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, […]
Read more
Question: I was recently blessed with a load of wood chips. Mostly pine, but there is also some cherry. I will be using this material in my garden. My online search does not give an answer re: how long it takes for the “cyanide” to break down in the wilted cherry leaves/fruit/stems. I have chickens […]
Read more
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? […]
Read more
Question: When using the solarization method, do you need to clear the dead grass and roots before planting in the area? Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist If you have live roots in that area, I would highly recommend keeping the cover on until those are completely killed off or make the effort to remove them by […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
Question: I have transplanted flocks which had powdery mildew in its first garden to the second garden. In their second garden powdery mildew returned the following summer. I want to plan something different there next year. Do I need to do something to the soil to rid it of the powdery mildew fungus? Answer: Caragh […]
Read more
Question: I believe I have purple carrot-seed moth caterpillars in my garden primarily on my dill plants. I would greatly appreciate your help in identifying this caterpillar and if it is invasive? If so how do I get rid of them? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional Your identification is correct, we agree […]
Read more
Question: I would like to plant a native wildflower meadow over my mounded septic leach field as well as in the areas surrounding it. I would also like to plant milkweed to support monarchs. I’m trying to find information about if this is safe with the septic or what types of plants I should use. […]
Read more
Question: What can be used to effectively repel Japanese beetles from plants? Presently I use a trap & hand pick beetles several times a day. Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with a heavy “crop” of Japanese beetles this year. Now is when the adults are most actively feeding and mating, […]
Read more
Question: The tops of my Blue Spruce tree turned thin and curly, then brown and the needles have now fallen off. How do I heal this tree? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional Unfortunately, your spruce has been attacked by White Pine Weevil. This Penn State publication also has good photos. The good news is that […]
Read more