Question: When is the best time to plant seeds for a fall crop of snow peas? Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Here’s an article about growing peas in Maine Home Garden News. All peas are cool season crops and are best planted in Maine in the early spring (as soon as the ground is workable) for […]
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Question: Anise hyssop. Last years plant outside got very tall (approx. 5ft) and had long lasting flowers, however it was very spindly/sparse. It didn’t spread as I’d hoped this spring. Can I prune this now like an herb to encourage bushier growth (like mint or basil) or does this not work for this plant? Answer: […]
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Question: We have both common and swamp milkweed in the backyard. This year we have noticed ants and aphids in the plants. We understand about their symbiotic relationship but wondered if they would damage the plant or the monarch caterpillars. If so, what is the best way to get ride of them? Answer: Pamela Hargest, […]
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Question: I’m looking to put in a small hedge in along my property line. The site receives part-sun, and is on the dryer side. It’s a relatively narrow area, so I don’t want anything really large or fast growing. Do you have any suggestions for native plants for this spot? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture […]
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Question: I purchase a house and the previous owner had planted 17 apple trees. They are producing apples and I had some questions to ask. 1. Is it okay for me to eat these apples? 2. I am planning on making pesticide by mixing baking soda, vegetable oil, dish soap and water to spray the […]
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Question: We have a Red Japanese maple tree that looks to be showing signs of disease. The bark is peeling and cracking and the crotch of the tree appears to have some rot. The leaves are not as full this year. There is no outward sign of insects that we can see. Last year, there […]
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Question: I planted a butterfly magnolia tree a couple years ago. Last year it had one flower at the beginning of the season. This year it doesn’t have anything and I noticed it has three splits in its trunk. I put fertilizer around it this year but just a day ago. It seems nothing grows […]
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Question: I’m growing grapes in what I believe is leaded soil. I haven’t yet tested, but nearby soil is leaded. I’m aware that the fruits are safe to eat if they are kept free of dirt, but I’m wondering if the leaves are safe to eat as well. Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home […]
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Question: I’m interested to know about an infestation on our cherry trees. There are colonies of small insects living under the tree leaves which are curling in on themselves. These spots are of interest to ants for some reason. Is this a concern or a normal relationship between the tree, the little black insects and […]
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Question: I’m looking for guidance on space management. We have a threadleaf falsecypress, planted in 2017, which is now 7-8′ tall and 6-7′ wide. It’s crowding two tom thumb cotoneasters, three false indigos and a viburnum that were all planted at the same time. Can the falsecypress be pruned? If so, how best is that […]
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