Question: I have a large healthy and very overgrown rhododendron in front of the house. I will be pruning about 1/3 of the plant. I am seeing some sites that advise pruning in late winter when the plant is dormant and other sites that advise pruning right after blooming in the spring. What do you […]
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Question: Please provide recommendations for using arborist chips in a vegetable garden for plants and seeds. Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Wood chips are really great for mulching in perennial beds, around raspberries or high bush blueberries, on permanent walkways or between raised beds to help with weed suppression and water retention. They […]
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Question: I have many maple trees with various amounts of a black substance on their trunks. I am assuming it is a fungus, but am not sure. On trees with just a little, it appears circular and is located near the base of the tree. On trees with a lot of fungus, it almost fully […]
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Question: Is it legal to transplant peonies from Maryland to property that I am purchasing in Maine? I don’t want to leave behind my heirloom peonies, but I don’t want to cause environmental harm or break any laws. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional First of all welcome to Maine! I think […]
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Question: This fall we had to replace our septic system. We’re left with a dramatically different backyard and a gardening challenge. What can I plant on top of and around this system? The sun exposure is at times in direct sun for several hours. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional What can […]
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Question: I read the Cornell ‘Composting to Reduce the Waste Stream’ on your site. I do not like the idea it includes about using ‘pressure treated’ wood to construct compost containers in the yard. I wonder if you agree? Answer: Kate Garland, Horticultural Professional When the Cornell document was written (1991) pressure treated lumber was […]
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Question: What tomato varieties would you suggest for in-ground planting? I’d like to plant 2-3 varieties for eating off the vine, and for canning BBQ sauce and salsa. Are there any other considerations for tomato growing in Maine? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant I would suggest you do a soil test in the […]
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Question: In September 2021, I transplanted peony plants to a bed on the west side of our new home. They all came up, a couple even had flowers, but as time went on black areas (not spots) were seen on many of the plants. Unfortunately, I did not take a picture. I cut them down […]
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Question: I have arsenic in my well water. Is it safe to eat vegetables that were grown in that environment, watered with well water containing arsenic? Answer: Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator I assume that you’ve had your water tested and know the concentration level of arsenic. As you will see in these two fact sheets, it is considered […]
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Question: If I wanted to use rainwater to water my garden, how do I get my water tested to know if it’s safe? Answer: Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator If you wish to use rainwater on your garden, you should treat it as any other surface water – not safe to drink or to wash produce […]
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