Question: I have a few young apple and stone fruit trees. Which pests and diseases should I spray proactively and which should wait until I see activity or damage? Answer: Renae Moran, Fruit Tree Specialist, Highmoor Farm We have a website on spraying fruit trees. Insect Pests – Cooperative Extension: Tree Fruits Pests that are […]
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Question: I am writing an article for my garden club about creating native pollinator houses for mason bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. I am looking for do’s and don’ts, materials to use, and where to position it in the yard/garden. Also, care and maintenance. Answer: Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator, Hancock County The following UMaine Extension bulletin […]
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Question: I’m taking the “Boots 2 Bushels” course and I am loving it! I do have a question about slopes. We live on one acre of land, which is “not ideal for farming” (we are learning how to address this) and also very sloped. Do you have any tips or tricks to help with planning […]
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Question: Do you know of any good pollinator trees that are native to Maine that I could use in coastal Cumberland County? Answer: Majorie Peronto, Extension Educator, Hancock County Thank you for your great question! In his book Bringing Nature Home, University of Delaware Entomologist and Professor Douglas Tallamy shares his research on native trees […]
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Question: I have used raised beds to make the most of my limited space in South Portland, to reduce soil disruption to protect soil health, etc. However, I am tiring of replacing the pine boards. They last me years but would love a permanent edge so all energy can go to gardening. I see folks […]
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Question: We live in Gorham and have several raised garden beds that receive full sun most of the day, at least six to eight hours of direct light even in the winter. We would like to extend the growing season by creating a hoop tunnel over the beds using plastic sheeting. However, we have a […]
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Q. I am looking at planting some Amelanchier. Is it salt tolerant? Your web page on plants of Maine lists Amelanchier canadensis in the “Trees that Tolerate High Soil Salt Levels” category but then lower on the same page lists “Amelanchier species (some N) Shadbush” as “Trees that Are Intolerant of Elevated Soil Salts.” Is […]
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Question: I have a 10 x 10 greenhouse with raised beds. I added soil and ProMix to it and have used fertilizer for the five years I’ve had it. I heard that the soil in a greenhouse may become degraded after a while due to the lack of being outdoors. Is it possible that my […]
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Question: Will you ever or could you put together a planting chart for those of us who utilize garden boxes? As many of us are cramped for space, or just plain too old to till, garden boxes provide another option. It would be great to have a resource that applies to our climate here in […]
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Question: Can you use leaves for mulch in the gardens over winter? After this month’s snow, as I raked again, the undergrowth was green and flourishing. Answer: The answer is yes. They’re great for protecting the plants from desiccation, protecting the soil from erosion, and keeping the frost in the ground so plants don’t heave. […]
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