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: I am trying to find a good cover crop plant for my yard that will keep Japanese Knotweed growth down. Clover is popular right now so that was on my mind. If there are any native plants that might outcompete Japanese Knotweed, I would love to know! Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant Japanese […]
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Question: I would like to cover a garden bed with seaweed. My well is under this bed. Will my water be affected by this? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant Seaweed is an excellent amendment for garden beds, with many benefits and advantages over other fertilizers and mulches (please see this entry by my colleague Liz […]
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Question: I heard that “No-mow May” is more harmful than reducing the amount of mowing, or “Low-mow May”, which would increase the number of pollinator plants in the lawn. Which is correct? Answer: Lynne Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional The answer to your questions of no-mow vs low-mow May is that “It depends.”. The purpose […]
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Question: What is the best time to plant potatoes in our raised garden beds? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant For reference, I include the UMaine Extension Planting Chart and Schedule, but as you’ll see you are already in the planting window for potatoes (5/1 -6/1 in central Maine, 10-14 days earlier for coastal areas). […]
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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: My azalea bush is about 30 years old and has bloomed beautifully every spring around Mother’s Day. Last year there was very few flowers and this year the leaves are a weird color and I have no idea if it will bloom. It does not get too much water. I’ve looked up pictures and […]
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Question: I am looking at reseeding my lawn. I have a lot of places that have died and turned to dirt. Watering is obviously essential. However, I have a water filtration system on my house. Filtering massive amounts of water will kill my filtration system. However, if I turn the filters off, the water has […]
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Question: We have a four foot tall crab apple tree in our backyard. Some kids were running around and accidentally sat on the tree breaking off three sizable branches. Can I put the branches in water to root/start new trees or what can I do to save the branches and the tree? Answer: Jonathan Foster, […]
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Question: I live in the midcoast region. I would like to start planting lettuces, but the temps have been low…30’s at night and 40’s-50’s during the day. Is it still too early/cold or can I plant the seeds? What other cold weather vegetables can I plant now? I will be adding compost and 5-10-5 to […]
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