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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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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