Question: I planted four Frontenac grape plants last fall that appear to be doing well. Unfortunately the Japanese beetles got out of hand on them recently. I’m willing to chalk this year’s crop up for a loss; however, is it a foregone conclusion that the plants are now unviable moving forward or can I expect […]
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Question: I have highbush blueberries that I protect from birds and critters by netting. A couple of times in the past decade, a bird has gotten inside the netting and could not find its way out and died. Would hanging cds on the bushes work to protect the blueberries from the birds and critters? Answer: […]
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Question: I have a hardy apricot tree that flowers nicely each spring, then all fruitlets fall off or are severely damaged by insects. This spring I pruned it very hard so I can reach branches and better monitor for insects, tie on maggot barriers. All branches have sent out dozens of sprouts due to pruning, […]
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Question: Three years ago we purchased a home with mature grape vines. The tag says these are red, seedless grapes. We NEVER get ripe grapes. We get plenty of grapes that remain green until frost. Two years ago we cut them all back quite a bit. We do NOT let foliage shade the bunches of […]
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Question: I purchase a house and the previous owner had planted 17 apple trees. They are producing apples and I had some questions to ask. 1. Is it okay for me to eat these apples? 2. I am planning on making pesticide by mixing baking soda, vegetable oil, dish soap and water to spray the […]
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Question: I’m growing grapes in what I believe is leaded soil. I haven’t yet tested, but nearby soil is leaded. I’m aware that the fruits are safe to eat if they are kept free of dirt, but I’m wondering if the leaves are safe to eat as well. Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home […]
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Question: I observed Peach Leaf Curl on Nectar, White Lady, Peregrin, and Indian Free peach trees. I have had this disease for the last several years. Last December, I sprayed these trees with a solution of Liqui-Cop at a rate of 6 tsp/gal of water. I needed to wait this late to get the 90% […]
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Question: Can you recommend a dwarf or standard hardy sweet or tart cherry tree for Bar Harbor? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional Bar Harbor is a mild Zone 5b, so you will want not only a plant that is hardy, but also one with good spring bud hardiness so you are less […]
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Question: What are the best blight resistant tomatoes for our Maine climate? Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional I wouldn’t say there is one tomato that has the best blight resistance since there are several factors to consider, such as what’s available to you locally. If you plan on purchasing tomato seedlings locally, I’d recommend connecting […]
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Question: I’m looking to see if I can plant some berry bushes in my back yard. It stays pretty wet and has good soil. Any suggestions? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant So, sight selection and prep can be a little involved when considering small fruits like highbush blueberries or brambles like raspberries/blackberries and […]
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