Question: When does “days to maturity” start? Some of my flower farmer friends say it’s when you start the plant inside before transplanting them outside. Others have told me it’s when you transplant it outside. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional The answer is… it’s a little complicated. 🙂 The broad, mostly followed rule […]
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Question: I’ve a fir tree which is around 20 years old. Some time ago it appeared to ‘morph’ to what it is now – like 2 different trees growing as one. The top part of the tree has multiple small pine cones growing on it. I am interested if you can shed any further light […]
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In This Issue: September Is the Month to . . . Fall Learning Opportunities Collecting Native Perennial Seeds: A How to Guide for Beginners UMA Community Garden Profile Annual Obsolete Pesticide Disposal Program Maine Forest Service Insect and Disease Conditions Report Backyard Bird of the Month: Fish Crow Maine Weather and Climate Overview September Is […]
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In This Issue: August Is the Month to . . . Think First…Spray Last! Pollinator Ponderings: Stellar Summer Native Plants Book Review: Glorious Shade Profiles in Urban Agriculture: Growing an Urban Orchard Backyard Bird of the Month: Red-bellied Woodpecker Maine Weather and Climate Overview August Is the Month to . . . By Kate Garland, […]
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Question: I need assistance determining why my trees are not surviving in the ground. I planted 20 thuja green giants (5-6 feet) in early October 2024 and four are completely dead. Six are more than 50% dead. The other ten are doing okay but not thriving. I’d love to test the soil and see what […]
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In This Issue: July is the Month to . . . Firefly Friendly Lighting Pollinator Ponderings: Attracting Pollinators to Your Vegetable Garden Drinks from the Garden: Using Fresh Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs in Drinks Backyard Bird of the Month: Common Yellowthroats Book Review: What a Plant Knows: A Field Guide to the Senses Join the […]
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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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