Question: I recently purchased two shadblow bushes (Amelanchier canadensis). We have very heavy marine clay on our property. I often amend with lots of compost/rich soil, but recently I am hearing more and more about how too much compost can create conditions where the roots just stay in the soil-rich area. Approximately how much compost/rich […]
Read more
Question: I am trying to grow strawberries in a raised bed. Everything worked well last year until the berries started to ripen – then critters ate every last berry. My question is – if I buy a screen to cover the raised beds – how will the flowers get pollinated? When I have grown strawberries in […]
Read more
Question: Every year my great hollyhocks are practically destroyed by RUST. They enjoy full sun and super air circulation. I trim, sanitize my tools constantly and use fungicides to no avail. Wondering if you have any advice? I am thinking of digging and destroying them as it’s way too time consuming at this point. Answer: […]
Read more
Question: I have experienced an invasion of grasshoppers that have devastated my flower gardens for the last two years. I’ve read NOLO bait is a good product to kill grasshopper eggs but this will not be available to purchase. Can you offer a recommendation? I would also like advice to deal with Japanese beetles. Answer: […]
Read more
Question: How do you get rid of voles and moles in the garden? Online, I have seen that many of the usual methods, scent, and castor oil really don’t work. Can you suggest an effective method? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant Voles and moles can be quite a headache for gardeners and homeowners. I […]
Read more
Question: Is seaweed good to put in/on your vegetable garden? Should it be rinsed, dried, or otherwise treated to reduce the salt on it before putting it in the vegetable bed? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant I will refer you to an article written by my UMaine colleague, Liz Stanley, for the Maine Home Garden News […]
Read more
Question: When the fruit of a vine plant, e.g., pumpkin or tomato, are forming, but are not yet ripe, does it help to trim “excess” vine or leaves, thinking that more energy will then flow to the fruit? I have done this with pumpkins, but am not sure I have noticed a benefit. Does the […]
Read more
Question: Can I have someone or can you recommend someone who can give me some on-site apple pruning advice? I have three semi-dwarf trees that aren’t neglected, but just amateurly pruned every year. I have a lot of what I think is excess growth on these 15 year old trees. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture […]
Read more
Question: I am unsure if I have a disease problem, an appropriate care problem, a pruning issue, or some other issue. Obviously the two vines are dormant now, but I would appreciate some preseason advice. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional It is really difficult to diagnose that there is a problem […]
Read more
Question: I am doing some seed starting indoors with some seed starting mix, a heat mat, and a humidity dome. If a seed has started germination by breaking out of the seed with its root but hasn’t sprouted up out of the soil, is it ok to remove the bottom heat or will this hinder […]
Read more