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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Question: I am wondering about backyard greenhouse placement. When south facing is recommended, does that mean the longer side of the greenhouse should face South or the door? Are there some things that can be started in a greenhouse without heat in the fall/winter? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant When gardening sources recommend situating […]
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Question: What should I plant in the bed where my bush green beans – now tired out! – were growing? I would like to have another crop from that space. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant This is an excellent time to be thinking about squeezing in some fall, cool season crops in the open […]
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Question: I have an organic vegetable garden (approximately 30×30) and want to plant a winter cover crop that will be turned over in the spring. My soil is currently well balanced. I will be able to seed mid September. What should I plant? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant Winter cover crops are a fantastic […]
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Question: I would like to plant a serviceberry shrub/tree in my yard. Which serviceberry is best suited for pruning as a tree and where would I find it? Maine Audubon sells Amelanchier canadensis but none of the other varieties. Would this work as a small tree or are there local nurseries that would have other […]
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Question: I would like some recommendations on flowering bushes for deck privacy and also perennial flowers for plots. Previously theses plots have been planted with non local plants. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant We appreciate and approve of your interest in native plants! The Extension maintains several bulletin resources on Maine plants that can give […]
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Question: Will astilbe thrive under my Norway Maple at the outer edges where I can dig ? I’d like to place them between hostas that are thriving. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant It sounds like you are at least somewhat familiar with the challenges of growing other plants beneath Norway Maples. The trees send […]
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