Maine Home Garden News

snowdrops

Maine Home Garden News — March 2024

In This Issue: March Is the Month to . . . Cultivating Change: The Remarkable Journey of Maine State Prison’s Garden Program Using Canned Goods in Cooking The Japanese Hori Hori: One of the Most Versatile Garden Tools You’ll Own Backyard Bird of the Month: Mourning Dove Help Stop Invasive Species during National Invasive Species […]

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What created this cocoon on a beach plum?

Question: I recently discovered this growth/cocoon on a young beach plum. It is only about 5/8″ long and at first assumed it to be some kind of cocoon given the perfectly round opening, only it appears to the be the same woody material as growing on the beach plum (or perhaps very well camouflaged). Any […]

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Is it too soon to plant radishes in an unheated hoop house?

Question: We have an unheated hoop house that I’m wondering if it’s too soon to be planting radishes in now? I know they are a cool weather crop, but is this too soon? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional It does depend a bit on your hoop house set up, but if you can […]

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What is the best soil for growing Lavender?

Question: I am looking for a plot of land in Maine that is suitable for a lavender farm. Do you know where the best land/soil would be for that? And do you have any other tips on what to look for?  Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Generally, our team works to advise home […]

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What type of shade trees would be suitable to plant beside the ocean?

Question: Recent storms have severely damaged two spruce at our camp. We are at ocean’s edge on granite. The soil is two feet at best in depth. The site increasingly is hit with salt water several times a year. Spruce bud worm has infected the trees that are presently there. Can you recommend another species […]

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Queen Anne's Lace encased in ice

Maine Home Garden News — February 2024

In This Issue: February Is the Month to . . . Growing Microgreens Licensing Requirements for Arborists in Maine Help Track Forest Pests This Winter Backyard Bird: Golden-crowned Kinglet Ash Protection Collaboration Across Wabanakik (APCAW) Book Review: A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators Maine Weather and Climate Overview (February 2024) Winter Interest […]

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Do our White Pines have root rot and do they need to be removed?

Question: I understand that the wet summer and heavy rains are causing root-rot in the white pines. We have lots of them sitting in marine clay. The clay is oozing up around several in our backyard. I assume the roots are rotting and the tree is at risk of toppling? I guess the trees are […]

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