Question: Wireworms are eating my root vegetables. Is there anything that will control them? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant Unfortunately, there aren’t any effective treatments after planting and establishment of the pest, and the best controls are preparing the soil properly and siting the plants appropriately. Please refer to these resources for in-depth information: […]
Read more
Question: We have been letting our fields grow to promote natural habitat. About every other year we mow it in the early spring. We noticed this year an abundance of hedge bedstraw which I guess is ‘invasive’. Should we let it continue to grow and if so, are there any downsides to doing so? The […]
Read more
Question: Our Maple trees have some holes in the leaves that look like something is eating them. They also have red and black raised dots on the leaves. At the tips of some of the branches, the leaves look like they are starting to turn reddish as if fall foliage was starting! Should we be […]
Read more
Question: Are perennials able to be successful in pots instead of in the ground if given a large enough pot and drainage? Answer: Kate Garland, Horticulturist Thanks for your great question, Erin. Perennial plants can do very well in containers under the parameters you mentioned earlier – with adequate space and drainage. You’ll want to […]
Read more
Question: The leaves of our three-year-old dogwood are lighter than they have been and the tree developed far few flowers this year. Is there something we should do for it? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant A lot of flowering trees in Maine this year were seriously hit by the relatively warm winter followed by […]
Read more
Question: My Beech trees have curled leaves. What could be causing this? Answer: Kate Garland, Horticulturist There’s a chance it might be beech leaf disease (BLD). It has been spotted and spreading rather quickly in the Hancock County region. I encourage you to take a look at this Maine Forest Service website for more information. Be […]
Read more
In this Issue: July Is the Month to . . . A Love Letter to Mulch How to Freeze Fruits and Vegetables Safe Harvesting Techniques (video) Spotlight on Research: can hand-picking Japanese beetle really help?? Native Plants for the Maine Garden by Maureen Heffernan, with photographs by William Cullina. Down East Books, 2010 and 2023. […]
Read more
Question: We have a dark purple lilac that had this fungus show up this spring on it, or at least that’s when we noticed it. It is well blossoming, plenty of leaves, etc. I am afraid this may be a death sentence for it but have learned not to necessarily rely on the internet. If […]
Read more
Question: I have five large ninebark shrubs. They are all close to six-feet tall with very thick growth. The branches on several of them have collapsed to the ground leaving the middle empty and unsightly. In the past this was apt to happen after a heavy rain and have always bounced back after a day […]
Read more
Question: What could have eaten my cucumber seedlings? I planted eight and i only have two left. Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant There are a number of possible culprits, some of which work at night. Here are some possibilities and how you can avoid them going forward. Cutworms. These species have four categories: […]
Read more