gardening Archives - The Portland Press Herald

Maine Gardener: Now’s the time to prune your shrubs and small trees

by Tom Atwell March 8, 2020March 5, 2020

In March, the plants are still dormant, the weather isn’t (usually) too bad, and you have an unobstructed view of the branches.

Food, Maine Gardener

The Maine Gardener: Waiting is wearisome. Will the season ever begin? A gardener’s lament

by Tom Atwell March 1, 2020February 28, 2020

When all else fails, put on some tunes and sharpen your tools.

The Forecaster

Cape community garden plots available

February 26, 2020

CAPE ELIZABETH —Plots are now available in the town’s two community gardens, which include 90 plots next to the Gull Crest fields and at Maxwell’s Farm on Spurwink Avenue. Gardeners are required to use organic methods and are expected to spend several hours a season on general garden duties. Each garden also has vegetable plots […]

Food, Maine Gardener

Maine Gardener: The ruinous emerald ash borer is here. Is there anything you can do?

by Tom Atwell February 23, 2020February 22, 2020

A state and city expert weigh in on ways to try to repel, or at least slow, the destructive beetle from killing all of Maine’s ash trees.

Food, Maine Gardener

Maine Gardener: Here’s a gardening project while you wait for tomato season

by Tom Atwell February 16, 2020February 13, 2020

You can grow tiny, tasty (and trendy) microgreens inside under a grow light.

Food, Maine Gardener

Maine Gardener: If you can’t beat invasives in toto, beat them in part

by Tom Atwell February 9, 2020February 5, 2020

Gardeners and wildlands managers, don’t give up if you can’t eradicate invasive plants. Even slowing their spread is helpful.

Op-eds, Opinion

Gina Barreca: Finding comfort in unexpected places

by Gina Barreca Hartford Courant February 8, 2020February 7, 2020

I don’t brave the day’s headlines until after I’ve scanned the comics and my horoscope.

Food, Maine Gardener

Maine Gardener: And you think you hate weeding now?

by Tom Atwell February 2, 2020January 29, 2020

Get ready. Climate change means the weeds will be stronger and more plentiful.

Food, Maine Gardener

Maine Gardener: The king of the elms is dead. Long live the heirs to the throne

by Tom Atwell January 26, 2020January 25, 2020

Yarmouth’s beloved Herbie succumbed to Dutch elm disease 10 years ago, but thanks to amateur arborist John Hansel, you can buy a clone of the grand old tree and plant it in your yard.

Food, Maine Gardener

Maine Gardener: For healthy, robust trees and shrubs later, plant small

by Tom Atwell January 19, 2020January 15, 2020

You can save money, reduce maintenance and improve the chances that the plant will survive long term.