In this issue… Upcoming MGV Training Summer of Pollinators Volunteering at Events and Speaking Engagements New MGV Dashboard Features New Resources Spring Program Highlights Support the Master Gardener Volunteer Program Greetings, Master Gardener Volunteers! A little (or a lot) of rain this spring hasn’t stopped you from making a difference in your community! Check out […]
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Question: We have a beautiful Dappled Willow Tree in our yard that is in full flower mode. It is about eight-feet tall with a width of about the same. It is full of aphids. How do we get rid of such pests on a bush so large? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Lovely […]
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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) […]
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In This Issue: June Is the Month to . . . Hero Hover Flies Pollinator Ponderings: Let’s Talk Pollinator-Friendly Annuals Chelsea Chop for Native Plants Invasive Plant Educational Workshops At-Home courses for Maine Gardeners Bird of the Month: Eastern Phoebe Maine Weather and Climate Overview Ten Things to Know About Emerald Ash Borer in Maine […]
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Question: Is there an effective, natural way to get rid of ants in my lawn? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional The short answer to your question is, unfortunately, “not really.” The typical “natural” approaches are things like boiling water, horticultural vinegar, etc.–none of them will kill enough of the ants to make a […]
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Question: I am writing an article on garden pollination. 1) What are the (20 or 30) most common vegetables grown in Maine home vegetable gardens? 2) Are there any bats in Maine that pollinate? Bats are often included in native pollinator lists, but I’ve learned most of the species that pollinate are tropical. 3) Aside […]
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In This Issue: May Is the Month to . . . Embracing Herbivory Backyard Bird of the Month: Barn Swallow Help Us Grow Communities and Gardens Across Maine Gardening in a Rental Book Review: Peony: The Best Varieties for Your Garden by David C. Michener and Carol A. Adelman (Timber Press, 2017, 247 pp.) Maine […]
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In This Issue: April Is the Month to . . . A How-To Guide for Creating Sustainable Staking in Your Garden Soil Erosion in the Home Landscape Backyard Bird of the Month: Brown Creeper Keystone Plants: Giants of the Pollinator-Friendly Garden Maine’s Community Garden Map Ask an Expert: Can Meadows and Orchards Mix? Maine Weather […]
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Question: I have a patch of open woods along the road that that has nothing except trees in it. A microburst blew down a lot of trees in this space a number of years ago. Could someone please give me advice about how to “landscape” it? Where should I plant native shrubs and flowers that […]
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Question: I am writing to inquire about growing tomatoes in a heated greenhouse during the winter in Maine. The greenhouse can be heated to optimal growing temperature, but I was wondering if there would be enough sunlight to have fruiting plants without supplemental lights. Would the shortened daylight just increase the amount of time needed […]
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