Question: I created an elevated vegetable planter in a metal trough on legs. I lined it with black landscape cloth. The bottom of the trough has many circular punched out holes for drainage. I put in a mixture of purchased Coast of Maine container (2 parts) and Coast of Maine lobster compost (1 part). I […]
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Question: There are little winged black insects on my tomato plants and white fuzzy stuff. I am hoping you can tell me what they are and what I can do. I have looked through your galleries and FAQ and may have missed them. Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home Horticulture Professional Thank you for […]
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Question: This year the deer have been feasting off my perennials. What is recommended to keep them from doing this? I don’t want anything too smelly to keep people inside! Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional I encourage you to get in touch with USDA APHIS Program, who can help with your wildlife questions (damage control) […]
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In This Issue: July Is the Month to . . . Ferns for the Home Landscape July Maine Garden Harvest Guide Maine Public Gardens: Garland Farm, Bar Harbor, ME Northern Mockingbird PFAS and Your Home Garden July Is the Month to . . . By Sandra Mitchell, Penobscot County Master Gardener Volunteer For goodness sake, […]
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Question: What is the black “gunk” on the stems of my Poppies that is rotting the stem and causing them to snap off below the blossom? This has never happened before. The plant had 33 pods and just prior to blossoming, this gunk started to appear and several of the stems rotted through prior to […]
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Question: Is it too late to top the tall lance leaved goldenrod? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional If you are pruning your goldenrod for a fuller showing later this fall you can do it during June so you are almost past the optimal time to do it. Also consider the amount […]
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Question: When is the best time to plant seeds for a fall crop of snow peas? Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Here’s an article about growing peas in Maine Home Garden News. All peas are cool season crops and are best planted in Maine in the early spring (as soon as the ground is workable) for […]
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Question: Anise hyssop. Last years plant outside got very tall (approx. 5ft) and had long lasting flowers, however it was very spindly/sparse. It didn’t spread as I’d hoped this spring. Can I prune this now like an herb to encourage bushier growth (like mint or basil) or does this not work for this plant? Answer: […]
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Question: We have both common and swamp milkweed in the backyard. This year we have noticed ants and aphids in the plants. We understand about their symbiotic relationship but wondered if they would damage the plant or the monarch caterpillars. If so, what is the best way to get ride of them? Answer: Pamela Hargest, […]
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Question: I’m looking to put in a small hedge in along my property line. The site receives part-sun, and is on the dryer side. It’s a relatively narrow area, so I don’t want anything really large or fast growing. Do you have any suggestions for native plants for this spot? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture […]
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