Welcome Steve Gabriel from central Maine

Is woodland farming feasible in central Maine? Is there really enough growing season and variety of crops? Thanks for all you do!

Hi William and thanks for the question.

YOU are probably the best person to answer it. But I can offer some guidance.

First off, the good news. Mushrooms (shiitake especially) seem to be seriously cold hardy. Your growing season might be shorter, but its a robust crop.

Depending on your hardiness zone (3, 4?), you can work down the list of plants. Paw Paw is a no. Elderberry, ribes (currants, etc), some nut species, etc are possible.

I was very inspired by my visit to Phil Rutter at Badgersett Farm in MN. He was growing hazelnuts in a seriously cold climate. He has really hardy stuff.

Check out Bill Mckently and St Lawrence Nursery in New York. Quite cold hardy, also.

Animals, would also be something to consider, which we detail in the book.

Finally, hark back to two things; What is already growing well in your climate? Look for ecosystem analogs. And what did people who lived in your landscape traditionally subsist on?

cheers
Steve