Question: Can Brunnera be grown indoors in planters? Winter’s dormant phase? Any particular cultivars that are better indoors? Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Brunnera is a spring and early summer blooming perennial native to Siberia and the eastern Mediterranean. Plants that grow in northern climates require a dormant cold period in their life […]
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Question: I think voles are undermining my high bush blueberries. We had problems with them earlier in the spring in our greenhouse, and now there are soft indentations on the lawn around my blueberries. Production this year was way off, compared to previous years. How can I deal with the voles? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community […]
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Question: How do you treat Hemlocks with an infestation of Woolly Adelgid? These hemlocks are within 50 feet of two drilled wells. Answer: Donna R. Coffin, Extension Professor First you need to be sure you are dealing with the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. There are some look alikes. Once you are sure you have HWA if you […]
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Question: I planted a cherry tree last year. It looked great after planting and in the spring this year. I pruned all branches this spring. It was looking great even after pruning and was growing very fast with a large amount of leaves. About month and half ago, it starting to look very droopy and […]
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Question: I would like some recommendations on flowering bushes for deck privacy and also perennial flowers for plots. Previously theses plots have been planted with non local plants. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant We appreciate and approve of your interest in native plants! The Extension maintains several bulletin resources on Maine plants that can give […]
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Question: Will astilbe thrive under my Norway Maple at the outer edges where I can dig ? I’d like to place them between hostas that are thriving. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant It sounds like you are at least somewhat familiar with the challenges of growing other plants beneath Norway Maples. The trees send […]
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Question: I planted four Frontenac grape plants last fall that appear to be doing well. Unfortunately the Japanese beetles got out of hand on them recently. I’m willing to chalk this year’s crop up for a loss; however, is it a foregone conclusion that the plants are now unviable moving forward or can I expect […]
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Question: If we are saving seeds from spring peas, can they be planted for a fall crop before they are thoroughly dried? Answer: Frank S. Wertheim, Extension Educator – Agriculture/Horticulture When you save seeds from peas, they should be left on the vine inside the pod past ripening until they turn brown and start to […]
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Question: We have crows tearing up our lawn in one part of the yard. Some websites have suggested getting “beneficial nematodes” to combat this. We have organic raised beds in the area and are careful not to taint them. Would the nematodes be helpful and safe? Are the crows doing us a favor by getting […]
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Question: What is the latest time in the summer that one should plant grass seed? Answer: Donna R. Coffin, Extension Professor Our factsheet on establishing home lawns suggests “spring (May) or late summer (August 15 to September 15)” is the best time. If you live in Aroostook County, I would suggest early September as a last date […]
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