Maine Home Garden News

What concerns should I have about the wider ecosystem if I’m considering adding Mycorrhizae to the soil around my roses?

Question: What concerns should I have about the wider ecosystem if I’m considering adding Mycorrhizae to the soil around my roses? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant As you probably know, based on your question, mycorrhizae are soil-based fungal organisms that form symbiotic relationships with almost all terrestrial plant roots, exchanging their vastly greater surface area’s ability […]

Why are my asparagus plants turning brown prematurely?

Question: Our asparagus plants are turning brown earlier than usual. Typically we cut them back near first frost time. If it is some type of fungus, should we cut earlier to protect the roots? These are older well established plants. It has been a wet humid growing season which may be the reason. The spring […]

How late can I plant peas for a fall crop and expect to harvest any?

Question: How late can I plant peas for a fall crop and expect to harvest any? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant The planting calendar from MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners) recommends August 1 for a planting date for fall crop peas. Keep an eye on them toward the end to protect against early frost. […]

Is there a program to help control and clear Rose Multiflora?

Question: I have Rose Multiflora all over my property. I was told by a neighbor that there is a program to get help to get the rosa under control and cleared out. Is this true and would you have information about it? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant I’m not aware of any programs to […]

Has the rainy weather prevented my seeds from germinating?

Question: Since the constant rains stopped, I have tried to replant crops that were ruined with no success. I have planted lettuce, beans, and peas several times with no germination (visible, anyway). Now, I find a lot of my neighbors have had the same problem. My garden was never under water, but we did have […]

Would asparagus adjust to a border of mulch and compost?

Question: I would like to build a border around my asparagus that is 12 to 18″ high and then immediately, or gradually fill it in with mulch and compost. Will the asparagus adjust to this, or will I need to replant it all? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant As you probably know, asparagus planting depth is […]

Should I replace the raspberry bushes that have not produced any fruit this season?

Question: All of my raspberries have died this summer after six or so years of abundant harvests. I assume that it is because of all the rain this summer as they are in poorly drained soil. Should I rip them out and start over or just cut them back and hope they rebound next year? […]

How do you control Purple Loosestrife around a pond?

Question: We have a pond on our property that collects wet season/rain runoff. It’s ringed with cat tails, but also an increasing number of purple loosestrife plants. These are pretty but I know they’re invasive. I’ve pulled or cut the ones where I can’t get the root except for the ones in the pond/deep in […]

Maine Home Garden News August 2023

In This Issue: August Is the Month to . . . The Gardens at Tidewater Farm Are Growing! Pollinator Garden at Norway Memorial Library Late Blight Gardener Alert Cucumber Downy Mildew Maine Weather and Climate Overview (August) Featured Bird of the Month: Black-and-White Warbler August Is the Month to . . . By Barbara Harrity, […]

What has made holes in my blueberries?

Question: What has made holes in my blueberries? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant I believe you are dealing with blueberry maggots, the larval form of the blueberry fruit fly. The female adults lay their eggs just under the skin of the fruit and the emerging maggots tunnel through the blueberry, giving you the tiny […]

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