Question: I created an elevated vegetable planter in a metal trough on legs. I lined it with black landscape cloth. The bottom of the trough has many circular punched out holes for drainage. I put in a mixture of purchased Coast of Maine container (2 parts) and Coast of Maine lobster compost (1 part). I […]
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Question: When is the best time to plant seeds for a fall crop of snow peas? Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Here’s an article about growing peas in Maine Home Garden News. All peas are cool season crops and are best planted in Maine in the early spring (as soon as the ground is workable) for […]
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Question: If pepper seedlings have blossoms, should the blossoms be pinched off before transplanting into the garden? Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional Yes, pepper blossoms can be picked off before or when you transplant your pepper seedlings into your garden. This will help redirect the plant’s energy to developing healthy roots!
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Question: I just planted asparagus beds. Instead of backfilling only 2-3 inches, I mistakenly backfilled fully, about 6 inches. Is it critical that I remove some of the soil? Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional Asparagus can be planted in furrows that are 6-8 deep as long as you don’t have heavy clay soil, so the […]
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Question: What are the best blight resistant tomatoes for our Maine climate? Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional I wouldn’t say there is one tomato that has the best blight resistance since there are several factors to consider, such as what’s available to you locally. If you plan on purchasing tomato seedlings locally, I’d recommend connecting […]
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Question: I have decided to grow potatoes in half whiskey barrels because my garden soil has wire worms in it and is not good for growing potatoes. If I plant them in the barrels, what kind of soil should I use? What should I fertilize them with? Compost? If there is a way to get […]
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Question: We are looking for advice as to when is the best time to transplant tomato seedlings into our UNHEATED 50-ft tunnel. We are in Androscoggin County (5b). Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Generally, you can transplant tunnel tomatoes about a month earlier than you would do field tomatoes. So if your seedlings […]
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Question: I want to plant raised bed for vegetables. Is there a correct soil composition or soil test kit you would recommend? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Generally we recommend 75% loam (the mineral component of soil) and about 25% organic matter (finished compost) mixed together well. Depending on how much you need, […]
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Question: I have only two beds large enough to grow potatoes. Last year, I grew potatoes in one and tomatoes in the other. Which is better (or less worse) to grow potatoes in this year? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant I appreciate how you phrased that question (less worse!). Sometimes our garden or […]
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Question: Two years ago I made a small raised bed garden approximately 10×6 ft. I regret that I filled it with several cube feet of Pro-mix soil. Last year not much grew, not even Zucchini! Do you have any suggestions for me to improve the soil? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Sorry to hear […]
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