Question: I have a camp with the eastern edge bordering the lake. I would like to maintain the inland section as a more natural area, but may need to install a septic system leach field which imposes some constraints. I am also completely lacking in knowledge about what options I have, pitfalls, opportunities, etc. Can […]
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Question: Do you have a version of a companion planting chart that I could print? We have several raised bed planters that can’t be moved (too old) and need to plant various vegetables wisely. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional It depends on what you mean by companion planting, as the phrase has a […]
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Question: I see from your list that Dames Rocket is an invasive plant. I do have some in my garden and want to replace it with something similar. Do you have any suggestions? Also, where can I get a good list of natives that I can use in my flower garden. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home […]
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Question: Is it safe to use corrugated metal on the inside of the garden with wood treated with linseed oil on the outside of the metal? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional So, two separate building materials to consider, and it may depend on whether this garden bed is for edible plants or ornamentals. […]
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Question: Is it safe to plant vegetables in the blue 55 gallon barrels if they previously contained white vinegar? Or will the vinegar kill the plants? The barrels have been thoroughly washed. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional I don’t think the previous presence of vinegar presents any immediate threat to the plants themselves. […]
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Question: What are some mitigation/elimination recommendations for Lesser Celandine that has become well established in lawn and near fresh water wells? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Please take a look at this response from Ask Extension, which references a nice article on the plant from the Ohio State Univ Extension. You’ll see options for chemical control […]
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Question: How safe is it to use horticultural vinegar on graveled drives? Is it safe to use it close to a well? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional “Safe” is always a relative term when using chemical interventions in the garden–horticultural vinegar is a 20% solution of acetic acid (4x stronger than household vinegar), […]
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Question: Last spring we planted an ornamental crabapple and there are a few crossing branches that we would like to prune out. We’ve waited because we were still getting snow but in looking things up online, we are now wondering if we left it too late. is it okay to prune it now or should […]
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Question: I am looking for suggestions on shade-friendly flowering plants or shrubs that slugs do not like. I’m open to all colors and annuals or perennials. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional I have two resources to recommend: UMaine Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet #5036 “Slugs” (for identifying and managing the slug population in your garden) […]
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Question: I am wondering if I should try to gently rake out my fern patch before the ferns start to grow. Some cites suggest only cutting back the spent seed pods – never rake. It is a rather large patch. Perhaps I should just leave things alone and let the spent material fertilize the area […]
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