Maine Home Garden News

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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How should I reseed the bare spots in my lawn?

Question: I have tried to reseed the bare spots in my lawn with little success. I looked online at winter seeding a lawn (Dec.-Feb.) and it shows a germination rate of up to 75% in the spring. Is this something that would work in our zone? If so, what seed mix/manufacturer would you recommend? Answer: […]

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fallen oak leaves

Maine Home Garden News–November 2023

In This Issue: November Is the Month to . . . Backyard Bird of the Month–White-throated Sparrow Put Culture Back into Agriculture Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts Finding Joy in a Hard Gardening Year Ask the Expert Q&A Maine Weather and Climate Overview (November) Gifts for the Gardener November Is the Month to . . . […]

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What is causing black spots on my tomatoes?

Question: I grow Juliet tomatoes each year primarily for fresh eating and freezing for sauce. This year I planted late due to weather. Of interest, I use no chemicals/sprays etc, only addition is bone meal. My question is…what is causing black spots and are they safe to freeze/ process? Should I treat the soil in […]

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What information is helpful on greenhouse gardening in Maine?

Question: I am wondering if there is any information on greenhouse gardening in Maine specifically a planting schedule for later harvest. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant Greenhouse gardening in Maine is a broad topic, ranging from backyard cold frames to huge commercial operations. Because this is our home horticulture site, I’m assuming you are looking for information on […]

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How do you trim a hedge row of arborvitae?

Question: I was wondering if you can tell me when and how to trim my hedge row of arborvitae?  I need to cut off about six to eight feet off the height of this hedge row. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant Arborvitae can be topped, but you do run the risk of leaving some […]

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