Question: We have a lot of bracken fern in our large, wooded yard. I’m aware this is an invasive plant. Do you have any recommendations for getting rid of it? It is very tenacious! Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional While bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) isn’t currently designated as invasive in Maine (please see the invasive […]
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Question: I have a field of Canadian Bluejoint grass, which has been taken over by bittersweet and roses. I usually cut it all down each year, but I would like to return the field to more of the Canadian Bluejoint grass. I heard I can solarize it by covering it with black material. I would […]
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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 […]
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Question: I planted a Japanese Maple / Acer in the summer. In early October, I noticed that the leaves were drying out on the end and curling in. It lost most of its leaves without ever turning red or orange by late October. How can I revive it or is this normal for a younger […]
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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 […]
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Question: I am planning a new home flower and vegetable garden and am wondering if it would be better to use rainwater rather than city water? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Neither is bad, but the answer depends on which plants you want to grow, what your budget/available workload is, and your perspective. […]
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Question: I received my soil test back recently. I’ve had problems growing lettuce, carrots, kale, cabbage, etc. They start nicely, turn woody, and do not grow. The soil test indicates that there is above optimum organic matter. Why do you think my garden is not growing well? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional The […]
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In This Issue: February Is the Month to . . . Creating a Pollinator Garden for the New Year UMaine Cooperative Extension’s “Ask an Expert” Portal February Declared Browntail Awareness Month: Act Now Backyard Bird of the Month Maine Weather and Climate Overview (February 2025) Featured Ask the Expert February Is the Month to . . […]
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In This Issue: December Is the Month to . . . A Note of Gratitude Holiday Gift Giving for Your Bee-Loved – A 2024 Gift Guide for the Pollinator-Friendly Send Holiday Cheer Give the Gift of Learning This Winter Backyard Bird of the Month: Northern Cardinal Maine Weather and Climate Overview December Is the Month […]
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