Question: I am interested in planting a living fence around my yard to keep my chickens and ducks in and predators like neighborhood cats and dogs out. The fence are would be shaded by conifers in a forested area. What would be a good species for a living fence? Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education […]
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Question: Our neighborhood is accessed by a dirt road about 1/2 mile in length that is densely flanked by old woody overgrown brush, branches of which reach in toward the road bed and can scratch vehicles coming and going. We are looking for advice on hard pruning to discourage growth, how much, what time of […]
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Question: I’m hoping to offer a take-home craft/activity kit in April where kids will get small flower pots and a few flower seeds to plant at home. However, I know nothing about flowers or gardening in general. I didn’t want to buy seeds and accidentally introduce a plant that is bad for Maine. In general, […]
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Question: I have very satisfactory success growing all the vegetables I want to grow except beets, carrots, and parsnips. These vegetables take far longer to develop a swollen root than they should, and never get to a good size. I am an organic gardener, and my soil tests are good in all areas except iron, […]
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Question: I am interested in making Wattle fencing/hurdles around my backyard and am hoping for any insight as to what trees/plants from Maine would be best to use. I have read that in England they use Hazel and Willow and am wondering what would be the closest to those that exist naturally here. It is […]
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Question: I want to challenge myself and my sons, together with their families, to grow popcorn this spring. Any suggestions on the type that will grow best in Southern Maine? Also, what would the best variety to grow in a container on a deck? We don’t have large garden spaces so are limited in that […]
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Question: I grow cucumbers and tomatoes indoors and can not feel if the surface is dry. The digital meter did not give a percentage and websites go from 10 to 80%. The problem is wilt and powdery mildew, both do better at 30-35% with treatments, but plants are slow growing at that level. Answer: Lynne […]
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Question: I have a few young apple and stone fruit trees. Which pests and diseases should I spray proactively and which should wait until I see activity or damage? Answer: Renae Moran, Fruit Tree Specialist, Highmoor Farm We have a website on spraying fruit trees. Insect Pests – Cooperative Extension: Tree Fruits Pests that are […]
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Question: I am writing an article for my garden club about creating native pollinator houses for mason bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. I am looking for do’s and don’ts, materials to use, and where to position it in the yard/garden. Also, care and maintenance. Answer: Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator, Hancock County The following UMaine Extension bulletin […]
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