Swan Song Saltwater Farm
Maine Coast Travel Blog

Spring Gardening in Maine
& Renovations Update

On this eve of the challenging month of March in Maine, we wonder is it Spring? Winter? You just never know, but regardless we are going all in on our garden plan.

Gardening Update

We have become members of MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners), an organization we have always admired and are the people behind the wildly popular Common Ground Fair. We have ordered our professional, forty foot, “gothic” style hoophouse – gothic meaning it has a pointy top and not the normal quonset rounded top. First delivery of Johnny’s Seeds have arrived and we are down quite the rabbit hole on flower farming and how to succeed in the first year.

My personal thing has always been herb gardens, it’s the only gardening I have had great success with since my first house and the only gardening that I am quite confident handling. I will leave the majority of the vegetable gardening to our team and the details of the flower gardens too – I just want to choose the colors and varieties. 🙂

We are also dedicating resources to growing our small orchard. There are many heirloom apple trees on the property, I mean really, really old. We are endeavoring to take care of those trees to extend their life as long as possible and also adding to them.

FAQs Spring Gardening in Maine

In Maine, garden planning often begins in late winter or early spring, even while snow is still on the ground. Many growers start seeds indoors and prepare structures like hoophouses to extend the short growing season.

A hoophouse is a greenhouse-style structure that helps protect plants from cold weather and extends the growing season. In Maine’s unpredictable climate, a gothic-style hoophouse allows for better snow shedding and improved air circulation.

Yes, heirloom apple trees can thrive in Maine’s climate, especially with proper care. Maintaining older trees through pruning and organic practices can extend their lifespan while continuing to produce unique, flavorful fruit.

Organic gardening focuses on working with the natural environment rather than against it. This includes avoiding synthetic chemicals, improving soil health, and using sustainable practices that give back to the land over time.

Swan Song Saltwater Farm view of forest aerial

Building & Renovations Update

Apple Cottage, our very special “breakfast shed” renovation is the only building on the property not named for with a musical connection because the ancient apple trees next to it were too perfect. (And then I realized we could say it was named after the Beatles company and we would be covered.. 🙂

Speaking of Apple Cottage, the former owner used this charming spot right near the ocean as his so-called “breakfast spot”. It was set up with a kitchenette and dining table and even wood stove for cooler days where friends gathered for breakfast and to discuss the state the world.

We kept the intention of having it as a gathering place for friends, (I am hoping we talk classic rock and gardening tips instead of the state of the world there quite frankly), but the vibe remains. We have a full bar, games, deck and replaced the small windows with a wall of glass doors to really take in the spectacular ocean view. It really is one of the special places on the Farm.

In my little dream world, our guests will get to wander around the gardens, maybe pick up some pointers from our team and feel the calm that comes with surrounding yourself with an appreciation of working with the earth, not in opposition of the earth. I am hoping our approach of growing purely organically and trying different ways of doing things to give back instead of taking from the ground will be inspiring to all of us. Wish us luck!

Kim Swan in a blue jacket sits on a rug with a rooster. Owner of Swan Song Collection.

Kim Swan

Kimberly Swan is the visionary behind Saltwater Farm and the Swan Song Collection, creating serene, design-forward destinations rooted in respect for animals, land, and the Maine coast. Her work reflects a commitment to sustainability, beauty, and intentional living.
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