In This Issue: Editors Note: Much Love for the Maine Home Garden Newsletter Team! February Is the Month to . . . A Review of The Green Gardeners Guide: Simple, Significant Actions to Protect & Preserve Our Planet by Joe Lampl The Adventures of Raising Seedlings “Off the Grid”! Great Horned Owls Updates to Maine’s […]
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Question: I read the Cornell ‘Composting to Reduce the Waste Stream’ on your site. I do not like the idea it includes about using ‘pressure treated’ wood to construct compost containers in the yard. I wonder if you agree? Answer: Kate Garland, Horticultural Professional When the Cornell document was written (1991) pressure treated lumber was […]
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Question: What tomato varieties would you suggest for in-ground planting? I’d like to plant 2-3 varieties for eating off the vine, and for canning BBQ sauce and salsa. Are there any other considerations for tomato growing in Maine? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant I would suggest you do a soil test in the […]
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Question: In September 2021, I transplanted peony plants to a bed on the west side of our new home. They all came up, a couple even had flowers, but as time went on black areas (not spots) were seen on many of the plants. Unfortunately, I did not take a picture. I cut them down […]
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Question: I have arsenic in my well water. Is it safe to eat vegetables that were grown in that environment, watered with well water containing arsenic? Answer: Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator I assume that you’ve had your water tested and know the concentration level of arsenic. As you will see in these two fact sheets, it is considered […]
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Question: If I wanted to use rainwater to water my garden, how do I get my water tested to know if it’s safe? Answer: Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator If you wish to use rainwater on your garden, you should treat it as any other surface water – not safe to drink or to wash produce […]
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Question: I am having difficulty maintaining a Ficus inside my home. I am unsure about the amount of sun, water, and fertilizer that it requires. I have observed gray spots on some leaves. I would appreciate any advice. Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Following, please find a general synopsis for care of a […]
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Question: I have eight raised beds (8′ by 4′) and all have above optimum levels for phosphorus (79.1), calcium (79.3), boron (1.5), manganese (11) and zinc (98) according to my last soil test. What I want to know is how to lower these nutrients and micronutrients to optimum levels? Answer: Caragh B. Fitzgerald, Associate Extension […]
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In This Issue: January Is the Month to . . . Sightings: Vole Runways Evening Grosbeak A Review of The Earth Knows My Name: Food, Culture, and Sustainability in the Gardens of Ethnic Americans by Patricia Elindienst (Beacon Press, 2006) Wabanaki Writings Reader Exchange January Is the Month to . . . By Kate Garland, […]
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