Question: I’m considering planting some trees or shrubs as a privacy screen at the edge of my property. I’m concerned about root systems and encroachment upon our septic system which is on that side of the house. Do you have any general recommendations about how far apart any trees that we plant need to be […]
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Question: Should a new Shadbush be pruned to a single trunk or how many branches should be encouraged? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Pruning needs depend on what type you have–some species can be trained into a tree shape by pruning to a single trunk, if that’s the look you are shooting for, […]
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Question: Will plants in a gravel garden thrive in my hardiness zone – 6a? I love the idea of a gravel garden but want to make sure its suitable for Maine natives plants. If yes, can you suggest some Maine native plants that would thrive in a gravel garden? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach […]
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Question: I’d like to plant something native that might give some color by that is a privacy barrier and will thrive with little care. What do you suggest? Also while much of my yard can be quite soggy this area seems to drain fairly well. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional So, the parameters […]
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Question: I have a camp with the eastern edge bordering the lake. I would like to maintain the inland section as a more natural area, but may need to install a septic system leach field which imposes some constraints. I am also completely lacking in knowledge about what options I have, pitfalls, opportunities, etc. Can […]
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Question: Do you have a version of a companion planting chart that I could print? We have several raised bed planters that can’t be moved (too old) and need to plant various vegetables wisely. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional It depends on what you mean by companion planting, as the phrase has a […]
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Question: I see from your list that Dames Rocket is an invasive plant. I do have some in my garden and want to replace it with something similar. Do you have any suggestions? Also, where can I get a good list of natives that I can use in my flower garden. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home […]
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Question: Is it safe to use corrugated metal on the inside of the garden with wood treated with linseed oil on the outside of the metal? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional So, two separate building materials to consider, and it may depend on whether this garden bed is for edible plants or ornamentals. […]
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Question: Is it safe to plant vegetables in the blue 55 gallon barrels if they previously contained white vinegar? Or will the vinegar kill the plants? The barrels have been thoroughly washed. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional I don’t think the previous presence of vinegar presents any immediate threat to the plants themselves. […]
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Question: How safe is it to use horticultural vinegar on graveled drives? Is it safe to use it close to a well? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional “Safe” is always a relative term when using chemical interventions in the garden–horticultural vinegar is a 20% solution of acetic acid (4x stronger than household vinegar), […]
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