Question: I have been receiving the newsletter for years, this is my first time writing. I have two hydrangea trees that are about 5 ½ feet tall and 7 feet, that were planted about four years ago. They are in bloom and the blossoms captured the rain enough to bend the branches. On the smaller […]
Read more
Question: What material do you recommend for a weed barrier under 3/4-inch stone? I was hoping to avoid a plastic product so I tried cardboard which failed miserably. I am willing to use a plastic product if it will work. Can you recommend something effective and durable? I have busy young children so the stones […]
Read more
Question: I’ve let milkweed grow in my vegetable garden, which I didn’t take time to plant this year. I pulled out half but left some for monarchs, esp. since our new neighbor keeps the adjacent field mowed, instead of letting all the native plants grow. I thought the monarchs would have arrived by now, but […]
Read more
Question: I have two “Double Knock Out Rose” bushes that are in their second year enjoying great sun and care. This year the bushes exploded with blooms — hundreds. It was lovely to cut and share, but the branches became weighted down, falling to the ground. I have noted that I shouldn’t prune them back […]
Read more
Question: One end of our strawberry bed is very unproductive. The plants form frail looking fruit trusses, and no fruit. I renovated the bed last summer, and the problem is still affecting the plants. Is it a disease? Answer: Donna Coffin, Extension Professor Is this end of the strawberry patch wetter than the other end? […]
Read more
Question: I planted Jacob’s Cattle bush beans. They germinated well, but now have brown spots on some leaves. I do not see any insects on the leaves. Can you tell me what is causing the brown spots, and the best way to help the beans? Answer: Kate Garland, Horticultural Professional Our team agrees this appears […]
Read more
Question: Last year I planted a Utah Giant sweet cherry. Until the last few days, it looked healthy. But recently the leaves lost their vigor and turned a light color. I would appreciate knowing the problem. Answer: Liz Stanley, Community Education Assistant, Horticulture The leaves look like they’re on their way out. If they’re diseased, […]
Read more
Question: Our garden in Harpswell on Casco Bay has been overrun with Marestails (Horse Tails.) We have been told that there is no way to kill it other than to dig our the entire garden, and replace the soil. Recently we came across an article that says since they grew up (millions of years ago) […]
Read more
Question: I planted some zinnias as seedlings. They were doing great but now they look like this. They are indoors, I’ve been putting a grill light on them but they seem somewhere between drowned and parched. The other seedlings in different trays seem to be doing just great. Answer: Frank Wertheim, Extension Educator, Agriculture/Horticulture The […]
Read more
Question: Our property has a row of Cypress trees that run most of the length of the property. They were planted before we bought the property, probably about 20 years ago. Some of them are looking very thin, and even those which seem to most healthy are beginning to look as though they may be […]
Read more