Question: As I was inspecting/removing aphids from our young apple trees, I noticed an odd growth on a few of the leaves of one of the trees (a native bred Black Oxford from our local orchard and nursery). My inclination is to cut off any affected leaf to keep this odd growth from spreading, but […]
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Question: With all of the rain in July, I have raspberry plants way over 6′ tall. Few berries this year. Should I cut them back? I don’t want to hurt production next year, but these seem out of control. If cutting is the answer, how much and when? Also, I just planted a new section […]
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Question: I have three varieties of dry beans planted, and the leaves of one of them, Vermont cranberry, look like they have some sort of virus or other disease. Other varieties right next to them (black coco and silver cloud canellini) look fine. Can you give me an idea what it might be and whether […]
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Question: I have been receiving the newsletter for years, this is my first time writing. I have two hydrangea trees that are about 5 ½ feet tall and 7 feet, that were planted about four years ago. They are in bloom and the blossoms captured the rain enough to bend the branches. On the smaller […]
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Question: I have allowed my front yard to become a meadow this year. It is a small front yard in Portland, with two large maple trees along the street. (Plus a third one just on the neighbor’s side of our driveway). Should I mow the meadow this fall, in order to accommodate raking the substantial […]
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Question: Fire ants have moved into our yard over the past couple years. I’m hoping you might be able to recommend a control method that is safe to use in food gardens and around kids and pets. They have overrun my strawberry mound. Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Fire Ants (Myrmical rubra): For […]
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Question: What material do you recommend for a weed barrier under 3/4-inch stone? I was hoping to avoid a plastic product so I tried cardboard which failed miserably. I am willing to use a plastic product if it will work. Can you recommend something effective and durable? I have busy young children so the stones […]
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Question: The new “normal” 1990-2020 temperatures were recently released. Do you have any idea if plans are being made to update the current plant hardiness zone? I live in Portland near the Fore River Estuary. It is definitely a warmer “microclime” even though I can see the runway of the Jetport (5b) from the house. […]
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Question: I have several blueberry bushes that are developing reddish/purple leaves and berries throughout the summer. This affected the berry bushes last year as well. I am struggling to diagnose the cause and come up with a remedy so I’m hoping to get some guidance. I have had some suspicion of fungal disease and have […]
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Question: I have a hummingbird feeder which I fill with sugar water. Lately there have been some small bees or wasps (looks like a fly with skinnier wings, maybe a flying ant) eating the food from the feeder. Can you tell me what they are and how I can rid of them safely? Wondering if […]
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