Hi there - I have a couple pine & a couple spruce trees I got. They are in burlap sacks & wire balls. Is it too late to plant them? Would I be better off leaving them as is for the winter & planting in the spring? Or should I put them in the ground now? When I do plant them do you have any instructions for doing so? I currently have 2-3’ holes dug. First foot is black dirt, followed by black clay & then light brown clay. Thank you for your help!

I have property in Linn County that I lease out. I’ve asked the same rent per acre for many years and would like to know if I can ask for more. 48 acres is class 1A soil and it is irrigatable. It has been used in the past to grow rye grass or clover. About 80 acres is pasture. We lease it out to a cattleman. What is a reasonable rate to ask per acre for the 48 acres of irrigated crop land? Same question for the 80 acres of pasture.

I received a letter from Baltimore City Dept of Public Works. They say I should get my tap water tested because some of my pipes are unidentified. Does the extension service do water testing?

I inherited these azaleas and they are in a difficult area. Very nice townhomes but I don't think there is very much good soil and they're dealing with English ivy that I'm always pulling. As far as sun they should be happy, partial sun. I have over the past few years had to cut back entire branches, and there's no life in them at all when cut back. They have received regular care and proper pruning and feeding, they still bloom, but I feel the condition is worsening. Whatever is going on is presenting itself by the leaves looking spotty and the spots get progressively worse until the entire leaf is no longer green. It's very sad and I think we may have to take them out. If that's the case I also want to be sure that whatever it is isn't in the soil to affect any new plantings. Thanks as always, I greatly appreciate your help and guidance. Jonathan

I live in the City of St. Paul. The city did a bunch of boulevard tree work yesterday then I found a dead woodpecker in my backyard this morning.

What is the current recommendation for getting rid of mare's tail on a farm?

Hi! I picked up about 8 quart-sized ornamental peppers (wicked, black velvet, chili) that the store was going to toss. I'd like to keep them alive over winter. Do you have any tips? Can I cover them with mulch and leave them outside in their containers? Prune them back and bring them in? Prune the tops and roots? Leave as-is? Thanks.

I have a raised garden bed that is 7.5ft x 4ft x 20 inches high in which I grow organic vegetables & herbs. Is it too late for me to plant garlic cloves for my spring/summer 2025 harvest?

I would like to plant a single apple tree in Hillsboro. I plan to train (espalier) for compactness. Is there a particular apple I should consider? I will just eat fresh apples when available. I am open to a tree that has been grafted with more than one type of apple.

How can I get soil testing in Waldorf, MD.