Ask the Expert

What best practices should I suggest to Annual Plant Sale donors?

Question: I am working on an Annual Plant Sale and am seeking guidance about best practices to share with our plant donors — some of whom will be digging from their gardens — to reduce the likelihood of transferring crazy worms, invasive moths, or other general hangers-on. We always require that plants be potted in […]

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Where do I find screening conifers for purchase?

Question: We live in Lyman with about 14 acres. We are interested in planting screening conifers (spruce, hemlock) in our woods to block a nearby house. Also, interested in native shrubs and ground cover for naturalizing in the woods and along the field, and several fruit trees. I’ve looked at your amazing lists of native […]

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Will fall-planted winter rye be sufficient or is another nitrogen source needed?

Question: Per our garden soil sample results, we are to apply a nitrogen source this spring. We will be digging in the fall-planted winter rye as soon as able. Will that suffice or is another nitrogen source needed? If so is there a preference? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Community Education Assistant, Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties Although cover […]

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Is it possible to submit a number of soil samples for various areas?

Question: We recently purchased an 1850 sea captains farmhouse on eight plus acres just off the Kennebec River. For years, until the 1970-80’s the family had a hay farm. I have found some wild blueberries out in the fields but not much else. We do have a couple of black walnut trees, two beautiful maples, […]

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Where can I get chicken manure in large quantities?

Question: We need to fertilize our vegetable gardens/hay fields. Is there a source for getting chicken manure in large quantities, delivered to Freeport? Are there any restrictions for having large quantities of manure stockpiled? We are thinking that the only way to get it is in big loads! Also, are there any sources that also […]

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What do I need to start a rose garden?

Question: I want to start a rose garden. What do I need to get started (soil, drainage, etc.)? Answer: Tori Lee Jackson, Extension Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties As with many plants, your new rose garden will need well-drained soil and lots of sun. Your […]

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What plants would do well in our new rooftop garden?

Question: We’re in the process of building our new net zero home and we have a rooftop garden that will be roughly 14×13 and about 6-8 inches of soil mixed with some raised beds. We were wondering what kind of options we might have for plants that would do well in a well drained, part […]

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