Question: Regarding sheet mulching: Should seeds be directly planted in compost or should I dig through the compost into the ground and plant them into the soil below. If in the ground, how deep should I dig? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant The overall idea with sheet mulching (aka lasagna gardening) is that […]
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Question: I will be landscaping my yard and want to put lots of trees on the land. How do I go about figuring out which trees are best? How do I “reforest” a small lot? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Thanks for your question – sounds like an exciting project! The first thing […]
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Question: I am looking to grow luffas this year and I was wondering what sort of soil medium they should be planted in. I have some experience with mixing in my own additives for indoor plants but, I usually just go with a garden mix from a bag for my herbs, flowers, and vegetables. I […]
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Question: I’ve heard that home gardeners can request to work with a Master Gardener Volunteer for help with garden planning. How do we request this service if it is still available? Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional We have a Garden Mentorship Program that you may be interested in. This program is intended to match trained […]
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Question: This is a question regarding fruit tree pruning. Is there a treatment I can use on freshly pruned cuts to prevent apple scab from taking advantage of the fresh wound? I’m a beginner, hobbyist fruit tree grower, mainly apples. I have some 2 to 3 year old trees myself, but am also trying to […]
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Question: I’ve started seeds indoors in seed trays with plastic covers. I rotate them every other day so that they each get enough light. Many of my seedlings die, I think because the soil is either too wet, or, if I take the covers off, too dry. How do I keep them alive? Answer: Abi […]
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Question: I keep seeing articles on winter sowing in milk jugs and other containers that can be covered in more southern states. Is this possible for flowers and vegetables in Maine? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional There are some plants that can be winter sown in the milk jugs in Maine. […]
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Question: I am interested in planting ornamental cherries on my property, but I worry that even for Zone 4 rated varieties our late frosts will kill the blooms. Are there any varieties you can suggest or should I give up on my dream of billowy pink blossoms? Answer: Frank S. Wertheim, Extension Educator – Agriculture/Horticulture […]
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Question: We recently moved to Maine. I want to get my soil tested. I have a collection kit. The soil is pretty frozen. I’m going to do a minimum till and and cover with about 6″ of compost. Is it worth testing the soil now? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant It’s a great […]
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Question: I am getting eager to start cleaning up my four raised beds and gardens and start gardening. What can one reasonably get started on this time of year? Is there any harm in cutting back dead leaves and stems that will not support new growth in the spring? Should we clear away dead leaves […]
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