Question: Will astilbe thrive under my Norway Maple at the outer edges where I can dig ? I’d like to place them between hostas that are thriving. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant It sounds like you are at least somewhat familiar with the challenges of growing other plants beneath Norway Maples. The trees send […]
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Question: I planted four Frontenac grape plants last fall that appear to be doing well. Unfortunately the Japanese beetles got out of hand on them recently. I’m willing to chalk this year’s crop up for a loss; however, is it a foregone conclusion that the plants are now unviable moving forward or can I expect […]
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Question: If we are saving seeds from spring peas, can they be planted for a fall crop before they are thoroughly dried? Answer: Frank S. Wertheim, Extension Educator – Agriculture/Horticulture When you save seeds from peas, they should be left on the vine inside the pod past ripening until they turn brown and start to […]
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Question: We have crows tearing up our lawn in one part of the yard. Some websites have suggested getting “beneficial nematodes” to combat this. We have organic raised beds in the area and are careful not to taint them. Would the nematodes be helpful and safe? Are the crows doing us a favor by getting […]
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Question: What is the latest time in the summer that one should plant grass seed? Answer: Donna R. Coffin, Extension Professor Our factsheet on establishing home lawns suggests “spring (May) or late summer (August 15 to September 15)” is the best time. If you live in Aroostook County, I would suggest early September as a last date […]
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Question: I have a happy, healthy bed of annual flowers- cosmos, Mexican sunflowers, zinnias, verbena. I moved a wooden plank into the garden to create a border for the bed. I noticed there were small ants in the board. Since then, my annuals have been wilting and dying and the base of the stem of […]
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Question: What type of soil should I layer on top of my asparagus bed? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant Asparagus crowns should be planted in a pre-dug furrow and covered with light, sandy (and therefore well-draining) soil so that water doesn’t accumulate at the roots and shoots can easily penetrate the surface. If the […]
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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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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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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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