Question: I’m trying to determine if my smoke bushes are infected with something or just going into dormancy in an unfamiliar way. 1/4 of the leaves on one of my bushes is affected. I’ve since pruned them off with clean sheers. I think this happened in just a few days. The spots are becoming but […]
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Question: I am wondering about backyard greenhouse placement. When south facing is recommended, does that mean the longer side of the greenhouse should face South or the door? Are there some things that can be started in a greenhouse without heat in the fall/winter? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant When gardening sources recommend situating […]
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Question: Our newly planted Japanese Maples (Red Emperor) has signs of insect damage to its leaves. Do you know what could cause this and how best to treat it? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant After bouncing the photos you sent along around among my colleagues to confirm first impressions, we are collectively of the […]
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Question: Is there something I can do to eliminate the squash bugs, yellow bodies with black stripe, from invading my squash and cucumbers? Should I dispose of the dead leaves of the plants in the compost? Is there a way to treat the soil now so in the spring they will not destroy the plants? […]
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Question: I would like advice about planting hollyhock seeds this fall in Ogunquit. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Hollyhocks can bring on conflicting directions as they can be perennial or biennial. Old-fashioned varieties are biennial and produce a plant in year one and flower in year two then die. This information from […]
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Question: Why are oak trees dropping clusters of leaves recently? Is it due to drought? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant As it happens, this is a timely question and you aren’t the only homeowner who has noticed the clusters of leaf litter–we’re getting it about oaks and pines, as well. The culprit is most likely […]
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Question: I am trying to identify the type of mold on my garlic. Most of it looks like embellisia but I am concerned about the possibility of black mold. If it is embellesia, we were planning to save some for seed garlic, is this a bad idea? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional […]
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Question: Is mid-September too late for planting shrubs in Cumberland Country? Specifically, I was considering potentillas. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Mid to late September is an excellent time to plant shrubs and trees in Cumberland County. This fact sheet from the UNH Extension covers the risks and rewards of fall planting. […]
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Question: My question is about a Fox Valley Dwarf River Birch. In 2021, we noticed bumps on the leaves. We went to nursery and it was suggested we use a systemic product which we did. Bumps remained but the tree continued to thrive. This year, the bumps came back immediately. We again asked from the […]
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Question: Why are so many apples on my Cortland tree dropping before they fully ripen? They are sour and the seeds are not brown yet. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant There are numerous reasons why your Cortlands might be dropping underripe fruit. Dry conditions can exacerbate early fruit drop, so you may just be […]
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