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. […]
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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 […]
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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 . . […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Question: It is now mid-October. Is it too late to transplant perennials or plant shrubs or trees? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional At this point, it’s probably better to wait until spring. Transplants typically need about 4-6 weeks to reestablish their root systems, and if that doesn’t happen before the ground freezes the […]
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Question: When is the best time to prune beach roses? We have a row of one and two-year-old bushes which have put out a lot of suckers and tall new growth. We are hoping for a wild-looking hedge. Also, the hips all turn black a short time after turning red. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture […]
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Question: How do I kill off artillery fungus? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional The solution to artillery fungus (Sphaerobolus spp.) is to remove the source of the ongoing infection–typically, mulch, compost, old wood shingle siding, any kind of decaying organic material. I would prune out heavily affected plant material (removing the deposits usually do more damage […]
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Question: I am looking to start a flower garden and wanting advice on size, seed and what to plant. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional The UNH Extension has a great resource for homeowners on controlling crabgrass, including a nice summation of the corn gluten situation: Now that our growing season is winding down, this […]
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