Soils and Composting Archives - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Soils and Composting

I hear about the benefits of biochar. What’s the difference between charcoal and biochar? Which is the blackened wood left unburnt in my wood stove?

Question: I hear about the benefits of biochar. What’s the difference between charcoal and biochar? Which is the blackened wood left unburnt in my wood stove? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Thank you for reaching out to the UMaine Cooperative Extension with your question. Biochar and charcoal are similar, in that they are […]

Is alfalfa meal recommended for application on flower beds and vegetable gardens?

Question: I’ve recently heard alfalfa meal is recommended for general application on flower beds and vegetable gardens. I need more information about using this amendment. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Alfalfa meal is a common organic soil amendment derived from alfalfa (Medicago sativa) crops, and it offers a low NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium… in the 3-1-2 range) […]

Can I leave a tumbler-style composter outside during the winter?

Question: I have a black plastic tumbler-style composter. Is it safe to keep outdoors in the winter? It has a lot of “debris” inside that isn’t quite ready for spreading in the garden…can I keep all of that in the composter over the winter? Is there a risk of freezing and the plastic cracking? Should […]

Is there a way to safely compost without attracting bears?

Question: Is there any way to safely compost without attracting bears? I live in an area known to have bear traffic and am looking for advice on ways to compost without drawing their attention. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional I don’t have any direct experience with the problem (our bears went after the […]

Will a soil test determine why my seeds did not germinate?

Question: I have just moved into a condo and was so lucky to find a garden there. Unfortunately, the maintenance workers, while mulching our shrubs, covered the vegetable garden with mulch. I was assured by the property management that it was not toxic. However, in my many years of gardening, I have never planted seeds […]

Does University of Maine Cooperative Extension test plants for lead?

Question: The UVM Extension services appeared to indicate that I might be able to get plant materials tested (for a fee of course) through the Maine Extension services. I have plants growing where there is known to be lead. I would like to test parts of the plants to see if lead is showing up […]

Do you test soil for toxoplasmosis?

Question: Do you test soil or vegetables for toxoplasmosis? My cat has been using a part of the garden as a litter box so I’m a bit freaked out about eating the produce from it. I’m hoping that you can test for it? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Unfortunately, toxoplasmosis is not something […]

What are some general recommendations for fertilizing in a limited space for growing vegetables?

Question: I haven’t found any recommendations on this website for fertilizing specific varieties of vegetables. I do get recommendations with a soil report but I grow my vegetables in a limited space and rotate them as best as I can from year-to-year. Are there some general recommendations you can provide, as well as timing? Answer: […]

Will adding compost adversely affect the soil I’m growing vegetables in?

Question: I grow vegetables in a field via direct seeding or transplants. I have noticed that when I try to plant I have a lot of clumps. When I squeeze the clumps, they break down easily into small granules. I need to add additional soil to to my growing area. My choices are loam, compost […]

Should I rotate my vegetables in raised beds even if I am taking out about half or more of the soil each year and adding new?

Question: Should I rotate my vegetables in raised beds even if I am taking out about half or more of the soil each year and adding new? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional When possible, crop rotation is always a best practice recommendation to prevent the potential build up of pathogens, though the realities […]

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