Maine Home Garden News

Maine Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter – December 2023

In this issue… Program Updates 2023 Horticulture Keynote Cuetlaxochitl for the Holidays Report your MGV Hours and MHH Donations Volunteer Opportunity: Pollinator-Friendly Garden Certification Committee Maine Master Gardener Volunteers Facebook Group Upcoming Events and Programs Program Updates It’s been awhile since our last newsletter and we’ve been busy! We wanted to update you about some […]

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red poinsettia

Maine Home Garden News — December 2023

In This Issue: Confusing Fall Berries! Send Holiday Cheer, Not Pests: Follow Out-Of-State Plant Health Regulations Celebrating Collaboration and a Bright Future: The Journey of the Joyce Hedlund Community Garden at Eastern Maine Community College Backyard Bird of the Month – American Robin Gifts for the Gardener Maine Weather and Climate Overview (December) Special Thanks! […]

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How should I remove moss from my raised beds?

Question: I had a quite a lot of moss growing in my raised beds. I’m sure the heavy rain didn’t help. I am going to get the soil tested. What is the best course of action for the moss—remove it or dig it under? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional You’re absolutely right that […]

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Are there alternatives to using landscape cloth in gardens to reduce weeds?

Question: I have been using landscape cloth to reduce the weeds in my garden. I have been reading that this material is not good and that there are better alternatives but I haven’t seen what the alternatives are. Are there better alternatives and if so, what do you recommend? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach […]

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How can I mitigate damage from jumping worms found in a compost pile?

Question: I have recently discovered what I believe to be jumping worms in my compost pile. I am very concerned about my plants and soil. How much damage can I expect and is there anything I can’t do to mitigate? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional The Asian jumping worm is rapidly becoming quite a headache for […]

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Can you successfully plant a Redbud tree in the fall?

Question: I’d like to put in a Redbud tree. The tree in question is now in a large pot, but the branches are devoid of leaves. I’ve always understood autumn is a great time to plant perennial shrubs and small trees. So… is it too late to plant this tree – there is a week […]

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Why is the trunk on my Kousa Dogwood peeling and turning yellow?

Question: Kousa dogwood trunk has peeling yellow spots and bark. I read that this can happen when temps drop. Should I be concerned about anything else possibly causing this?  Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) tends to develop this peeling, patchwork pattern to the bark as it matures–in fact, many […]

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What is the best way to plant native plants on a rocky shoreline?

Question:  I have 1,000′ of rocky shore and would like to plant flowering, ground-cover seeds on the spots with soil. Native plants would be best. There are birches and spruce growing in spots. Answer: Lynne Holland, Horticulture Professional Planting 1000 ft of shoreline is no small project and native plants are the best way to […]

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