Question: I am a first time gardener starting tomato seedlings inside. My seedlings are three weeks old as of Apr 20th. About a week ago they started drooping, leaves curling and some undersides of leaves have turned purple. I have spent a ton of time researching online and received every answer under the sun. Soil […]
Read more
Question: My Forsythia has not flowered for the last three years. Does it need special fertilizer? Some say that I might have pruned it back too much and now has just a few flowers at the bottom. It gets full sun. It has good leaves all summer. There are no pests visible. Answer: Jonathan Foster, […]
Read more
Question: I have a camp with the eastern edge bordering the lake. I would like to maintain the inland section as a more natural area, but may need to install a septic system leach field which imposes some constraints. I am also completely lacking in knowledge about what options I have, pitfalls, opportunities, etc. Can […]
Read more
Question: Do you have a version of a companion planting chart that I could print? We have several raised bed planters that can’t be moved (too old) and need to plant various vegetables wisely. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional It depends on what you mean by companion planting, as the phrase has a […]
Read more
Question: I see from your list that Dames Rocket is an invasive plant. I do have some in my garden and want to replace it with something similar. Do you have any suggestions? Also, where can I get a good list of natives that I can use in my flower garden. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home […]
Read more
Question: Is it safe to use corrugated metal on the inside of the garden with wood treated with linseed oil on the outside of the metal? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional So, two separate building materials to consider, and it may depend on whether this garden bed is for edible plants or ornamentals. […]
Read more
Question: Is it safe to plant vegetables in the blue 55 gallon barrels if they previously contained white vinegar? Or will the vinegar kill the plants? The barrels have been thoroughly washed. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional I don’t think the previous presence of vinegar presents any immediate threat to the plants themselves. […]
Read more
Question: What are some mitigation/elimination recommendations for Lesser Celandine that has become well established in lawn and near fresh water wells? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Please take a look at this response from Ask Extension, which references a nice article on the plant from the Ohio State Univ Extension. You’ll see options for chemical control […]
Read more
In This Issue: May is the month to . . . How to Build a Zig Zag Garden (4-Post Trellised Garden) Plant Identification Apps Beet Growing 101 Backyard bird of the month: Red-Eyed Vireo Mainely Dish: Rhubarb Muffins Ask the Expert Maine Weather and Climate Overview (May 2024) May Is the Month to . . […]
Read more
Question: How safe is it to use horticultural vinegar on graveled drives? Is it safe to use it close to a well? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional “Safe” is always a relative term when using chemical interventions in the garden–horticultural vinegar is a 20% solution of acetic acid (4x stronger than household vinegar), […]
Read more