Question: I have decided I want the area where my orchard will be to also be a meadow. I am having trouble finding any information about this. I’m not sure if I should meadow and then plant fruit trees, or plant fruit trees and then the meadow, or if there should be time in between. […]
Read more
Question: I bought lots of peony bulbs in late fall and will plant them this spring. They are now covered in potting soil in pots in my garage. What’s the best way to plant to ensure they do well? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Typically, peonies are planted in the fall to allow […]
Read more
Question: I have a crop of fabulous amaryllis still in bloom. What’s the best way to keep them going through the years? Should I cut back the stacks and put the pots in a dark basement or garage til next fall, or should I put them outside this summer to rebloom as some people do? […]
Read more
Question: We have a lot of bracken fern in our large, wooded yard. I’m aware this is an invasive plant. Do you have any recommendations for getting rid of it? It is very tenacious! Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional While bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) isn’t currently designated as invasive in Maine (please see the invasive […]
Read more
Question: I have a field of Canadian Bluejoint grass, which has been taken over by bittersweet and roses. I usually cut it all down each year, but I would like to return the field to more of the Canadian Bluejoint grass. I heard I can solarize it by covering it with black material. I would […]
Read more
Question: I have a black plastic tumbler-style composter. Is it safe to keep outdoors in the winter? It has a lot of “debris” inside that isn’t quite ready for spreading in the garden…can I keep all of that in the composter over the winter? Is there a risk of freezing and the plastic cracking? Should […]
Read more
Question: I planted a Japanese Maple / Acer in the summer. In early October, I noticed that the leaves were drying out on the end and curling in. It lost most of its leaves without ever turning red or orange by late October. How can I revive it or is this normal for a younger […]
Read more
Question: Is there any way to safely compost without attracting bears? I live in an area known to have bear traffic and am looking for advice on ways to compost without drawing their attention. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional I don’t have any direct experience with the problem (our bears went after the […]
Read more
Question: I am planning a new home flower and vegetable garden and am wondering if it would be better to use rainwater rather than city water? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Neither is bad, but the answer depends on which plants you want to grow, what your budget/available workload is, and your perspective. […]
Read more
Question: I received my soil test back recently. I’ve had problems growing lettuce, carrots, kale, cabbage, etc. They start nicely, turn woody, and do not grow. The soil test indicates that there is above optimum organic matter. Why do you think my garden is not growing well? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional The […]
Read more