Tips: Most conventionally grown cucumbers and melons are grown with dangerous systemic pesticides, so organic pest control is worth the time and effort. Populations quickly build, and the beetles further damage plants by feeding on flower and transmitting...
Borage attracts large buzzing insects that dominate their air space. Companions Tomato, Squash, Strawberry and Pepper. Notes Borage seedlings are only edible when very young. Harvesting Cut back borage plants by half their size in midsummer to encourage...
Spacing Single Plants: 2' 11" (90cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 2' 11" (90cm) with 2' 11" (90cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Start with a purchased plant, or start seeds indoors and set out seedlings two to four weeks before your last frost.
Gather stems for drying or steeping into tinctures in early summer, just before the plants bloom. Companions Squash, Tomato and Beans. Locate it where leaves can be conveniently picked, crushed and sniffed.
Tulips bloom at the same time as dogwoods and other spring-flowering trees in most climates. Troubleshooting Tulips are often eaten by deer and squirrels. Most tulips are hardy to -35F (-37C); cold tolerance varies with species.
Tall varieties often are grown as cut flowers. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Ageratum Aphids (General) Slug Snail Notes Blue ageratum provides excellent contrast when combined with flowers with orange blossoms.
Notes Bushy determinate plants can be tied to stakes, but long-bearing indeterminate varieties need a sturdy cage or trellis. Black patches on the bottom of fruits are a nutritional disorder best prevented by growing tomatoes in well-prepared soil with...
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Can be left in the soil through winter in many areas. Mulch to deter weeds and keep soil moist.
Spacing Single Plants: 14' 9" (4.50m) each way (minimum) Rows: 14' 9" (4.50m) with 14' 9" (4.50m) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Prepare a large hole by breaking up the soil and adding plenty of well-rotted organic matter.
Seedlings are less likely to bolt (produce flowers) compared to bulb onions grown from sets. Long-day varieties work best in northern areas. Frost tolerant Yes. Position Full sun. Troubleshooting Weed early and often to keep onions growing strong.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Cantaloupe Aphids (General) Slug Snail Plant Diseases which Affect Cantaloupe...
Newly emerged flies will be attracted to the traps rather than each other, but it is important that the traps be in place before the flies mate and lay eggs. Some apple varieties are more susceptible to apple maggot damage than others.
Companions Lantanas are sprawling plants that attract huge numbers of butterflies, so locate them where they are easily seen on sunny days. Feeding Mix a standard application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting along with...
When the stems are dry, pop off the blossoms and store them in an airtight container. Feeding Not usually required. Harvesting Cut branches when they are holding numerous open flowers, and hang in small bunches to dry.
Very sweet oranges need a long season of warm weather, but kumquats, calamondin oranges and satsumas fruit well in marginal areas or when grown in containers. Notes Prune in spring or summer to shape plants, and watch for thorns.
White currants freeze very well. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Frost tolerant Many cultivars are hardy to -40F (-40C).
Plan to hand pick often, by knocking the beetles into a bowl of soapy water. Preventing Problems: Use row covers to protect plants during the 6 to 8-week period while Japanese beetles are feeding.
You can also dry lavender branches for use in recipes, sachets or potpourri. Companions Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Mint, Agastache, Apple, Cherry, Peach, Pear and Plum. Lavender demands excellent drainage, and benefits from dry, airy conditions.
Elsewhere peaches need full sun to limit disease and produce high quality fruit. Troubleshooting Keeping peach trees dry under cover or under plastic sheeting can help prevent peach leaf curl.
Mulch after planting, and encircle the trunk with a wire cage or protective pipe to protect the young tree from animal and insect pests. In humid climates, cherries often develop problems with fungal diseases such as brown rot.
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Fertile, well drained soil amended with compost. Notes Requires warm weather to grow well. Harvesting Use pruning shears to gather pods less than 5 inches long.
Troubleshooting Control oregano's spread by cutting back flowering stems when their colors fade. Some strains are grown for their pretty pink flowers. If desired, small plants can be potted up in fall and grown through winter indoors.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. They will pick up again when nights cool down. Harvesting Peppers can be harvested when they are still green, though their flavor improves as they...
If pickling, harvest while it is still possible to pierce the nuts with a skewer. Companions Persimmon. Notes Healthy walnut trees will bear for many decades. Walnuts should be grown in an orchard of their own, far from the vegetable garden.
The caterpillars are found mostly on leaf undersides. Many gardeners also use protective row covers to exclude this and other pests from cabbage family crops. The adult moths will lay their eggs there rather than on your garden plants, and you can chop...
Preventing Problems: Check plants often for early outbreaks. Managing Outbreaks: In small outbreaks, a high pressure spray from the garden hose can help remove aphids from plants. Encourage beneficial insects including lady beetles, syrphid flies, and...
