Question: I live in Belgrade. I’m trying to figure out what frost dates to use but every search seems to give me a different answer. It seems to be anywhere from 4/27-5/27 for Spring and 9/17-10/9 for Fall. Can you please recommend a date to use? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Because we […]
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Question: I’ve started seeds indoors in seed trays with plastic covers. I rotate them every other day so that they each get enough light. Many of my seedlings die, I think because the soil is either too wet, or, if I take the covers off, too dry. How do I keep them alive? Answer: Abi […]
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Question: I have an odd question that may not fall under your wheelhouse. I live in Atkinson right by the Center. My old deck was taken down so… I. Have. Dirt. The digging hound is elated but is there a grass seed I can toss out with some hope for growth at this point? Answer: […]
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Question: I planted some zinnias as seedlings. They were doing great but now they look like this. They are indoors, I’ve been putting a grill light on them but they seem somewhere between drowned and parched. The other seedlings in different trays seem to be doing just great. Answer: Frank Wertheim, Extension Educator, Agriculture/Horticulture The […]
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Question: When can I plant lettuce seeds in the ground in my raised bed? I live in Kennebunkport. Answer: Kate Garland, Horticultural Professional Lettuce seeds are quite cold tolerant and therefore can be sown directly in the garden as soon as the soil dries to the point where you aren’t seeing it stick to your […]
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Question: I live in Cape Porpoise and have a cold green house. What types of plants can I start at this time of year? Answer: Tori Lee Jackson, Extension Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties Office At this time of year, days are getting longer and it is very tempting to […]
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Question: I’m hoping to offer a take-home craft/activity kit in April where kids will get small flower pots and a few flower seeds to plant at home. However, I know nothing about flowers or gardening in general. I didn’t want to buy seeds and accidentally introduce a plant that is bad for Maine. In general, […]
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Question: We live in Gorham and have several raised garden beds that receive full sun most of the day, at least six to eight hours of direct light even in the winter. We would like to extend the growing season by creating a hoop tunnel over the beds using plastic sheeting. However, we have a […]
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Question: Need a recommendation for the best time to plant determinate tomato seeds for transplanting into containers. We are located in Phippsburg, Maine. Answer: In our climate, we need to start all types of tomatoes indoors and then transplant them outside after the risk of frost has passed. So, you’ll need an estimate of when […]
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Question: How can I grow Ilex verticillata (winterberry) from the berry (seed)? Answer: In answer to your question about growing Winterberry, Ilex vertillata, you can use the berries from current plants. If the berries are still firm enough, put them in a plastic bag and let them ferment. When soft enough (might take a week) […]
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