Question: I would like to mulch my raspberry plants. I know wood chips are good, but can you use coarse sawdust? Answer: Donna Coffin, Extension Professor Mulch will reduce weed pressure, retain soil moisture, and add organic matter. Coarse sawdust can deplete the nitrogen in the soil as soil microbes start to break down the […]
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Question: Sphagnum moss is taking over our lawn, especially in shady areas. I have tried changing the soil pH with wood ashes and lime, but no success thus far. Is there a better way without laying down poisons? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant Moss in the lawn can be very frustrating, and is almost […]
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Question: I would like to install a privacy screen made out of shrubs to create a wall along the road. What would you recommend for something that is good in the climate, some salt exposure and doesn’t require a lot of grooming? Something evergreen or with year round coverage would be ideal. Is there anything […]
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Question: My garden has become infested with ragweed. I am planning to skip a year of gardening this year due to other priorities. Is there anything I can do or plant to reduce or eliminate this ragweed infestation? Answer: Donna Coffin, Extension Professor Thank you for your question on ragweed. A garden can become quickly […]
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Question: I’m planning on doing a mini strawberry garden in one of my old raised beds and I just had a few questions and was wondering if you had any general advice about growing, maintaining, etc. What type of strawberry is best suited for Maine in full sun? Is it better to start a garden […]
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Question: I have attached a photo of my beach roses taken last fall. Several of the branches have spiky round growths on them. These branches seem to be dying. Are you familiar with this problem and to you have any suggested remedies? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Your beach roses have Mossy […]
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Question: Does the University of Maine Cooperative Extension test soil? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant We do indeed perform soil testing, via the UMaine Analytical Laboratory. You can pick up a soil test kit from the any County Extension office or request one directly from the lab (information on their website). That standard soil test fee […]
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Question: I have a small home garden that is set up in beds. Now that the snow is gone, I want to plant a cover crop/green manure crop. I have a field peas and oat mix. How soon can I plant this mix? The snow is gone on my well-weeded, beds and I want to […]
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Question: I’m looking for help on how to best prune a lilac tree/bush that has grown out of control. Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant For older common lilac stands (Syringa vulgaris) that need renovation, early spring is an excellent time of year to prune. Pruning when they’re still dormant means that you can […]
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Question: I recently purchased two shadblow bushes (Amelanchier canadensis). We have very heavy marine clay on our property. I often amend with lots of compost/rich soil, but recently I am hearing more and more about how too much compost can create conditions where the roots just stay in the soil-rich area. Approximately how much compost/rich […]
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