Question: Does it matter when potatoes are planted if planted at least 90 days before the first frost? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant You could probably get away with planting about 90 days before your first frost, but there are a few things you may want to take into consideration. Check the “days […]
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Question: Regarding sheet mulching: Should seeds be directly planted in compost or should I dig through the compost into the ground and plant them into the soil below. If in the ground, how deep should I dig? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant The overall idea with sheet mulching (aka lasagna gardening) is that […]
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Question: I will be landscaping my yard and want to put lots of trees on the land. How do I go about figuring out which trees are best? How do I “reforest” a small lot? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Thanks for your question – sounds like an exciting project! The first thing […]
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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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