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? […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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) […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Question: The lower 3-4 feet branches of my large rhododendrons have been eaten by deer. Should these branches be pruned as the upper part of the bush just keeps growing taller? Answer: Frank Wertheim, Extension Educator, Agriculture/Horticulture In the photo it appears that the lower branches, while severely eaten back by the deer, still have […]
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Question: I want to plant bush beans. Last year they got devoured by slugs. What is the best way to limit or stop the slugs? Answer: Brian Erickson, Sustainable Agriculture Professional/Professional I We have a few great resources when it comes to dealing with slugs. Home and Garden IPM from Cooperative Extension, Slugs and Snails […]
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Question: I have a large rhododendron that has developed a problem. I believe it has a nutrient deficiency but I don’t know what it is. I had a soil test done on 04/16/2021 (2029) that indicates I need to reduce the pH a half a point. What do you think is the problem? Answer: Rebecca […]
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Question: I have three blueberry bushes that I planted three years ago. They only produced berries the first year and nothing since. I add pine needles around them every fall. I have one of each: Bluejay, Jersey and Late Blue. What do I need to feed them or do I need more than three plants? […]
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