Question: I heard that “No-mow May” is more harmful than reducing the amount of mowing, or “Low-mow May”, which would increase the number of pollinator plants in the lawn. Which is correct? Answer: Lynne Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional The answer to your questions of no-mow vs low-mow May is that “It depends.”. The purpose […]
Read more
Question: What is the best time to plant potatoes in our raised garden beds? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant For reference, I include the UMaine Extension Planting Chart and Schedule, but as you’ll see you are already in the planting window for potatoes (5/1 -6/1 in central Maine, 10-14 days earlier for coastal areas). […]
Read more
In This Issue: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue Maine Home Garden News: Best of May – 2010 to 2022 Q&A How do I get rid of wild strawberries in my lawn? Q&A Dealing with the aftermath of white grubs Q&A How to handle new landscape Backyard Bird of the Month: Northern Parula […]
Read more
Question: The septic tank and leach field were just installed at my new home (there is nothing growing on it at all, just dirt). The slope off the back side of the leach field is steeper than what I’m comfortable mowing. I read an article here titled “establishment of vegetable gardens on septic system disposal […]
Read more
Question: My azalea bush is about 30 years old and has bloomed beautifully every spring around Mother’s Day. Last year there was very few flowers and this year the leaves are a weird color and I have no idea if it will bloom. It does not get too much water. I’ve looked up pictures and […]
Read more
Question: I am looking at reseeding my lawn. I have a lot of places that have died and turned to dirt. Watering is obviously essential. However, I have a water filtration system on my house. Filtering massive amounts of water will kill my filtration system. However, if I turn the filters off, the water has […]
Read more
Question: We have a four foot tall crab apple tree in our backyard. Some kids were running around and accidentally sat on the tree breaking off three sizable branches. Can I put the branches in water to root/start new trees or what can I do to save the branches and the tree? Answer: Jonathan Foster, […]
Read more
Question: I live in the midcoast region. I would like to start planting lettuces, but the temps have been low…30’s at night and 40’s-50’s during the day. Is it still too early/cold or can I plant the seeds? What other cold weather vegetables can I plant now? I will be adding compost and 5-10-5 to […]
Read more
Question: I am looking into putting American Holly in my yard, specifically Blue Princess and Prince. I’ve read online that it can grow 10 feet tall but other local sources say 4-6 feet tall. Do plants in Maine not grow as tall as they say online because the growing season here is shorter? Answer: Jonathan […]
Read more
Question: I use annual rye grass as a green manure in my vegetable garden. Should I turn it into the soil in the fall or in the spring? What other cover crops are recommended for vegetable gardens? Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional If annual ryegrass is sown in the fall, then it can be incorporated […]
Read more