The Right Soil Recipe Josh Hixson, Former Chef/Owner, 40 Paper. Making Sauces with Fresh Garden Herbs John Fromer, Merryspring Gardens. How to Plan a Kitchen Garden Stacy Leafsong, Leafsong Family Farms. The Beauty of Decorative Edibles

11:30 - 1:00 Booksigning with Barbara Damrosch and Nancy Harmon Jenkins

Left Bank Books will host a book signing session with our keynote speakers. A selection of each author’s books will be available for purchase (credit cards only) or participants may bring their own book. A wonderful opportunity to meet and greet the authors.

1:00 - 4:00 Old Souls Farm Tour

Tour David Kibbe’s farm in Camden. This small-scale growing space is located in the historic Chestnut Street neighborhood. The focus is on regenerative practices, seasonal crops, native plantings and includes vegetables, native flowering perennials, honey bees, chickens and a small fruit orchard.