Question: I have Rose Multiflora all over my property. I was told by a neighbor that there is a program to get help to get the rosa under control and cleared out. Is this true and would you have information about it? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant I’m not aware of any programs to […]
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Question: Since the constant rains stopped, I have tried to replant crops that were ruined with no success. I have planted lettuce, beans, and peas several times with no germination (visible, anyway). Now, I find a lot of my neighbors have had the same problem. My garden was never under water, but we did have […]
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Question: I would like to build a border around my asparagus that is 12 to 18″ high and then immediately, or gradually fill it in with mulch and compost. Will the asparagus adjust to this, or will I need to replant it all? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant As you probably know, asparagus planting depth is […]
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Question: All of my raspberries have died this summer after six or so years of abundant harvests. I assume that it is because of all the rain this summer as they are in poorly drained soil. Should I rip them out and start over or just cut them back and hope they rebound next year? […]
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Question: We have a pond on our property that collects wet season/rain runoff. It’s ringed with cat tails, but also an increasing number of purple loosestrife plants. These are pretty but I know they’re invasive. I’ve pulled or cut the ones where I can’t get the root except for the ones in the pond/deep in […]
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Question: What has made holes in my blueberries? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant I believe you are dealing with blueberry maggots, the larval form of the blueberry fruit fly. The female adults lay their eggs just under the skin of the fruit and the emerging maggots tunnel through the blueberry, giving you the tiny […]
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Question: I have Leucocoprinus birnbaumii growing in a pot of Rosemary. I know the mushroom should not be eaten, but is it safe to eat the rosemary since they share soil? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant University of Maine Cooperative Extension mycologist, Dr. Seanna Annis, answered: “Yes, you can eat the rosemary if you […]
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Question: I recently purchased a property that has a rather impressive expanse of Japanese Knotweed. I have more-or-less abandoned the idea of eradication. From the research I have done, it appears like a lost cause. Are there any tips the office can provide with containment? Specifically to Maine (does the short growing season and deep […]
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Question: Can coffee grounds be used to fertilize plants? Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Thank you for your question about using coffee grounds as fertilizer. Yes, grounds contain some of the major plant nutrients and some important micronutrients, but in very small quantities. It’s probably best used as a soil conditioner in moderate […]
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Question: I have several overgrown garden beds where the plants need to be divided and replanted elsewhere. Included are: iris, daylily, lily, evening primrose, hosta, daisies, and some form of mint. I would like to tackle this now, but the recommendations are to wait until late summer/early fall or next spring. What is your advice? […]
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