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 […]
Read more
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) […]
Read more
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, […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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: […]
Read more
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, […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more