Question: I’ve been thinking about growing a hedgerow similar to those in England. I’m looking for shrubs and trees that would work well in our climate and some direction in planting. Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Great idea! First you will have to consider the site conditions (sun/shade, soil drainage and quality, space […]
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Question: Do you offer soil testing kits? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional There are two ways to get soil test kits. The first is to visit your local county UMaine Extension office. (the underlined blue text is a hyperlink to the office directory). The other way is to contact the UMaine Soil Testing […]
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Question: We have a piece of land that we are just beginning to make plans for– we want to plant as many native species as possible. I am wondering if a Master Gardener Volunteer would be able to come out to our land to help us walk the site, answer questions, and help us make […]
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Question: I plan to propagate Winterberry. Will all new plants be the same sex as the parent plant? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant If you are propagating from cuttings, yes, they will be the sex of the plant you have taken a cutting from.
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Question: How do I save seeds from fresh squash to use for planting later without them rotting? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Seed saving is both an art and a science. We have a bulletin on the topic Seed Saving for Home Gardeners that explains the general process. Some things to consider when […]
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Question: Description of the area: A gradual slope down to the lake the area is barren now with hard soil and plenty of tree roots. It’s shaded because there’s some pine and oak trees on this space. We are looking for a walkable ground cover. The area needs to be accessible from the basement and […]
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Question: I have some small creature eating my lettuce. It gets into my greenhouse, which only a small rodent could do. It eats a fair amount of lettuce down to almost ground level. The larger creatures that also devour what I grow — porcupines and skunks — I am able to trap and relocate. I […]
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Question: I want to start planting perennials and some bushes and I need advice with: 1. Overall landscaping plan 2. What kind of soil to get delivered for the plants? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Start here – Designing Your Landscape for Maine. This Bulletin will walk you through all the things you want […]
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Question: Our River Birch has leaf spot that I noticed at the end of Sept, 2021. It was followed by an early drop of leaves. Would fertilizing the tree help or do we need to spray with a fungicide? And if spraying is recommended, what is the safest product to use? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture […]
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Question: Japanese Beetles invade my blackberry bushes. How do I kill the insect so they stop destroying my berry bushes? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Japanese beetles can be very frustrating to deal with! For detailed information about the insect’s life cycle and control, see UMaine Extension’s Pest Management Fact Sheet on Japanese […]
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