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Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Ask the Expert

Do you have a planting chart for those of us who utilize garden boxes?

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 […]

Can I use leaves for mulch in the gardens over winter?

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. […]

What’s the best way to manage a meadow so as to encourage a variety of native plants?

Question: Should a meadow be mowed and if so when and why? I am trying to encourage and maintain a native meadow. I have been here for over one year now. We haven’t mowed this spring or summer except over the leach field in front of the house and to maintain paths. This summer with […]

When is the best time to seed a lawn and what type of grass is best?

Question: My husband and I are building a new home in Kennebunkport (Cape Porpoise). We are finally getting close to completion and are wondering about seeding the lawn. Should we wait until spring? Or will the grass have time to grown and harden off before winter so that it will survive? Is there a specific […]

My tomato plants all got early blight; will my soil be safe to use again next spring?

Question: My tomato plants all got early blight. Wondering if my soil will be safe to use again next spring? Answer: It’s a very common disease of tomatoes in Maine. Here’s an excerpt from our Early Blight of Tomato fact sheet that offers some next steps: Survival and Dispersal The fungus spends the winter in […]

What apple varieties do recommend for Zone 5?

Question: We just bought a place in Sweden, Maine, zone 5a, with Adams type soil/outwash sand and I’m looking to plant a few apple trees. What varieties of apple would you recommend? It’s not an exposed site; fairly sheltered from wind. We will be clearing an area for the trees. Answer: We have a lot […]

Can beneficial nematodes help control Japanese beetles?

Question: I have read that beneficial nematodes may be helpful in controlling a Japanese beetle infestation that is attacking my vegetables, flowers, and shrubs. If so, what kind should I be looking for? Where can I get them? How are they applied? Answer: Here’s information from Maine’s YardScaping Program, including links to a nematode fact […]

If I have lead in my soil, are my apples, peaches, and grapes safe to eat?

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 […]

How often should I water my vegetable garden?

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 […]

Is there a guide for growing peach trees in Maine?

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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