Maine Home Garden News

Are my black walnuts safe to eat?

Question: I harvested some black walnuts from a tree in my yard. After removing the husks and letting them dry for a couple weeks, I put them in an uncovered plastic box. Now some of the nut shells have white mold on them. Can you advise me if they are safe to eat? Answer: Viña […]

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Can you suggest an evergreen to plant beside my deck?

Question: I am looking for a small evergreen to go in front of the deck. There will be loam brought in. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional  First of all, I am going to send along a recommendation to consult this chapter from our manual for some in-depth information on the things […]

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fallen leaves covered with dew

Maine Home Garden News — November 2021

In This Issue: November Is the Month to . . . Why Do Insects Have to Be Either ‘Beneficial’ or ‘Pests’? City Rat, Country Rat — Prevent Your Garden from Being a Source of Unwanted Rodent Pests Black-capped Chickadee Curbside Composting Programs The Winter Harvest Handbook, by Eliot Coleman (2009) November Is the Month to […]

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Should I plant a lawn in the fall?

Question: I have an odd question that may not fall under your wheelhouse. I live in Atkinson right by the Center. My old deck was taken down so… I. Have. Dirt. The digging hound is elated but is there a grass seed I can toss out with some hope for growth at this point? Answer: […]

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Which native species tree should I plant in my backyard?

Question: I am not sure if you cover this type of question, but here goes! 🙂 I would like to plant a tree in my backyard and I want to ensure that I plant something that is native and supportive to the wildlife in my town of Westbook — do you have any suggestions? Perhaps […]

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pumpkins and gourds

Maine Home Garden News — October 2021

In This Issue: October Is the Month to . . . Mushrooms on Lawns Obsolete Pesticide Disposal Vagrant Hummingbirds A Review of Northeastern Garden Book (Sunset Publishing Corp., 2001) Common Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Eye-Spotted Lady Beetle (Anatis mali) Reader Exchange — Making Lemonade Out of Lemons October Is the Month to . . . By […]

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What kind of garden can be planted over a septic field?

Question: I am a Master Gardener in Virginia, but I’m helping a friend start to think about her garden for a new house she is building in Maine. Only the garage has been completed this year, with the main house to follow next year. Her driveway wraps around a center section, which is also her […]

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Is it safe to use spearmint growing where dogs are walked?

Question: I would like to use some spearmint growing in a neighbor’s landscape garden. Since the garden is next to the street where dogs are walked, a neighbor in my building (who is hyper cautious, I might add) advised against eating the mint because of concern that dogs may have peed on the plants at […]

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