Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Question: We are battling rugosa rose in our yard.  We cut back and covered a 20 x 20 section with black plastic for two years.  Now, we are not sure the best way to cover that area and prevent the rose, which is still nearby, from taking over again. We do not want to use […]

Question: I’d like to know if there are small flowers that can be grown in the lawn for spring blooming that will be either done blooming or low enough when my husband mows the lawn that they don’t get cut? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Which low-blooming flowers will work for […]

Question:  I want to plant a privacy hedge with evergreen shrubs that grow no higher than 10 feet.  What would you recommend?  Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Privacy hedges, like fences, can make good neighbors.  What that hedge is made of is impacted by the “look” of the garden. To make […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]