Question: I am looking to grow luffas this year and I was wondering what sort of soil medium they should be planted in. I have some experience with mixing in my own additives for indoor plants but, I usually just go with a garden mix from a bag for my herbs, flowers, and vegetables. I […]
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Question: I’ve heard that home gardeners can request to work with a Master Gardener Volunteer for help with garden planning. How do we request this service if it is still available? Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional We have a Garden Mentorship Program that you may be interested in. This program is intended to match trained […]
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Question: This is a question regarding fruit tree pruning. Is there a treatment I can use on freshly pruned cuts to prevent apple scab from taking advantage of the fresh wound? I’m a beginner, hobbyist fruit tree grower, mainly apples. I have some 2 to 3 year old trees myself, but am also trying to […]
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Question: I’ve started seeds indoors in seed trays with plastic covers. I rotate them every other day so that they each get enough light. Many of my seedlings die, I think because the soil is either too wet, or, if I take the covers off, too dry. How do I keep them alive? Answer: Abi […]
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Question: I keep seeing articles on winter sowing in milk jugs and other containers that can be covered in more southern states. Is this possible for flowers and vegetables in Maine? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional There are some plants that can be winter sown in the milk jugs in Maine. […]
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Question: I am interested in planting ornamental cherries on my property, but I worry that even for Zone 4 rated varieties our late frosts will kill the blooms. Are there any varieties you can suggest or should I give up on my dream of billowy pink blossoms? Answer: Frank S. Wertheim, Extension Educator – Agriculture/Horticulture […]
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Question: We recently moved to Maine. I want to get my soil tested. I have a collection kit. The soil is pretty frozen. I’m going to do a minimum till and and cover with about 6″ of compost. Is it worth testing the soil now? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant It’s a great […]
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Question: I am getting eager to start cleaning up my four raised beds and gardens and start gardening. What can one reasonably get started on this time of year? Is there any harm in cutting back dead leaves and stems that will not support new growth in the spring? Should we clear away dead leaves […]
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Question: For the past few seasons, I have observed hawkweed taking over my yard. I would like to stop it and plant a native ground cover, but I have no idea what to plant or how to go about removing the hawkweed. My yard gets fairly full sun. What would you advise? Answer: Abi Griffith, […]
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In This Issue: March Is the Month to . . . Homegrown Nutella? Let Me Introduce You to the American Hazelnut (Corylus americana). Seedfolks: 101 fictional pages of how a vacant lot turned garden can impact humanity (Harper Trophy, 1997) by Paul Fleischman Basic Steps for Pruning Multi-stemmed Shrubs Maine Public Gardens: McLaughlin Garden and […]
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