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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
Question: I have significant ant presence in my home and have a very large vegetable and native edible garden. I’m looking for advice on managing the ants without harming the gardens, where they might be living. Is there any pest management tools that would address the ants and not harm us or edible food? Answer: […]
Read more
Question: Do you have a simple DIY formula for making a simple NPK fertilizer for my garden? Answer: Kate Garland, Horticulturist Thank you for reaching out. I frequently help people figure out a good fertilizer blend for their home gardens, but always base it off a soil test from the Maine Soil Testing Service. A […]
Read more
Question: How can I remove spider mites from my hemlock bush without toxic sprays? Answer: Kate Garland, Horticulturist Thank you for sending the photos so I can be sure of the plant you’re dealing with. Pesticide products used on the wrong plant can potentially cause serious damage. Here are two main options to consider from […]
Read more
Question: We have raised beefsteak tomato plants from the seeds of a plant that we purchased last year. The plants are doing great, but the flowers are at the same stage for the last three weeks and they have not developed at all. Are they going to be able to produce fruit? Answer: Donna Coffin, […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
Question: Sphagnum moss is taking over our lawn, especially in shady areas. I have tried changing the soil pH with wood ashes and lime, but no success thus far. Is there a better way without laying down poisons? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant Moss in the lawn can be very frustrating, and is almost […]
Read more
Question: I would like to install a privacy screen made out of shrubs to create a wall along the road. What would you recommend for something that is good in the climate, some salt exposure and doesn’t require a lot of grooming? Something evergreen or with year round coverage would be ideal. Is there anything […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more