Question: When is the the last spring frost in Hancock County and first fall frost? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional The short answer is somewhere in the neighborhood of May 6th for last and October 2nd for first. Longer answer: as you no doubt know, frost dates are always an informed guess kind […]
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Question: I am looking to turn an open area in my backyard into a new vegetable/cut flower garden. It is currently grass and blueberries that haven’t produced fruit in years and have been being mowed back a few time a year most years. I know I need to do a soil test (and am planning […]
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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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Question: We are looking for a native vine that will grow on a trellis and be attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators. Most of the native vines we have seen have white flowers and therefore won’t help the hummingbirds. Early season bloom when food is scarce is ideal but any suggestions for anything suitable that would […]
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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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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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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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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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Question: My questions is about transplanting suckers from a Summer Sweet Clethra shrub. I have a source of suckers from an established shrub that needs to be pruned in the spring because it is taking over the bed. It does not leaf out until June. I wonder if I could separate and dig up some […]
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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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