Question: I live in coastal Lubec and have zero soil around my house, as the builder infilled with pure gravel (good for drainage, if nothing else, right?!). I plan to trench the gravel to develop soil beds for native plantings, and need guidance for what to use / how to mix the right soils. I […]
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Question: Our garden is on a south-facing hill and we get a fair amount of wind. While the soil has tested as good+, it is light and dries out quickly. We’re adding compost but wonder if there is something else that would add heft? Answer: David Fuller, Agriculture and Non-Timber Forest Products Professional IV You […]
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Question: How can I test the Abbagadassett River water to know if it is good for my garden? Answer: Kate Garland, Horticultural Professional If you have a productive well that has been tested or are using a municipal water source, you have the absolute best chance of irrigating with very good water and positive results. […]
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Question: We have a border along the side of our front yard and are looking to install shrub (all the same species) along the border (roughly 40 ft long). Suggestions have been Rugosa Roses or Hydrangea. It’s full sun, sandyish soil. We would be grateful for ideas for a native planting that would attract birds […]
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Question: I was wondering if you could please help me identify animal droppings? We have found these consistently in our backyard over the last week or two. We have a tall fence enclosing the entire yard so I don’t think it is a dog. There are raccoons and skunk in the area but consulting the […]
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Question: I was wondering if you sell or know where I can buy ladybugs? It was recommended to us last year to prevent certain microscopic bugs (that I can’t remember) on some of our bushes. Answer: Sustainable Agriculture Professional/Professional I We do not sell ladybugs through extension in Maine. However, here are two great resources […]
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Question: I have a very wet area/spring in full sun on my property close to an access. I’m thinking of planting some sort of hedge to keep vehicles from getting mired in the mud every spring and tearing up the ground. Do you have recommendations for a hedge plant that would do well where it’s […]
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Question: I have a raised garden bed that I have used for two years so far. I was wondering what I should do to prepare it for this year’s planting? Do I need to change the soil or fortify it? Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional I encourage you to submit a sample to our lab […]
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Question: Looking for a hardy perennial grass that could be used as a natural privacy wall on my property line. The site gets about 60% sun, 40% shade. I have seen beautiful tall grasses but not sure what they are. Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional Are you hoping to maintain privacy all year round? If […]
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Question: We recently discovered quite the community of miner bees near our home we recently purchased. They are living within a patch of ground that is about eight feet long and two feet wide between our walkway and our driveway. The entire patch is filled with different miner bee colonies. I know that they are […]
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