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Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

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Is it okay to prune a pear tree at the end of April?

Question: Is it okay to prune my pear tree now at the end of April? I would like to take some large branches off to change the shape for ease of mowing around it. Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant It is always recommended to prune in early spring or late winter because pruning when […]

How can I control voles in my garden and in my yard?

Question: How can I control voles in my garden and in my yard? I live in a develop where they are rampant. I am blaming them for eating my tulip and daffodil bulbs as well as vegetable roots. Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Sorry to hear about your vole issues! You could check […]

Should I test my well water and soil for arsenic when trying to grow fruit trees?

Question: I have a low level of arsenic in my well water (between .01-.015 mg/L). I understand that I can use water with up to .1 mg/L arsenic to irrigate outdoor crops, but so far have been using rainwater to irrigate my outdoor garden. I am thinking of planting fruit trees in my yard. I […]

Do you have any suggestions for improving the soil in a raised bed vegetable garden?

Question: Two years ago I made a small raised bed garden approximately 10×6 ft. I regret that I filled it with several cube feet of Pro-mix soil. Last year not much grew, not even Zucchini! Do you have any suggestions for me to improve the soil? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Sorry to hear […]

What are some shrubs that will work well in a hedgerow?

Question: I’ve been thinking about growing a hedgerow similar to those in England. I’m looking for shrubs and trees that would work well in our climate and some direction in planting. Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Great idea! First you will have to consider the site conditions (sun/shade, soil drainage and quality, space […]

Do you offer soil testing kits?

Question: Do you offer soil testing kits? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional There are two ways to get soil test kits. The first is to visit your local county UMaine Extension office. (the underlined blue text is a hyperlink to the office directory). The other way is to contact the UMaine Soil Testing […]

Do you have a Master Gardener Volunteer who would be willing to come and help with garden planning?

Question: We have a piece of land that we are just beginning to make plans for– we want to plant as many native species as possible. I am wondering if a Master Gardener Volunteer would be able to come out to our land to help us walk the site, answer questions, and help us make […]

I plan to propagate Winterberry. Will all new plants be the same sex as the parent plant?

Question: I plan to propagate Winterberry. Will all new plants be the same sex as the parent plant? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant If you are propagating from cuttings, yes, they will be the sex of the plant you have taken a cutting from.

How do you save seeds from squash to later plant?

Question: How do I save seeds from fresh squash to use for planting later without them rotting? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Seed saving is both an art and a science. We have a bulletin on the topic Seed Saving for Home Gardeners that explains the general process. Some things to consider when […]

What is a walkable ground cover that is safe for lakefront property?

Question: Description of the area: A gradual slope down to the lake the area is barren now with hard soil and plenty of tree roots. It’s shaded because there’s some pine and oak trees on this space. We are looking for a walkable ground cover. The area needs to be accessible from the basement and […]

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