Question: I have a Weeping Cherry tree in my yard that did not blossom and has very few leaves. Most of the branches are bare, looking dead. A neighbor about four houses away also has a smaller weeping cherry tree in the same situation. Could you please advise how we can help diagnose or treat […]
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Question: I have a pear tree that produces gnarled fruit that is impossible to eat. Is this something that can be treated or must I remove the tree? My research leans toward tree removal. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Gnarled pears that are hard (never ripen) can be the symptom of several […]
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Question: Was it a weather event last winter which killed the terminal (fruiting) branches on our Redhaven peach? If so, due you have the dates narrowed down? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant Indeed, it was our combination of generally mild winter and a late brutal cold snap that is wreaking havoc on the peach […]
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Question: We have a Liberty apple tree. We planted this variety because it was supposed to be pest resistant. Each year we have the worst case of apple worms I have ever seen. I believe these worms are from the coddling moth. We use only organic methods in our yard. Can you give us some […]
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Question: We have raised beefsteak tomato plants from the seeds of a plant that we purchased last year. The plants are doing great, but the flowers are at the same stage for the last three weeks and they have not developed at all. Are they going to be able to produce fruit? Answer: Donna Coffin, […]
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Question: I would like to mulch my raspberry plants. I know wood chips are good, but can you use coarse sawdust? Answer: Donna Coffin, Extension Professor Mulch will reduce weed pressure, retain soil moisture, and add organic matter. Coarse sawdust can deplete the nitrogen in the soil as soil microbes start to break down the […]
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Question: I’m planning on doing a mini strawberry garden in one of my old raised beds and I just had a few questions and was wondering if you had any general advice about growing, maintaining, etc. What type of strawberry is best suited for Maine in full sun? Is it better to start a garden […]
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Question: I am trying to grow strawberries in a raised bed. Everything worked well last year until the berries started to ripen – then critters ate every last berry. My question is – if I buy a screen to cover the raised beds – how will the flowers get pollinated? When I have grown strawberries in […]
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Question: Can I have someone or can you recommend someone who can give me some on-site apple pruning advice? I have three semi-dwarf trees that aren’t neglected, but just amateurly pruned every year. I have a lot of what I think is excess growth on these 15 year old trees. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture […]
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Question: I am unsure if I have a disease problem, an appropriate care problem, a pruning issue, or some other issue. Obviously the two vines are dormant now, but I would appreciate some preseason advice. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional It is really difficult to diagnose that there is a problem […]
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