Question: I live on the east end of Portland and I know I have lead in my soil. I have apple, peach trees, and grapes. I was wondering if the fruit would contain the lead as well? If yes, is there a safe amount that we can eat? Answer: Generally, plants do not absorb lead […]
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Question: We live in South Portland and there is a drought at the moment. How often should we water our vegetable garden? Answer: Ideally, 1.25 to 1.5 inches of rain per week is enough for most gardens. A rain gauge can help you decide when to water. It’s good to get water down to 5-6 […]
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Question: I am growing peach trees here in Wiscasset, Maine. I have never grown them and I am learning the hard way. Is there a guide book or publication of what to do and when? Answer: They can be a challenge, but many home orchardists find the effort worthwhile. We have a good amount of […]
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Question: Our corn crop was disappointing. We could feel that ears weren’t filling out very well, so we waited a little longer than usual. When we picked them, they were starchy and not very sweet. The few ears that were sweet were about 3/4 filled out. What might have caused this? (Spring/Summer 2020) Answer: There […]
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Question: I have been reading a lot about aerated compost teas and how they can be used on the foliage to help protect against things like fungus and insects. Do you agree with these type of statements? If so, could application on my tomato plants help with leaf spot? Answer: The short answer to your […]
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Question: I am building on a three-acre piece of land that is covered in poison ivy. The land is surrounded by forest but is basically an open field. What would be my best approach to eradicating it from the field areas, keeping in mind that children and animals will be playing there? Answer: The first […]
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Question: How do I prep my strawberry bed for winter? Answer: Much depends on whether you have June bearing strawberries or day neutral strawberries, and how old the planting is. Generally speaking, mulch should be applied over strawberries in the late fall between Thanksgiving and Christmas to protect the plants from extreme winter cold and […]
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Question: Do you recommend adding rock dust to organic home gardens? Over the years I have occasionally added Greensand. How does Greensand differ from Azomite? Do you recommend either or both? This question pertains to my garden in Jackson, NH, and my son’s in Freeport, ME. Answer: I recommend that you and your son submit […]
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Question: How do I store carrots long term in my basement? Do I need to cover them with anything? Answer: Carrots should be stored with their tops removed in a cold (32°F) and humid (98-100% relative humidity) storage condition. In order to achieve high humidity, you will probably need to store your carrots in a […]
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Question: I am looking for several fairly low growing shrubs that will tolerate shade and preferably flower and attract birds. I want to separate my planned shade garden from my shady wilderness. Answer: I would suggest going with a Viburnum for your site, especially if you are interested in attracting birds and other wildlife. Maple-leaf […]
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