Maine Home Garden News

Why did only one of my hollyhocks flower?

Question: In the spring, I bought three hollyhocks from a reputable greenhouse and planted them near my deck. They were all the same size, and had a well-developed root system when I planted them. The tag that came with them said that each of them was a perennial. The one that bloomed was labeled alcea […]

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How do I get the Hostas that I started from seed to grow faster?

Question: I picked pods from a Hosta plant last fall. I planted the seeds in early February. I have been taking care of them indoors but also have some outdoors in a container that are equally as small. I wanted to know – why are these plants still so small? Is there something I can […]

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How can I get raised beds ready for planting next year?

Question: I have just purchased a home and it already has four small raised beds in the front yard. I am new to home gardening, but I would love to get these ready for next planting/growing season. Is there anything special that I should be doing now in order to prepare for the spring (which […]

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Why are my raised beds and flower gardens not successful?

Question: Hello, I am looking for an expert to come to my house and tell me what is wrong with both my raised beds and flower gardens. I’ve been trying to have raised beds for six years and am at my whits end. I’ve built a hügelkultur, pulled it all out, added new soil, kept […]

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Monarch butterfly on a tiger lily

Maine Home Garden News – August 2022

In This Issue: August Is the Month to . . . Tree Swallows Insect Insights: Syrphid Flies August Maine Garden Harvest Guide Book Review: Celia Planted A Garden: The Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island Garden Maine Day of Giving – Thank you! August Is the Month to . . . By Abigail Griffith, […]

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Can feline cat litter be used in the base of a Hugelkultur mound?

Question: My cats use feline pine cat litter (pine pellets that break down slowly into sawdust). I’m wondering, if we separate out the feces, if it’s safe to use the sawdust that has some cat urine in it in the base of a Hugelkultur mound. Are there zoonotic diseases that we should be worried about?  […]

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Can you freeze zucchini and summer squash?

Question: We are overwhelmed with zucchini and summer squash! Can I freeze either or both for winter use in soups, etc? If so, how do I prepare them — just cut up or dice and put in freezer bags, or otherwise? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional You can definitely freeze zucchini and […]

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