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: 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: 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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Question: I am interested in planting a shrub or two in my yard that will attract multiple kinds of birds. I would prefer the shrub to grow no taller than 8 feet in height. My yard has sunny and shady areas. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: Vina Lindley, Food Systems and Home Horticulture Professional […]
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Question: I would like to know the proper way to overwinter plants I’m propagating. I have one pot with five Cardinal Flowers (to divide for a Spring plant sale), two pots with ornamental shrubs (from cuttings made last Spring), and three pots with apple rootstock (less than a pencil width that were pulled and potted […]
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Question: Is it good to leave fallen leaves in the garden over the winter? Is it beneficial? When can they be raked up in the spring? Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home Horticulture Professional Absolutely, leaves make a great mulch since they’re free, readily available, and full of nutrients that release slowly over time. […]
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Question: Should asparagus plants be cut back in the fall after they’ve turned yellow? I read that they should be cut just under the top of the soil, but wanted to confirm this information. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Once the asparagus tops have yellowed their work is done for the […]
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