Question: When using the solarization method, do you need to clear the dead grass and roots before planting in the area? Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist If you have live roots in that area, I would highly recommend keeping the cover on until those are completely killed off or make the effort to remove them by […]
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Question: We are overwhelmed with zucchini and summer squash! Can I freeze either or both for winter use in soups, etc? If so, how do I prepare them — just cut up or dice and put in freezer bags, or otherwise? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional You can definitely freeze zucchini and […]
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Question: I have transplanted flocks which had powdery mildew in its first garden to the second garden. In their second garden powdery mildew returned the following summer. I want to plan something different there next year. Do I need to do something to the soil to rid it of the powdery mildew fungus? Answer: Caragh […]
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Question: I believe I have purple carrot-seed moth caterpillars in my garden primarily on my dill plants. I would greatly appreciate your help in identifying this caterpillar and if it is invasive? If so how do I get rid of them? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional Your identification is correct, we agree […]
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Question: I would like to plant a native wildflower meadow over my mounded septic leach field as well as in the areas surrounding it. I would also like to plant milkweed to support monarchs. I’m trying to find information about if this is safe with the septic or what types of plants I should use. […]
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Question: What can be used to effectively repel Japanese beetles from plants? Presently I use a trap & hand pick beetles several times a day. Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with a heavy “crop” of Japanese beetles this year. Now is when the adults are most actively feeding and mating, […]
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Question: The tops of my Blue Spruce tree turned thin and curly, then brown and the needles have now fallen off. How do I heal this tree? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional Unfortunately, your spruce has been attacked by White Pine Weevil. This Penn State publication also has good photos. The good news is that […]
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Question: I have highbush blueberries that I protect from birds and critters by netting. A couple of times in the past decade, a bird has gotten inside the netting and could not find its way out and died. Would hanging cds on the bushes work to protect the blueberries from the birds and critters? Answer: […]
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Question: I have a huge and beautiful, mature magnolia tree. For the first time, it’s covered with Magnolia scale and is dripping sticky liquid everywhere! I’m not sure how to get rid of it and hope you have a suggestion. Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist I’m sorry to hear about your magnolia tree scale. Here’s a great […]
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Question: Why does my Yew Tree have brown needles? Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist A number of issues can lead to browning needles. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension would be happy to take a look at a few pictures and learn more about what’s going on in order to hopefully diagnose the issue. Here’s a […]
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