Question: I purchased a saucer magnolia tree and planted it in early May. At the time of planting there were no leaves or flowers visible but it did have buds. I planted using a blend of 50% original soil which is clay and Coast of Maine penobscot compost blend. The tree started leafing out soon […]
Read more
Question: In a 24 to 48 hour period, some of the leaves on my Japanese maple tree developed dry, brown patches. Leaves that fell to the ground were completely dried-up and crunchy. About 10% of the leaves on the tee were affected. The condition has not worsened since I first noticed the problem a couple […]
Read more
Question: Last year, I bought some bee balm from a vendor at the farmers market and planted it. It is growing well, but it has magenta “stains” on the stalks. The lower leaves are turning yellow, and there are some white and yellow spots on some of the upper leaves. The spots eventually turn brown. […]
Read more
Question: I’ve let milkweed grow in my vegetable garden, which I didn’t take time to plant this year. I pulled out half but left some for monarchs, esp. since our new neighbor keeps the adjacent field mowed, instead of letting all the native plants grow. I thought the monarchs would have arrived by now, but […]
Read more
Question: I have two “Double Knock Out Rose” bushes that are in their second year enjoying great sun and care. This year the bushes exploded with blooms — hundreds. It was lovely to cut and share, but the branches became weighted down, falling to the ground. I have noted that I shouldn’t prune them back […]
Read more
Question: I just planted some organic cucumber seedlings in my garden, and immediately noticed holes in the leaves. I inspected the plant, and can not see any bugs. I submitted a photo. Can you tell me what it is? What I can or can not do about it? What can I do to prevent it […]
Read more
Question: One end of our strawberry bed is very unproductive. The plants form frail looking fruit trusses, and no fruit. I renovated the bed last summer, and the problem is still affecting the plants. Is it a disease? Answer: Donna Coffin, Extension Professor Is this end of the strawberry patch wetter than the other end? […]
Read more
Question: I planted Jacob’s Cattle bush beans. They germinated well, but now have brown spots on some leaves. I do not see any insects on the leaves. Can you tell me what is causing the brown spots, and the best way to help the beans? Answer: Kate Garland, Horticultural Professional Our team agrees this appears […]
Read more
Question: Last year I planted a Utah Giant sweet cherry. Until the last few days, it looked healthy. But recently the leaves lost their vigor and turned a light color. I would appreciate knowing the problem. Answer: Liz Stanley, Community Education Assistant, Horticulture The leaves look like they’re on their way out. If they’re diseased, […]
Read more
Question: Not really an important question, but one of my strawberry plants has four leaves instead of three. I was wondering if this was unusual like a 4-leaf clover? I wasn’t able to find anything useful about how common this might be online. Answer: Donna Coffin, Extension Professor Strawberries “typically” have three leaflets on each […]
Read more