Ask the Expert

Why are the leaves on my blueberry plants falling off?

Question: I have five blueberries that I planted last year and this year. The leaves are red/yellow and falling off. They have been like this since early summer. Any thoughts? Do I need to make the soil more acidic? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant As you know, blueberries are deciduous plants (meaning they shed […]

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How would I prune old apple trees that are overgrown?

Question: We just acquired property with three old apple trees that have not been taken care of in years. We are looking for someone to come help us prune the trees and teach us how to care for them. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant While the Cooperative Extension does not have the resources to […]

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What should I do with an overgrown multiflora wild rose bush?

Question: I had a huge white multiflora wild rose bush. I’ve cut it back moderately several times but now it looks awful. It is misshapen and has several dead branches underneath. I actually love these bushes, but just don’t want it to take over my garden. Any advice on what pruning, etc. that I should do […]

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When should I pick pears?

Question: When should I start picking Bartlett pears? Moonglow pears? I know they ripen off the tree. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant As you noted, pears do complete their ripening process off the tree–in fact, because they ripen from the inside out, if they are left on the tree they can often have quite […]

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Why are my hazelnuts only the size of a pea after growing for over five years?

Question: My hazelnuts are only the size of a pea. I’m not sure what the variety is but I got the seedlings 5-6 years ago. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant There are several reasons why your hazelnut harvest is small (meaning small individually, not volume harvested). Hazelnuts do take several years to establish before […]

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Should you use tea seed meal to eradicate Amynthas jumping worms?

Question: My lawn and raised bed garden have been infested with the Amynthas jumping worm that I first noticed in 2021. I’ve read that applications of tea seed meal will eradicate these worms. I realize that Tea Seed Meal will also kill the good worms are there any other downsides? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects […]

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