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Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Fruit Trees and Small Fruits

Can you grow tomatoes in a heated greenhouse during the Maine winter without issues?

Question: I am writing to inquire about growing tomatoes in a heated greenhouse during the winter in Maine. The greenhouse can be heated to optimal growing temperature, but I was wondering if there would be enough sunlight to have fruiting plants without supplemental lights. Would the shortened daylight just increase the amount of time needed […]

How can I identify the apple variety in my orchard?

Question: I live on land that was once an apple orchard. There is only one tree left and it produces great apples for pies and sauce. Its days are numbered and I would like to identify the tree so that I can plant more trees of this variety. I have tried to match the apples […]

What is the best course of action to plant a meadow and an orchard near each other?

Question: I have decided I want the area where my orchard will be to also be a meadow. I am having trouble finding any information about this. I’m not sure if I should meadow and then plant fruit trees, or plant fruit trees and then the meadow, or if there should be time in between. […]

Why are my high bush blueberry plants not doing well?

Question: I planted six high bush blueberries of different varieties three years ago. This year several of them are growing strangely. Some have a ton of berries, but minimal plant growth. Others had hardly any berries and others appear damaged or sick. Could you provide potential diagnosis and guidance as to how to help them? […]

Can the shoots of my Macintosh apple tree be replanted?

Question: I have an old but productive Macintosh Apple tree. It is beginning to show sun scald and is putting out shoots 2-3 feet from the trunk. I would hate to lose this tree! Can the shoots be replanted and if so, how and when? It is a standard tree, not on a rootstock. Answer: […]

Can you explain what pear scab and pear rust is and how to treat them?

Question: I noticed spots on my pear tree leaves and a lot of the pear fruit was aborted this year. I’m not sure if it is pear scab or pear rust? Or are they the same? How can I treat this? I also have a plum and peach tree in the area, are they at […]

What are some care recommendations for my newly planted fig trees?

Question: I have a hardy species of fig trees, advertised to survive in Zone 6A, that I am going into my second winter with. I have read the guidance as to how to wrap them in chicken wire and pack them in mulch, but I have a couple of questions. 1. Is it correct that […]

Are my older high bush blueberry plants at the end of their productive years?

Question: I have 24 high bush blueberry bushes purchased about 20 yrs. ago (from a reputable garden store). This is the first year their production is considerably lower than in all past years. Should I be concerned that these plants are near the end of their productive years? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional […]

Why do the leaves on my older apple trees have brown spots and are falling off?

Question: My Granny Smith Apple tree has been losing leaves leaving the bottom half of the tree leafless. The leaves have brown spots on them and I can see them dropping off when a squirrel jumps on a branch or a breeze blows through. It has been many years without getting pruned, but has born […]

What are the grayish spots on the surface of my peaches?

Question: I have had a peach tree for six or seven years. This year we seem to have a bumper crop of peaches growing on our tree. However, the majority of them have some grayish spots on the surface which seems to be only on one side of the peach. I have attached three pictures. […]

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