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  Hawkweed in Maine Lawns

  Donna Coffin

  In Maine, hawkweed is not on the state’s invasive plant list, although it is in other states. Hawkweed can be a concern to homeowners with lawns that get infested with it. It can also be a problem where the grass is not thriving due to low fertility, dry soils, or compaction. It can also be a problem in pastures and hayfields. Hawkweed does have a few redeeming qualities for pollinators. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you don’t mind seeing these little yellow or orange flowers spring up above your grass and you are in low maintenance mode for your lawn, it’s not a problem. If you want a perfect uniform green grass lawn, then yes, you need to control it.

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  Poultry Facts: Turkey Brooding and Management: Giving Poults a Good Start

  Donna Coffin, Colt Knight, and Richard Brzozowski

  The saying “What starts right, ends right” holds true for turkeys. If you give your young poults a good start, chances are you will have very few problems, if any. Here are a few pointers that will help you grow a successful flock.

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  Tips for Growing Houseplants in Maine

  Donna Coffin, Rebecca Long, and Matt Wallhead

  This newly revised and expanded fact sheet series addresses the basics of keeping houseplants. It will help you diagnose common problems with your houseplants, such as insects and diseases; overwatering or underwatering; improper lighting, temperature, or humidity; and insufficient pot size (root-bound). The series addresses how to start new plants from old plants, and also the unique challenges of growing houseplants in Maine, including the use of artificial light.

  • Caring for Houseplants in Maine
  • Dealing with Houseplant Problems
  • Controlling Insects and Disease in Houseplants
  • Growing Houseplants Under Artificial Light
  • Creating New Plants from Old
  • FAQs About Houseplants in Maine

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  Maine Home Garden News Oct 2016

  Kate Garland

  • October is the month to . . .
  • Fall tool care
  • Merrymeeting Gleaners
  • Growing garlic
  • Making better baked goods

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  Wild Tulips

  Lynne M. Holland

  Staff picks for Maine Home Garden News plant of the month. Wild tulips, the flower that created Tulipmainia

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  Garden Equipment and Items to Make for the Maine Garden

  Donna Coffin, Frank S. Wertheim, Katherine Hopkins, and Casey Bowie

  Do-It-Yourself directions for making garden equipment and other items including newspaper pots, PVC light stands for seedlings, two-tier seedling stand, cold frame, raised bed, plant in a bag, celery blancher, and planting holes in plastic.

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  Growing Vegetables in Containers

  Donna R. Coffin

  Are you short on space? Many kinds of vegetables can be easily grown in containers. Just follow these basic guidelines:

  • Select containers. You can use buckets, empty milk jugs, dishpans, or window boxes. Each container should be clean and have at least one drainage hole in the bottom. Use a potting mix or mix your own with garden soil, compost, peat, and vermiculite.
  • If you are starting plants from seed, check seed packets for planting and space recommendations. Not all of the seeds will germinate, so plant more seed than you need and thin later.
  • If you are using transplants, fill each container until it is about half to three-quarters full. Then set your plants on the mix. Keep all plants at least one inch away from the side edge of the container so they don’t get too hot. Add potting mix around plants to within an inch of the top of the container and press lightly. Put your container where it will get at least 6 hours of sun each day.
  • Water thoroughly. Plants in containers dry out more quickly than plants that are in the ground: you may have to water them daily.
  • To keep plants growing and flowering, water with a balanced (20-20-20), water-soluble fertilizer, mixed as directed, every other week in summer. Pull any weeds out of your container.
  • Pick your vegetables when they are ripe so the plant will continue to set more fruit. Then wash them and make something good to eat!