Maine Home Garden News

How do you eradicate knotweed and replace with a native plant?

Question: I have an area about 200 square feet where we cut, treated and then scraped out knotweed this fall. We know it will be a constant battle to try to completely eradicate for the next few years but would like to replant the area with something native and invasive-ish to help with squeezing out […]

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What are the recommendations for garlic that was planted late?

Question: My question is about garlic, and I’m late in asking it! For various reasons, I planted some garlic very late this year – maybe in early June. The crop did not reach maturity this past growing season; no scapes emerged, and the bulbs were larger but still single. I’ve had this garlic for close to 10 […]

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Can you suggest a short shrub that will attract birds?

Question: I am interested in planting a shrub or two in my yard that will attract multiple kinds of birds. I would prefer the shrub to grow no taller than 8 feet in height. My yard has sunny and shady areas. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: Vina Lindley, Food Systems and Home Horticulture Professional […]

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red poinsettia

Maine Home Garden News — December 2021

In This Issue: Titles to Inspire Young Gardeners Wreaths and Garlands — Check Before You Buy Eastern Bluebird Tips for Growing Houseplants in Maine Series Send Holiday Cheer, Not Pests: Follow Out-Of-State Plant Health Regulations Practical Gifts for the Gardener on Your List Titles to Inspire Young Gardeners By Kate Garland, Horticulturist; Michelle Wright, RSU […]

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What’s the best way to overwinter plants I’m propagating?

Question: I would like to know the proper way to overwinter plants I’m propagating. I have one pot with five Cardinal Flowers (to divide for a Spring plant sale), two pots with ornamental shrubs (from cuttings made last Spring), and three pots with apple rootstock (less than a pencil width that were pulled and potted […]

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What’s the best way to store onions?

Question: My onions have been hanging in the shed but now it’s getting cold and I’m afraid they will freeze. Last year when I brought them in they all got condensation inside the skins and eventually rotted. (This had never happened before,) what to do now? I don’t have a really cool area in the […]

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Is it good to leave fallen leaves in the garden over winter?

Question: Is it good to leave fallen leaves in the garden over the winter? Is it beneficial? When can they be raked up in the spring? Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home Horticulture Professional Absolutely, leaves make a great mulch since they’re free, readily available, and full of nutrients that release slowly over time.  […]

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Should asparagus plants be cut back in the fall?

Question: Should asparagus plants be cut back in the fall after they’ve turned yellow? I read that they should be cut just under the top of the soil, but wanted to confirm this information. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional  Once the asparagus tops have yellowed their work is done for the […]

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What’s wrong with my River Birch?

Question: I bought this River Birch ‘Fox Valley Dwarf’ about three years ago. I lost the second and third stem the first winter but the now-single stem has done okay since then, it’s currently about 5′ tall. But it has these galls or something every year. It doesn’t seem to be hurting the tree too […]

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