Question: Lavender! I have an established plant in my yard and the leaves are all silvery still, with some tiny green growth sporadically at the tips. I see in all literature online that you are looking for growth at the base so you can know where to prune on the length of the stem in […]
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Question: Is the absence of earthworms in or at the bottom of a two year old compost pile with a bottom made up of a tangle of small tree branches a concern? Answer: Frank S. Wertheim, Extension Educator – Agriculture/Horticulture If the compost is old, which it likely would be at the bottom of the […]
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Question: Is it okay to grow Ribes odoratum in Maine? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Ribes are illegal to grow in Maine as they are the alternative host for White Pine Blister Rust. More information can be seen here. If you have questions you can email Gary.Fish@maine.gov, the state horticulturist.
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Question: We have a new puppy who is digging in our perennial garden. What can we do to deter her from digging in garden and lawn? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Puppies! Good thing they are so cute because they are a lot of work! I’m including an article about creating pet safe gardens and some […]
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Question: Should I plant a scrub oak —Quercus ilicifolia—in a dry, sandy coastal site in Hancock County? It is native to Massachusetts and Southern ME, but isn’t that ecoregion going to shift north anyway? Is climate change something to consider when planting a tree? I need a short oak under utility lines, so I’m looking […]
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Question: I have only two beds large enough to grow potatoes. Last year, I grew potatoes in one and tomatoes in the other. Which is better (or less worse) to grow potatoes in this year? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant I appreciate how you phrased that question (less worse!). Sometimes our garden or […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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