Question: I am having trouble with deer invading the small garden in my yard. I am growing in pots on my deck, but all I have planted in the yard are garlic and onions! Are there any edibles that I can plant which deer don’t like? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant I recommend checking […]
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Question: The septic tank and leach field were just installed at my new home (there is nothing growing on it at all, just dirt). The slope off the back side of the leach field is steeper than what I’m comfortable mowing. I read an article here titled “establishment of vegetable gardens on septic system disposal […]
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Question: I am looking into putting American Holly in my yard, specifically Blue Princess and Prince. I’ve read online that it can grow 10 feet tall but other local sources say 4-6 feet tall. Do plants in Maine not grow as tall as they say online because the growing season here is shorter? Answer: Jonathan […]
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Question: I use annual rye grass as a green manure in my vegetable garden. Should I turn it into the soil in the fall or in the spring? What other cover crops are recommended for vegetable gardens? Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional If annual ryegrass is sown in the fall, then it can be incorporated […]
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Question: I would like to mulch my raspberry plants. I know wood chips are good, but can you use coarse sawdust? Answer: Donna Coffin, Extension Professor Mulch will reduce weed pressure, retain soil moisture, and add organic matter. Coarse sawdust can deplete the nitrogen in the soil as soil microbes start to break down the […]
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Question: My garden has become infested with ragweed. I am planning to skip a year of gardening this year due to other priorities. Is there anything I can do or plant to reduce or eliminate this ragweed infestation? Answer: Donna Coffin, Extension Professor Thank you for your question on ragweed. A garden can become quickly […]
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Question: I’m looking for help on how to best prune a lilac tree/bush that has grown out of control. Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant For older common lilac stands (Syringa vulgaris) that need renovation, early spring is an excellent time of year to prune. Pruning when they’re still dormant means that you can […]
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Question: Two questions: 1. We are going to make raised-bed gardens this spring. What bulletins/publications do you have to help us? 2. We are going to plant a hedgerow. We have woods on our land, we hope to transplant the “nursery stock” from our forest to hedgerow. We have identified a lot of young what […]
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Question: If I have native plants that attract pollinators can I add in annuals and still become certified for a pollinator friendly garden? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional What a great question! Pollinator-Friendly Garden Certification focuses on the essential things you need to have in your garden but no garden has […]
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Question: I want to best prepare my beds for next spring. I think I’ve missed the boat on cover crop. Should I mulch my raised beds? I have ample access to leaves and pine needles. I also have garlic overwintering in one bed. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant It is a bit too late […]
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