Question: If I am planting a few seeds that are heirloom and also planting some that are not heirloom, will this affect the heirloom seeds? I am not planning on planting the the same species of plants. Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant If you are planning on saving seeds from these heirloom plants, […]
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Question: Can I transplant peonies now? Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist The best time to transplant peonies is in late August or early September. Unlike most perennials, they should only be divided or transplanted every 10 years or so and often don’t need to be transplanted or divided for decades. Be sure to use a sharp spade […]
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Question: We are looking for advice as to when is the best time to transplant tomato seedlings into our UNHEATED 50-ft tunnel. We are in Androscoggin County (5b). Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Generally, you can transplant tunnel tomatoes about a month earlier than you would do field tomatoes. So if your seedlings […]
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Question: I have an outbreak of Lesser Celandine in my yard. I see it’s a pretty nasty invasive species. Do you have any advice on removal? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Thanks for your question and thoughtful observation of this tricky invasive. Check out the Cooperative Extension’s Bulletin: Maine Invasive Plants – Lesser Celandine for an […]
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Question: I am an avid backyard gardener and am familiar with the big three nutrients, Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorous, the differences between full, partial shade, etc. I also know the importance soil testing and proper pH. What I don’t know is when to fertilize? I generally buy Neptune’s Harvest and Espoma products as well as use […]
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Question: I’m looking to see if I can plant some berry bushes in my back yard. It stays pretty wet and has good soil. Any suggestions? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant So, sight selection and prep can be a little involved when considering small fruits like highbush blueberries or brambles like raspberries/blackberries and […]
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Question: Is there any recommended strategy for battling bishop’s weed? We have maybe 50m^3. And I’ve been weeding by hand but it’s slow going. Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with bishop’s weed (also known as goutweed or Aegopodium podagraria). Repeated pulling of bishop’s weed can be effective, but it can take a lot […]
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Question: I need help keeping cats out of my gardens. My neighbor’s cat uses my front door gardens as his litter-box. I want to plant herbs in these beds as the sun is right. Help! Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist I’m sorry to hear of your feline troubles. Keeping cats out of the garden is not […]
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Question: I’d like to grow more wildflowers that are helpful for pollinators and/or native to Maine and are just nice to have. I was wondering if there are general mixed seed packages that can be bought to just sprinkle around for the above purposes. Any thoughts, tips, suggestions? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture […]
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Question: I want to plant raised bed for vegetables. Is there a correct soil composition or soil test kit you would recommend? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Generally we recommend 75% loam (the mineral component of soil) and about 25% organic matter (finished compost) mixed together well. Depending on how much you need, […]
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