Question: I would like advice about planting hollyhock seeds this fall in Ogunquit. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Hollyhocks can bring on conflicting directions as they can be perennial or biennial. Old-fashioned varieties are biennial and produce a plant in year one and flower in year two then die. This information from […]
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Question: Why are oak trees dropping clusters of leaves recently? Is it due to drought? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant As it happens, this is a timely question and you aren’t the only homeowner who has noticed the clusters of leaf litter–we’re getting it about oaks and pines, as well. The culprit is most likely […]
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Question: I am trying to identify the type of mold on my garlic. Most of it looks like embellisia but I am concerned about the possibility of black mold. If it is embellesia, we were planning to save some for seed garlic, is this a bad idea? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional […]
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Question: Is mid-September too late for planting shrubs in Cumberland Country? Specifically, I was considering potentillas. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Mid to late September is an excellent time to plant shrubs and trees in Cumberland County. This fact sheet from the UNH Extension covers the risks and rewards of fall planting. […]
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Question: My question is about a Fox Valley Dwarf River Birch. In 2021, we noticed bumps on the leaves. We went to nursery and it was suggested we use a systemic product which we did. Bumps remained but the tree continued to thrive. This year, the bumps came back immediately. We again asked from the […]
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Question: Why are so many apples on my Cortland tree dropping before they fully ripen? They are sour and the seeds are not brown yet. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant There are numerous reasons why your Cortlands might be dropping underripe fruit. Dry conditions can exacerbate early fruit drop, so you may just be […]
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Question: I have been finding large holes eaten in my apples that are still on the tree. I have found yellowjackets and ants in the holes. I’m wondering if the yellowjackets are eating the holes and the ants move in for the sweetness. I know it’s too late to do anything this year, so I […]
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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: The Japanese beetle population my large perennial beds has been increasing greatly every year despite hand-picking and using Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew Spray (sparingly and in the evening, as I’m concerned about harming bees). Are there other methods that would be more effective and/or also reduce the population? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant […]
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Question: I’m looking for a non-invasive perennial grass that grows to 6 ft (or more) in an area with morning sun and partial sun/shade in the afternoon. It is to serve as a natural privacy fence. Recommendations appreciated. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant Your sun conditions sound reasonable for planting ornamental grass in the […]
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