Question: I have several huge fields of pasture type land (10-20 acres) that are covered in poison ivy. I would like to get rid of the poison ivy and grow wild flowers. I am concerned about using large amounts of chemicals on the land. I would love some advice. Answer: Donna R. Coffin, Extension Professor […]
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Question: I have a yearly problem of powdery mildew on squash and zucchini plants. Use a fungicide from local store but isn’t very effective. Is there a natural remedy that I could mix up to spray on leaves? Should I treat soil this fall with anti fungal? Answer: Frank S. Wertheim, Extension Educator – Agriculture/Horticulture […]
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Question: I have a happy, healthy bed of annual flowers- cosmos, Mexican sunflowers, zinnias, verbena. I moved a wooden plank into the garden to create a border for the bed. I noticed there were small ants in the board. Since then, my annuals have been wilting and dying and the base of the stem of […]
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Question: I noted that you posted a very interesting bulletin from New Hampshire on how to control knotweed in one of your question and answer sessions. In it, it notes that mowing alone will not kill it. What are your thoughts about this? I know that it has to be cut or mowed at least […]
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Question: I have a 15 ft Stewartia tree that is suffering from the drought. I haven’t been watering it. The leaves are dying, dry, and brown. Will it survive? Should I start watering it? Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Thank you for your question about your stewartia. It’s a beautiful tree – even […]
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Question: I have an organic vegetable garden (approximately 30×30) and want to plant a winter cover crop that will be turned over in the spring. My soil is currently well balanced. I will be able to seed mid September. What should I plant? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant Winter cover crops are a fantastic […]
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Question: What are the best plants to prevent and stop erosion on a steep river bank? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant Erosion is a major environmental, structural, and ornamental problem, and we salute your efforts to mitigate it on your riverbank! In general, you’re seeking two things in preventing erosion: 1) canopy cover to […]
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Question: We are seeking assistance with our lavender plants. They were planted three years ago and all was well until this year. In the spring, we pruned them down to the woody section and with the exception of one plant, there were no blooms. It’s uncertain whether they’re dormant or dead at this point. Answer: […]
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Question: I would like to plant a serviceberry shrub/tree in my yard. Which serviceberry is best suited for pruning as a tree and where would I find it? Maine Audubon sells Amelanchier canadensis but none of the other varieties. Would this work as a small tree or are there local nurseries that would have other […]
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Question: What is the best time to plant zucchini and summer squash? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant We recommend planting zucchini and summer squash from late May to early July, depending on the season’s temperatures and rainfall. It’s a warm season crop, so it needs warm air, warm soil, and no chance of frost. You […]
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