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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more