By midsummer, the structure that underpins a terraced vegetable garden disappears as it is overrun by exuberant plants. Extra reinforcement is not needed for block retaining walls less than 18 inches (45cm) high.
Sweet Corn Stubble for Fall Crop Protection Every situation doesn't merit wholesale renewal. Get Ready for Planting Garlic Finally, it's never too soon to get ready to plant garlic, which deserves loose, deeply dug soil that has been generously amended...
Reducing the amount of water you give plants is the best way to ‘stress out' plants. However, it's worth noting a couple of simple techniques for softening up the sometimes rock-hard offerings sold at the grocery store.
Continue watering a suitable organic liquid fertilizer on to hungry fruiting vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. You can let us know by dropping us a comment below. None of these techniques are exactly rocket science, but by applying each...
If you're regularly affected by a particular pest, it can be worth looking for early or late varieties of plants which may avoid becoming part of a pest's rations if they're not growing at the high-risk time.
When you sow depends on what type of cabbage you're growing. After they've germinated, thin to leave just one seedling per cell. Winter cabbages are very hardy but during exceptionally cold weather they may need some form of cold protection such as a...
I am no fan of the excessive glare from poorly placed spotlights or security lights. It doesn't have to be grandiose; a self-contained fountain powered by a small electric pump brings the soothing gurgle of water while offering local wildlife somewhere...
The leaves are thin, smooth and hairless compared to other radishes, with attractive red stems. Plants Related to this Article Radish Grow Guide Bugs, Beneficial Insects and Plant Diseases Aphids (General) Guide Cabbage Root Maggot Guide Cabbage Worm...
Follow the steps above. You can make chutney from just about anything you have a glut of: beetroot, apples, beans, or the last of the season's tomatoes, for example. Freezing Homegrown Produce The freezer has transformed the home-grower's lot.
The same pests that bother other brassicas can affect rutabagas, but they usually don't. A little goes a long way, so allow only three pinches per plant. I like to sidestep hot summer sun by starting the seedlings indoors and setting them out when it's...
Saving Onion & Leek Seeds Onions, leeks and shallots set seed in their second year. Save only the best clean seeds. Spread them out onto newspaper to dry out on a warm windowsill for seven to ten days.
There are also two serious diseases to be aware of. Environmental stress can cause a similar silvering, but it's likely to affect the whole tree, not just selected branches as with silver leaf.
Fellow GrowVeg blogger Barbara also has a truly scrumptious recipe for chili paste – it comes tried, tested and thoroughly approved! Of course, if you've got other ideas for storing and using dried chili peppers then don't hesitate to let me know –...
Protecting Seedlings from Drought and Heat Drought can play havoc with seedlings, hampering germination and causing young plants to struggle. I hope you've found some of these ideas handy.
If you're thinking you could simply replant some of your summer-harvested potatoes, I'm afraid this will only meet with disappointment. Potatoes can be enjoyed immediately, but if you want to have a shot at keeping them until Christmas leave the spuds...
Plants Related to this Article Apple (Dwarf) Grow Guide Pear (Dwarf) Grow Guide Plum (Dwarf) Grow Guide < All Guides Aim to leave one fruit every couple of inches (5-8cm), or if it's easier, one pair of plums every six inches (15cm).
Spray at a cooler time of the day and follow up with one or two more sprays a few days later. They are perhaps best reserved for use within a closed environment such as a greenhouse, but be aware that results may disappoint and potentially could do more...
Position Full sun. Alternatively, plant first thing in spring, or grow from seed and set out seedlings in early spring. Crop Rotation Group Allium (Onion family) ● Soil Fertile, well drained soil with compost dug in.
Damage: Striped cucumber beetles emerge in late spring and immediately begin feeding on cucumber, melon and squash seedlings. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor populations. Striped cucumber beetle [Credit: CamPixie ] Striped cucumber beetle [Credit:...
Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Borage Aphids (General) Slug Snail A good companion for any crop that needs strong defense from insects. Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Any average, well drained soil.
Managing Outbreaks: Remove badly damaged plants, as the maggots can move from one plant to another. Damage: When young onion plants wilt for no apparent reason, pull up a sample plant to check for legless worms (maggots) feeding on it roots.
They are also much loved by cats and dogs. Position Full sun to partial afternoon shade. Frost tolerant Extremely cold hardy, even in harsh winter climates. Plants die back to the ground in winter and re-emerge in spring.
Frost tolerant A cold-hardy perennial, lemon balm can survive temperatures to -20F (-30C). Lemon balm grows into a rounded mound. Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Rich well-drained soil.
Harvesting Cut tulips to use as cut flowers just as the buds open. Perennial candytuft makes an ideal companion plant. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Tall varieties make great cut flowers. Position Full sun to partial shade. Frost tolerant None. Ageratum cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Harvesting Snip off spent blossoms to keep plants looking neat, and to prolong flowering.
Black patches on the bottom of fruits are a nutritional disorder best prevented by growing tomatoes in well-prepared soil with constant light moisture. 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. Germination often takes up to 2 weeks. Position Sun or partial shade. Mulch to deter weeds and keep soil moist. Frost tolerant Yes.
