McElwain's Strawberry Farm

06/25/2026

Hi, folks....we are sold out of berries! I will update when we are open again!

06/25/2026

Here's a pic taken by our family photographer, Kate...a great example of the different stages of berries on a single plant.

Come out and get some berries to last you a couple of days until the next picking.
At this time, we still have plenty in the farm store.

FYI....U-pick should be available in a few days.

06/25/2026

Hi, Everyone.....We are open from 10 am till sold out. Our berries are ripening and we did not want to miss any of the first delicious ones.
We have a crop of new berry pickers, and this is a great way to get them started!
Our price this year is $7/ quart.

Send a message to learn more

06/19/2026

It's raining cats and dogs now, but YESTERDAY morning was lovely for planting. These strawberry plants will bear berries next summer.

A few days of warm sunny weather will definitely help the berries to ripen. Sorry we can't tell you exactly when, but we'll keep you posted!

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/