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Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Fruit Trees and Small Fruits

What insect has defoliated my fruit trees and how do I manage them?

Question: I need help with fruit tree caterpillar damage. In very short order, my pear tree is completely defoliated, and my plums and apple are seriously set back. The culprits are 3/4″ light green worms. Any idea what they are and what I should do now? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant I’m very sorry […]

Should I prune the new shoots of my young pear tree?

Question: I have a McLaughlin Pear tree that I did not prune well in the spring, before the leaves emerged. It is now early June, and the three-year old pear has several shoots growing rapidly that are very low to the ground. Is it best to let it grow and prune these off next spring? […]

What organic methods do you have for dealing with insects on my ground cherries?

Question: For two years, I planted ground Cherries (Goldie Variety) next to my tomato plants. I didn’t have much trouble with pests except for tortoise beetles, but they didn’t hurt the plants too much. Last year, I planted a different variety (Aunt Molly) in pots and they were completely destroyed by these disgusting grubs that […]

Why is my cherry tree not blossoming and has few leaves?

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 […]

Should I remove a pear tree that produces gnarled fruit?

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 […]

Was it a weather event that killed branches on my Redhaven peach tree?

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 […]

How can you get rid of apple worms?

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 […]

Will tomato plants produce fruit if the flowers have stayed at the same stage for weeks?

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, […]

Can you use sawdust to mulch raspberry plants?

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 […]

What types of strawberries are best suited for a full sun location?

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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