Question: The septic tank and leach field were just installed at my new home (there is nothing growing on it at all, just dirt). The slope off the back side of the leach field is steeper than what I’m comfortable mowing. I read an article here titled “establishment of vegetable gardens on septic system disposal […]
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Question: My azalea bush is about 30 years old and has bloomed beautifully every spring around Mother’s Day. Last year there was very few flowers and this year the leaves are a weird color and I have no idea if it will bloom. It does not get too much water. I’ve looked up pictures and […]
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Question: I am looking at reseeding my lawn. I have a lot of places that have died and turned to dirt. Watering is obviously essential. However, I have a water filtration system on my house. Filtering massive amounts of water will kill my filtration system. However, if I turn the filters off, the water has […]
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Question: We have a four foot tall crab apple tree in our backyard. Some kids were running around and accidentally sat on the tree breaking off three sizable branches. Can I put the branches in water to root/start new trees or what can I do to save the branches and the tree? Answer: Jonathan Foster, […]
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Question: I live in the midcoast region. I would like to start planting lettuces, but the temps have been low…30’s at night and 40’s-50’s during the day. Is it still too early/cold or can I plant the seeds? What other cold weather vegetables can I plant now? I will be adding compost and 5-10-5 to […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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: […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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