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
In This Issue: February Is the Month to . . . Creating a Pollinator Garden for the New Year UMaine Cooperative Extension’s “Ask an Expert” Portal February Declared Browntail Awareness Month: Act Now Backyard Bird of the Month Maine Weather and Climate Overview (February 2025) Featured Ask the Expert February Is the Month to . . […]
Read more
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Read more
In This Issue: December Is the Month to . . . A Note of Gratitude Holiday Gift Giving for Your Bee-Loved – A 2024 Gift Guide for the Pollinator-Friendly Send Holiday Cheer Give the Gift of Learning This Winter Backyard Bird of the Month: Northern Cardinal Maine Weather and Climate Overview December Is the Month […]
Read more
In This Issue: Reader Survey November Is the Month to . . . Indoor Gardening: How to Grow Fresh Greens and Herbs Year-Round in Maine Native American Heritage Day and Thanksgiving Backyard Bird of the Month: Wild Turkey Maine Weather and Climate Overview Reader Survey We need your input! By sharing your experiences and suggesting […]
Read more