Question: I have eight raised beds (8′ by 4′) and all have above optimum levels for phosphorus (79.1), calcium (79.3), boron (1.5), manganese (11) and zinc (98) according to my last soil test. What I want to know is how to lower these nutrients and micronutrients to optimum levels? Answer: Caragh B. Fitzgerald, Associate Extension […]
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Question: I am a Master Gardener in Virginia, but I’m helping a friend start to think about her garden for a new house she is building in Maine. Only the garage has been completed this year, with the main house to follow next year. Her driveway wraps around a center section, which is also her […]
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Question: I live in Yarmouth, Maine and am looking for land to start a lavender farm. I am starting small, maybe one acre to see how it will go. My limitations would be: zone, 6a, 5b or5a, not very rich, sandy soil, well drained, around one hour drive from Yarmouth. Could you advise where I […]
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Question: I purchased a saucer magnolia tree and planted it in early May. At the time of planting there were no leaves or flowers visible but it did have buds. I planted using a blend of 50% original soil which is clay and Coast of Maine penobscot compost blend. The tree started leafing out soon […]
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Question: In a 24 to 48 hour period, some of the leaves on my Japanese maple tree developed dry, brown patches. Leaves that fell to the ground were completely dried-up and crunchy. About 10% of the leaves on the tee were affected. The condition has not worsened since I first noticed the problem a couple […]
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Question: I have a large rhododendron that has developed a problem. I believe it has a nutrient deficiency but I don’t know what it is. I had a soil test done on 04/16/2021 (2029) that indicates I need to reduce the pH a half a point. What do you think is the problem? Answer: Rebecca […]
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Question: I have three blueberry bushes that I planted three years ago. They only produced berries the first year and nothing since. I add pine needles around them every fall. I have one of each: Bluejay, Jersey and Late Blue. What do I need to feed them or do I need more than three plants? […]
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Question: I am starting some raised beds this year. What is the best type of soil to use? I use Coast of Maine for starting my plants. Answer: Caragh Fitzgerald, Associate Extension Professor, Agriculture When you’re filling a raised bed, the primary material should be mineral soil, rather than a potting soil. Mineral soil is […]
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Question: My raised bed vegetable gardens were infested with grubs last summer and most of my crops failed because of the roots being chewed up by grubs. I applied milky spore last fall but my soil is still infested with grubs. Can I use beneficial nematodes this spring to knock back the grubs before I […]
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Question: I live in coastal Lubec and have zero soil around my house, as the builder infilled with pure gravel (good for drainage, if nothing else, right?!). I plan to trench the gravel to develop soil beds for native plantings, and need guidance for what to use / how to mix the right soils. I […]
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