Question: We live in Gorham and have several raised garden beds that receive full sun most of the day, at least six to eight hours of direct light even in the winter. We would like to extend the growing season by creating a hoop tunnel over the beds using plastic sheeting. However, we have a […]
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Q. I am looking at planting some Amelanchier. Is it salt tolerant? Your web page on plants of Maine lists Amelanchier canadensis in the “Trees that Tolerate High Soil Salt Levels” category but then lower on the same page lists “Amelanchier species (some N) Shadbush” as “Trees that Are Intolerant of Elevated Soil Salts.” Is […]
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Question: Will you ever or could you put together a planting chart for those of us who utilize garden boxes? As many of us are cramped for space, or just plain too old to till, garden boxes provide another option. It would be great to have a resource that applies to our climate here in […]
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Question: Can you use leaves for mulch in the gardens over winter? After this month’s snow, as I raked again, the undergrowth was green and flourishing. Answer: The answer is yes. They’re great for protecting the plants from desiccation, protecting the soil from erosion, and keeping the frost in the ground so plants don’t heave. […]
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Question: We live in South Portland and there is a drought at the moment. How often should we water our vegetable garden? Answer: Ideally, 1.25 to 1.5 inches of rain per week is enough for most gardens. A rain gauge can help you decide when to water. It’s good to get water down to 5-6 […]
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Question: I am building on a three-acre piece of land that is covered in poison ivy. The land is surrounded by forest but is basically an open field. What would be my best approach to eradicating it from the field areas, keeping in mind that children and animals will be playing there? Answer: The first […]
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