Question: I have a hardy apricot tree that flowers nicely each spring, then all fruitlets fall off or are severely damaged by insects. This spring I pruned it very hard so I can reach branches and better monitor for insects, tie on maggot barriers. All branches have sent out dozens of sprouts due to pruning, […]
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Question: Do we have Carpenter Ants in Maine and how do you get rid of them? Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist Yes, we primarily have two species, the Eastern black carpenter ant and the red carpenter ant. If you suspect you have some, we always welcome you to send us a few clear pictures so we […]
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Question: I’m thinking of introducing or bolstering a population of Tiphia vermalis to control Japanese Beetles in my yard. Do you have any recommended (ideally native) host plants for T. vermalis? Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist Thank you for considering the use of biological control options for managing the Japanese beetle (Jb) population in your landscape. […]
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Question: Three years ago we purchased a home with mature grape vines. The tag says these are red, seedless grapes. We NEVER get ripe grapes. We get plenty of grapes that remain green until frost. Two years ago we cut them all back quite a bit. We do NOT let foliage shade the bunches of […]
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Question: I believe my garden is loaded with what looks like cucumber beetles. They are tiny flying beetles that are in the blossom end of the squash plant. They are killing the blossom and the squash itself. They are eating the leaf in a lace like pattern of tiny holes. They are in the cucumbers […]
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Question: I created an elevated vegetable planter in a metal trough on legs. I lined it with black landscape cloth. The bottom of the trough has many circular punched out holes for drainage. I put in a mixture of purchased Coast of Maine container (2 parts) and Coast of Maine lobster compost (1 part). I […]
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Question: There are little winged black insects on my tomato plants and white fuzzy stuff. I am hoping you can tell me what they are and what I can do. I have looked through your galleries and FAQ and may have missed them. Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home Horticulture Professional Thank you for […]
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Question: This year the deer have been feasting off my perennials. What is recommended to keep them from doing this? I don’t want anything too smelly to keep people inside! Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional I encourage you to get in touch with USDA APHIS Program, who can help with your wildlife questions (damage control) […]
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Question: What is the black “gunk” on the stems of my Poppies that is rotting the stem and causing them to snap off below the blossom? This has never happened before. The plant had 33 pods and just prior to blossoming, this gunk started to appear and several of the stems rotted through prior to […]
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Question: Is it too late to top the tall lance leaved goldenrod? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional If you are pruning your goldenrod for a fuller showing later this fall you can do it during June so you are almost past the optimal time to do it. Also consider the amount […]
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