Maine Home Garden News

How do I care for apple trees on a property I just purchased?

Question: I purchase a house and the previous owner had planted 17 apple trees. They are producing apples and I had some questions to ask. 1. Is it okay for me to eat these apples? 2. I am planning on making pesticide by mixing baking soda, vegetable oil, dish soap and water to spray the […]

Is there treatment for my Red Japanese Maple that is showing signs of disease?

Question: We have a Red Japanese maple tree that looks to be showing signs of disease. The bark is peeling and cracking and the crotch of the tree appears to have some rot. The leaves are not as full this year. There is no outward sign of insects that we can see. Last year, there […]

Why have the magnolia, pine and dogwood trees died on my property?

Question: I planted a butterfly magnolia tree a couple years ago. Last year it had one flower at the beginning of the season. This year it doesn’t have anything and I noticed it has three splits in its trunk. I put fertilizer around it this year but just a day ago. It seems nothing grows […]

Are grape leaves safe to eat in soil that may have lead in it?

Question: I’m growing grapes in what I believe is leaded soil. I haven’t yet tested, but nearby soil is leaded. I’m aware that the fruits are safe to eat if they are kept free of dirt, but I’m wondering if the leaves are safe to eat as well. Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home […]

What are the small insects causing the leaves to curl on my cherry tree?

Question: I’m interested to know about an infestation on our cherry trees. There are colonies of small insects living under the tree leaves which are curling in on themselves. These spots are of interest to ants for some reason. Is this a concern or a normal relationship between the tree, the little black insects and […]

What are some recommendations for relocating or pruning plants that are crowded?

Question: I’m looking for guidance on space management. We have a threadleaf falsecypress, planted in 2017, which is now 7-8′ tall and 6-7′ wide. It’s crowding two tom thumb cotoneasters, three false indigos and a viburnum that were all planted at the same time. Can the falsecypress be pruned? If so, how best is that […]

Is black mulch harmful to plants? Is the dye in the mulch toxic?

Question: Is black mulch toxic to plants? I believe that several plants in my flower garden have been stunted or killed by the black mulch that was placed around them. If the mulch can be ruled out as the cause, I will investigate other possibilities. Is the dye toxic? Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education […]

What are some native grasses that like sunny exposure?

Question: I would like to know what native grasses do well in a sunny exposure. I would like to use them as a border and would like a variety that is rather big. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional What great question since most of our landscapes are made […]

What is causing the white pines to turn brown in my neighborhood?

Question: I have noticed that many white pines in my neighborhood are turning brown. They are not near traffic (so not salt) and are very old white pines. What may be causing this? They are turning completely brown, not just dropping seasonal needles. Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home Horticulture Professional Thank you for […]

How do you get rid of snails and slugs in the garden?

Question: We have been having a problem with snails for a few years now. In the garden, they are pretty much on everything and in the lawn as well. We also have slugs too. We are looking for a way to get rid of them. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Slugs […]

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