Growing Vegetables - Vegetarian Cuisine - Food/Drink

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About Kindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can answer questions about natural gardening. We refer to our type of gardening as Orthodox organic. We do not use chemicals of any kind for pest control or plant growth. I can offer information regarding the growth of herbs and spices, as well. I can also share some canning and freezing tips for enjoying home grown vegetables year round. Growing vegetables provides healthy benefits for the body and the mind.

Experience
We live on what I believe is now termed a hobby farm. We are Messianic missionaries and raise all of our own vegetables, and some fruit. The change in the grocery budget is absolutely amazing.

Publications
Last Days Survival Handbook, Simply Abundant

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Questions Answered By Expert Kindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger
In Category Growing Vegetables

Subject	Date Asked

Canning habanero peppers	11/11/2009
Q: Somewhere on the web last year I read how to can some habanero peppers. I cleaned them and the ... A: If the jar is sealed, the shelf life is indefinite. The heat will continue to intensify through the ...
Indoors gardening	10/30/2009
Q: I live in WV and would like to grow vegetables indoors this winter to eat. Is it possible to grow ... A: It is possible to grow lettuce and leafy greens to full size indoors without anything extra, just ...
Raised Beds	10/17/2009
Q: I posted a question about raised beds and received my answer today.My next question is this. Do I ... A: You do not need to use soil from the ground with your top soil, but you will need to add a ...
canning info	9/23/2009
Q: I canned about 20 jars of tomatoes for the first time yesterday and followed all the procedures ... A: If the jars are not sealed correctly, usually bubbles will start appearing in a couple of weeks, ...
mystery squash.... I think	9/17/2009
Q: Hey, I'm hoping you can please help me! I began renting a house recently, and my roommate and I ... A: Heather, This looks like a squash that has crossed. And it looks too large to be gourds, which are ...
Acorn Squash	7/4/2009
Q: I am growing acorn squash for the first time.I have 2 plants that are prolific, I have a lot on both ... A: Those are the most difficult squash for me to tell when they are ripe, because their color really ...
butternut squash	7/4/2009
Q: This is the first time I have grown butternut squash. would like to know How do you know when they ... A: When all the green striping has faded and they are basically a uniform light tan or beige, they are ...
zcchhini	7/4/2009
Q: Can you eat the leaves of Zucchini? If so how would you fix them? A: I know pumpkin leaves are edible and all squash blossoms are. I've read that all squash leaves are ...
Cucumbers	7/2/2009
Q: I have 2 cucumber plants (I think English variety) in an Ehrarthkind pot. I'm having great ... A: I'm not familiar with the term you use to describe the pot, but by the term pot, I'm sure these ...
Bell Pepper	7/1/2009
Q: My pepper plants have grown pretty well and have bloomed a bit but have not yet set fruit although ... A: May be a pollination issue. Try pollination by hand. I just gentle touch a cotton swab to the ...
tomatoe problem	6/30/2009
Q: something is eating the fruit on the vine. A friend gave me several tomatoe plants and I couldn't ... A: Definitely too much watering. If they start to look wilted between rains, is the only time you need ...
Asparagus	6/19/2009
Q: "Can I Grow Asparagus In 5 Gallon Buckets And If Not What Size If Possible Does The Bucket Have To ... A: Asparagus can be "maintained" in a bucket or large pot for a time, but it ultimately, as far as I ...
protecting the plants in winter	6/18/2009
Q: i am new to gardening and this year iam growing a few plants. i am growing them in pots.can i ... A: They just need to be some place that they will not freeze. Many people put them in their basements, ...
yellow squash	6/14/2009
Q: Why i don't have blossoms on my yellow squash. Also my zucchini plants?? A: I'm not sure which zone you are in. I'm in 7 and I thought my plants bloomed late this year. Mine ...
Tomatoe plants	6/14/2009
Q: I live in NE Texas This is my first year to garden I did square foot gardening but had no luck at ... A: If you have nice looking plants and no tomatoes, it may be a pollination issue. Do you have blooms? ...
Green peppers	6/11/2009
Q: Our green peppers are about 3 inches long but they are curving into a J-shape and tapering to where ... A: It sounds like a different type of pepper than just "green." I have discovered in the past few ...
When to transplant seedlings	6/10/2009
Q: I have lettuce and broccoli growing from seeds. Unfortunately I planted too many seeds in each seed ... A: They can be transplanted when just a few inches tall, but the only way to strengthen the plants is ...
Canning Dill Pickles	5/24/2009
Q: I canned dill pickles last year. They tasted great. Except, they were not crispy when I opened the ... A: I hear what you are saying. I've spent years developing my method. Grandkids being the motivation ...
Squash are Dying	5/21/2009
Q: I live in Austin, TX and have planted some squash (specifically Pumpkin, Butternut, and Delicata). ... A: This looks like a parasite that invades the roots and goes up the stalk and vine. Diatomaceous ...
fungus	5/6/2009
Q: I have a cherry tomato plant that has yellowing,brown spots on the leaves is this fungus? Will neem ... A: I've read a bit about neem oil and also some references to a copper spray, and both appear to be ...
vegetable garden	5/5/2009
Q: What do you put on brocilli plants to keep the little green worms out? A: I have two possible solutions. One is: I have free range chickens that just love little green worms ...
need help starting a garden	5/2/2009
Q: elizabeth,can i grow watermelon,turnip,radishes,cucumber,in a 10 by 5 area. also the soil i use, do ... A: Yes you can grow those 4 items in that space, but be sure to plant the watermelon and cucumbers at ...
tabaco horn worms on tamato plants	5/1/2009
Q: every year with out fail we get the tabaco horn worm on our tomato plants. Is there some way to ... A: I use diatomaceous earth. I sprinkle it on the leaves and around the base of the plant. It does ...
drying dill	5/1/2009
Q: My dill have flowered and the seeds are brown. I wish to save them, some for spice and some for my ... A: Drying dill is just a matter of laying it out on a flat surface in the sun and turning it, to make ...
Proximity of Tomato Plants	5/1/2009
Q: I raise Tomato plants (organically) in 25 gallon blow mould pots, located on the sunniest area at my ... A: There is always a risk when plants are in close proximity, but I think 40 feet is a reasonable ...
Soil Preparation and Vegetable choices	4/30/2009
Q: I'm glad I can ask someone for help. I am waiting on delivery of a raised garden bed shortly. I ... A: I use simple top soil with natural fertilizer, as in chicken litter or manure. I believe when it ...
container growing of pumpkins	4/26/2009
Q: I read your reply from 2007 on growing a pumpkin plant in a pot. I too have just started my plant ... A: Allowing the vine to grow as it pleases shouldn't be a problem for the plant, but they do get quite ...
planting tomtoes and vegetables	4/26/2009
Q: I live in the north east and I usually do my planting after mothers day but it seems like my ... A: I don't know for sure which zone you are in, but I'm in zone 7 and my garden, including tomatoes are ...
Habanero Seeds	4/24/2009
Q: I have planted my Habanero seeds in 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" containers and the weather has not been great. ... A: From the time of germination to actually seeing the sprouts is about a 10 day to 2 week span. ...
sweet potatoes	4/21/2009
Q: I am in northern MN. I have an acre cleared that could be planted. I would like to use it for a ... A: As far as I know, sweet potatoes have to be started in a greenhouse. I've never planted them like ...
good organic potting soil	4/20/2009
Q: I have had trouble knowing if a potting soil is truly "organic". I bought miracle grow organic ... A: I use good old fashioned "top soil." Sold by the bag or truckload, it's the most economical purchase ...
Roto-tilling the soil -- weeds and "volunteer" tomatoes roots	4/18/2009
Q: K D: Here in Eastern Tennessee I am late in roto-tilling the small garden plat (I missed the Good ... A: If you till the volunteers, they will probably die, unless you work around them. I have a ...
starting a garden	4/16/2009
Q: I know there is the new method of square foot gardening. I have sooo many trees in my yard the last ... A: I think you are on to a good idea. I use only natural fertilizers, but I would agree that the trees ...
Growing vegetables from Seeds in Rwanda	12/23/2008
Q: I live in Rwanda; however, during a recent holiday, I purchased tomato, carrot, pumpkin, broccoli, ... A: Carrots grow underground, like radishes and potatoes. Pumpkins grow above the ground on very large ...
prepping area for gardening	12/2/2008
Q: I would like to try planting a garden next year and was wondering what the best time to start ... A: A simple overview as you get started. I always till in the fall and mulch for the winter. It helps ...
Planting and harvesting garlick	11/16/2008
Q: I am from West Australia.When should garlick be planted ,how far apart and what month is best for ... A: I am going to answer you in terms of seasons, since our months line up with reversed seasons . . . ...
CA seed catalog	11/11/2008
Q: "Orthodox organic" as in Eastern Orthodox Christian? I'm a bit overwhelmed by the options of seed ... A: "Orthodox organic" is the best term I have for Scriptural agriculture. We plant and harvest ...
Green tomatoes in November	11/9/2008
Q: I have a tomato patch where the plants are still green, healthy and quite robust with a number of ... A: You have come to the right place. First, if the nights are getting cold, it's time to pick the ...
raised vegetable plot	11/9/2008
Q: I want to build a raised vegetable plot on an existing concrete base. What depth of earth do you ... A: This is not my actual area of expertise, as I am just a basic organic in the earth, gardener, but I ...
best veggies to grow for canning in Hawaii	10/29/2008
Q: I am starting a garden in Hawaii in an area that gets lots of rain, on and off. I would like to ... A: Green beans and tomatoes just about set the standard for canning. With a lot of rain, though, I'm ...
gardening come spring	10/29/2008
Q: I am planning on replacing a little bit of my lawn on my south/westish property with some ... A: I am a firm believer in fall tilling. I always till the garden spot about now, as a matter of fact. ...
1st year asparagus	10/28/2008
Q: this past spring i planted some asparagus (I'm in Michigan). 6 of the 8 bulbs came up (3 to 11 ... A: I have also read both. I did not cut mine back after the first frost, but I did cut them at some ...
Germinating seeds	10/27/2008
Q: I have a strange question. My daughter is trying to do a science fair project on which liquids are ... A: I just happen to know a little bit about germinating beans. I use a paper towel inside a jar. I ...
acorn squash	10/2/2008
Q: How can I tell when the acorn squash is ready to pick? Thank you. A: Acorn squash become a very forest or deeper green and often with some gold around the stem or "tip" ...
sugar baby watermelons	9/11/2008
Q: This is the 2nd year we have grown sugar babies. Last year they were beautiful, sweet and red ... A: If you're not doing anything differently, you're not doing anything wrong. The weather has been ...
Splitting tomatoes	9/10/2008
Q: I live in South Dakota and I am growing some tomatoes. Some of my tomatoes have been splitting on ... A: It has to do with excess moisture and sun at various stages of maturity. It's a common problem this ...
Vegtable Storage	9/9/2008
Q: Our garden has produced more than we can eat or give away. We do have an underground fruit cellar ... A: I recommend that you first place a pallet on the cellar floor. That will keep the veges from ...
freezing hot peppers	9/9/2008
Q: i am wondering if you have ever frozen hot peppers? this is my first year using our garden plot and ... A: A.B., It's been a long time, so I suggest a Google Search, but if I remember correctly. It seems we ...
butternut squash	9/6/2008
Q: I did not know when to pick my butternut squash. The size was right but the color still green. Now ... A: Susan, You're Welcome. Butternut squash is actually just a light tan when it's ripe. The center is ...
freezing hot peppers	9/5/2008
Q: i am wondering if you have ever frozen hot peppers? this is my first year using our garden plot and ... A: I freeze green peppers and love them. I always can hot peppers though, because even if there are ...
Pumkin's	9/5/2008
Q: we have a few pumpkins' growing one is VERY BIG there are about 4 more big ones some are being to ... A: Squirrels can be a real nuisance. Sometimes a cat or dog can help the problem, but I don't know ...
Butternut and Acorn Squash	9/4/2008
Q: This is the first time I have ever tried to grow squash and what a harvest I will have. Way too ... A: If they are the correct color and large, pick one and try it. I don't wait for the vine to die off ...
butternut squash	9/4/2008
Q: Do you know what causes the leaves to turn brown and can I cut them off. I still have many new ... A: The weather has been so unusual this year, I'm not sure the plants know which end of the season it ...
tomatoes	9/2/2008
Q: can you tell me what causes freckles on tomatoes? do they need to be cut out before being eaten or ... A: I believe it's water spots that get sunlight. I think it's kind of a burn. I don't worry about ...
Spaghetti Squash	9/1/2008
Q: I live in South Eastern Ontario, Canada and this year is the second year I have grown this kind of ... A: This has been a difficult year for things affected by excess moisture. Burning is fine, fire ...
Burpless cukes	8/29/2008
Q: This is the first year I tried growing burpless cucumbers They are growing fat and round like a ... A: Debbie, I think they are, they sound like the hybrid mix may be some sort of melon or something. I ...
Burpless cukes	8/27/2008
Q: This is the first year I tried growing burpless cucumbers They are growing fat and round like a ... A: Burpless cucumbers are hybrids. This is one of the "side-effects" or negative results of ...
canning hot peppers	8/26/2008
Q: i hope you can help this is my first time canning,,,i love hot peppers,,i have habanero,banana etc, ... A: I have a similar method, but there is more heat involved that what you have described here. I ...
When to pick eggplant and butternut.	8/26/2008
Q: This is my first year growing eggplant and butternut squash, and I don't know how big one should be ... A: They sound about ready to me. If the eggplant is the proper color, I'd say it's ready at that size. ...
Squash/Pumpkin?	8/26/2008
Q: I recently noticed a plant growing in my flower bed that I thought looked like yellow squash. Now ... A: It could be a pumpkin, a squash, or even a gourd. If you've tossed seeds from a pumpkin or squash, ...
gourds	8/25/2008
Q: I have searched high and low and cant get a straight answer;Is the gourd edible A: In a word: NO, the gourd is not edible. I'm sure somebody has some exceptions to the rules or ...
gworing cantelope	8/24/2008
Q: How do I know when a cantalope is ripe? A: There is a certain sound when you thump it that changes when it is ripe, and the end away from the ...
growing veggies	8/22/2008
Q: I am starting a vegetable garden and wanted to know what vegetables I could grow at this time of ... A: Charlie, I could give you a few ideas about length of time from planting seed until maturity, but I ...
tomatoes	8/22/2008
Q: the seeds are black and the skin is hard and textured. what can we do to fix this? thank you for ... A: I believe this has to do with water at the wrong time of development. It's one of those things that ...
Pole beans and cucumbers	8/21/2008
Q: This year I planted pole beans and cucumbers. The beans grew like heck with plenty of flowers but no ... A: This has been a tough year for gardeners, all the way around. I don't know if this is the year we ...
tomato plants dying from bottom up	8/21/2008
Q: early girl plants tops look great.now bottom half of plants are dried up dead leaves A: I spoke with a friend of mine that has an orchard and fruit market. She said this is the worse year ...
Spaghetti Squash	8/20/2008
Q: This is the first time I have grown spaghetti squash. The plants have lots of flowers but they seem ... A: I don't think you've necessarily done anything wrong. This has not been a good year for the larger ...
growing veggies	8/20/2008
Q: I am starting a vegetable garden and wanted to know what vegetables I could grow at this time of ... A: I have no idea where you are, so I can't give you any idea regarding a growing season. I can tell ...
tomato plant growth	8/19/2008
Q: what is my soil missing? tomato plants grew quickly to probably 5 feet. leaves spaced 3 to 5 ... A: It sounds like a water issue to me. Like maybe rain at not quite the right time. I recommend ...
Peppers not producing	8/19/2008
Q: I'm a first time gardener. I started 3 types of peppers (jalapeno, red bell and green bell) from ... A: I've had a terrible problem with rabbits this year. I don't know if that could be an issue for you ...
tomato plants - science fair project	8/19/2008
Q: I am doing a science fair project and would like to compare the effectiveness of a homemade ... A: Kim, I'm totally organic. I use manure, chicken litter, and old hay. No specific proportion to ...
Eggplant	8/17/2008
Q: Is it possible to freeze eggplant and if so, are there specific steps in doing so? A: As an eggplant lover, I do freeze it, but it loses some of it's integrity, for lack of a better ...
Spaghetti Squash	8/17/2008
Q: I have spaghetti squash with powdery mold/ mildew and its has turned the leaves yellow. The squash ... A: The rain will wash it off, every time. I can't tell you whether or not the vine can be saved, but ...
CANTALOPE RIPENING	8/17/2008
Q: HOW DO I TELL WHEN MY CANTALOPE ARE READY FOR PICKING,THE RACOONS SEEM TO KNOW BEFORE I DO,THANKS ... A: I live in the country and every wild critter knows better than I, when something is ripe! My best ...
tomatoe gqarden problem	8/16/2008
Q: An animal ( do not know what kind) gets into my tomato garden at night and takes a bite out of ... A: I'm guessing a squirrel of some sort, or something in that family. Try placing some ground cayenne ...
Tomatoe Plants	6/26/2008
Q: This is my first year of gardening in my new home. My tomato plants look very healthy and are ... A: What you are describing sounds like too much fertilizer. I just can't think of anything else that ...
Leaves falling off Bell Peppers (bonnie variety)	6/26/2008
Q: I live in Southern Ontario and this is my first year planting. I noticed that the leaves on my ... A: If you can return them, I would. Sometimes plants are affected by a fungus or a mold. Sometimes ...
Soil nutrients for plants with vines	6/26/2008
Q: For vegetable plans that vine, such as: pumpkin, squash, anad cantalope, does all of the garden soil ... A: The mound where the roots are is what needs to have the proper nutrients. These vines spread out ...
How much water for my garden	6/26/2008
Q: I have planted several garden vegetables this year including pumpkins, string beans, carrots, ... A: I can only make a suggestion or two. I would try watering for 30 minutes every other day and see if ...
vegetables dying?	6/25/2008
Q: S)and i recently planted cucumbers,watermelon,corn,tomatoes,canteloup,pumpkin,and carrots in small ... A: I've never gardened in the high desert, but I will try to offer something. I don't usually use ...
Catching up	6/25/2008
Q: I am in my second year of gardening. I'm afraid that I did all of the wrong things to prepare the ... A: These do not sound like dumb questions. I've been gardening for years and I'm struggling through ...
Wilting tomato plants(patio)	6/25/2008
Q: My patio tomatoes have been great looking till just the last couple of day. I have fertilized them ... A: It sounds like too much water and too much fertilizer. Too much water will cause the fruit to rot ...
Tomatoes	6/24/2008
Q: I have 11 tomato plants of several varieties. They appear to be very healthy with many blossoms. ... A: Yes it could be too hot, but tomatoes usually will continue to produce with some water through even ...
pepper plants	6/24/2008
Q: i planted pepper plants in april of this year. I WAS JUST WONDERING HOW TALL THEY SHOULD BE STANDING ... A: I believe in one of your other questions, you mentioned planting the seeds in April. That was only ...
pepper plants	6/23/2008
Q: I LIVE IN CORNWALL IN ENGLAND. I PLANTED PEPPERS IN ABOUT APRIL. I PLANTED THEM IN A SEED TRAY, THEN ... A: I think the pepper plants need a larger pot. A plant can be stunted by the size of the pot and ...
yellow leaves	6/21/2008
Q: My tomatoe plants are getting leaves that turn yellow then brown and dry up, how can I solve this? A: Usually yellow leaves are a sign of too much water, but if the plant is drying up that can't be the ...
cabbage	6/21/2008
Q: Bugs are eating my cabbage. How can I control them and still be able to eat the cabbage?? A: There are two things that wash off of vegetables and shouldn't affect them at all, but repel ...
veggie growth	6/20/2008
Q: my kids and I planted some fruits and vegetables in pots this year and to my surprise they are all ... A: I have a general rule of thumb, and that is; if it's going to die anyway, I can't make it worse. My ...
pepper plants	6/20/2008
Q: Something is eating my pepper plants. I thought it was a rabbit but I have fenced in the whole area, ... A: If a rabbit cannot gain access, it still sounds like a rodent of some sort. It sounds like some ...
Hot Peppers	6/20/2008
Q: I'm in Ohio and the weather has been difficult. I started my garden indoors and the put my plants ... A: This isn't going to be much of an answer, but I didn't want to just reject the question and that was ...
hierloom tomatoes	6/19/2008
Q: We planted heirloom tomatoes from last years seeds. So far beautiful plants but the fruit isn't ... A: I'm not sure what to say about heirloom seeds the second year. Tomatoes and peppers seem a bit slow ...
problems with tomato plants	6/18/2008
Q: I am a first time gardener. I have 3 tomato plants that were doing very well until the past few ... A: I have been reading about the excessive rains in the Midwest. Hopefully your plants will dry out a ...
hand pollination needed?	6/1/2008
Q: I need to know if I should hand pollinate my cantaloupe in a garden that already has several other ... A: I'm not sure why the cantaloupe would have been left out of the natural pollination process, but if ...
tomates	5/30/2008
Q: I have noticed a black spot on my tomatoes not rotten just black. Should I pick them now? Are ... A: It sounds like you have a fungus problem. Often something like this can spread, but it frequently ...
Tomato growing	5/29/2008
Q: I started growing my tomato plants(6) inside in January in seperate containers. I moved them outside ... A: It doesn't sound like you've done anything wrong. Have you had more rain than usual? I don't know ...
organic veg and herb garden	5/28/2008
Q: I have a small yard and also live in a HOA with a bunch of neighbors who complain on their neighbors ... A: Although I don't have flowers with my veges, there is wild trumpet vine very near my vegetable ...
yellowing pea plants	5/28/2008
Q: My pea plants are yellowing from the bottom up. They are bearing peas but yellowing rapidly. I grow ... A: Excess water is hard on peas once they begin bearing, but also, peas have a very short production ...
Various Vegi Questions	5/28/2008
Q: i just had a few questions reguarding growing vegatables. First, i was wondering how to pollinate ... A: Just a few questions? I'll do my best, but you may have to Google some of these. I always plant ...
bell peppers	5/26/2008
Q: Novice at this. I planted 3 pepper plants and they're doing quite well except today I found loads ... A: You can try washing the plant with very mild natural soap, but be careful. I use diatomaceous earth ...
tomato growing	5/24/2008
Q: I am growing a few tomato plants in 2 mini greenhouses on my balcony, they are all doing well, lots ... A: Full sun is good for tomatoes. As far as insectless pollination is concerned, I use a cotton swab ...
Zuchinni	5/24/2008
Q: My zuchinni plant produces small size green zuchinni and then turns yellow and dies A: I'm going to have to research this, as you are not the first one this year to have this problem. It ...
mulch in the vegetables garden	5/23/2008
Q: I just had a Pine tree stump ground up and was wondering if it would be good to use as mulch in my ... A: Cedar and pine do change the pH. My dad recently purchased a wood chipper and he's having a great ...
bellpeppers	5/21/2008
Q: I have a yellow and a red bellpepper plant in for 6 weeks now. I have a pepper on the vine but it ... A: Wilting and the brown spot sounds like something other than a water issue, especially if the soil is ...
discolored tomatoe plants	5/20/2008
Q: My tomatoe plants are looking faded green and dark purple, they do not seem to be growing very well ... A: I ended up with a couple of those, myself, this year. I changed the soil, added organic fertilizer ...
cantelope	5/18/2008
Q: 1st time plant grower.im not sure wen to transfer from pot to yard. what is it suppose to look like ... A: Once the plant is "established" with strong upright stem and at least half dozen leaves about 2". ...
Asparagus	5/18/2008
Q: Why are my spears coming up so thick? We have had our bed in for many years and the spears are ... A: I've never heard of this problem before, so I don't have any proven advice for you, just a couple of ...
peas	5/16/2008
Q: I read your answer to a woman in France re: peas in hot months. I am in California and weather here ... A: Although I cannot speak with absolute certainty regarding what you should do with your crop, my pea ...
sweet corm pollination	5/11/2008
Q: I just read that, in order to have a sucessful harvest of corn, I must plant atleast 16 stalks? I ... A: I always plant corn from the kernel, so I'm not experienced with what you have described, but I ...
growing tomato in a container	5/9/2008
Q: Wondering if you can guide me through some questions I have about growing a determinate tomato in a ... A: I hope I can help. Your son should have a wonderful harvest to enjoy from his effort. Mulch helps ...
Novice Tomato grower	5/9/2008
Q: my 4 year old asked if we can grow tomatoes...and I'm giving it a shot. We have 2 huge pots with 2 ... A: I've heard both schools of thought regarding the leaves. I never pluck the leaves, but I only use ...
growing veggies in a bucket	5/7/2008
Q: what kind of veggies can be grown in 5 gallon buckets i have rabbit droppings and wood chips and ... A: I'm not too sure about wood chips, as they can have pretty extreme pH factors. I believe you are ...
tomatoes in containers in ground	5/7/2008
Q: I started seeds that are now 2' in the house. I want to plant them in the 5 qt ice cream container ... A: I don't understand why you would need to use containers in the ground. 5 qt. ice cream buckets ...
growing asparagus	5/6/2008
Q: I grew asparagus from seeds in plastic pots. They are about 8 inches tall now and they are stating ... A: I plant my asparagus very early in the spring, before the last frost. I'm considerably south of ...
Bell Peppers	5/5/2008
Q: I have a Red bell pepper plant that has produced a large pepper. It is 4" to 5" long and growing ... A: It sounds like it may have already reached maturity and needed to be picked. Without seeing it, ...
Pickling Burpless Cucumbers	5/2/2008
Q: I am growing two Burpless Cucumbers (Sweet Success Hybrid and Sweeter Yet Hybrid). I was wanting to ... A: I never raise burpless, because I don't like hybrids, but I know of several folks that do raise ...
Tomato cutworms	4/30/2008
Q: How big should a tomato plant be when it is safe from cutworms? We put cans around our seedlings ... A: I am not sure when it is safe to remove the cans, but I can recommend diatomaceous earth around the ...
Heatwave tomatoes	4/17/2008
Q: I recently planted a heatwave tomatoes(2 wks). living in Arizona thought this would be a good plant. ... A: I think the only way to prevent a tomato needing so much water is to go back to the kind you were ...
Can all seeds be started indoors?	4/12/2008
Q: My name is Marie and I live in Northeast PA. I recently was shopping and picked up about 11 ... A: Tomatoes and Peppers always do the best when started indoors and planted as small plants, rather ...
sweetcorn	4/12/2008
Q: can i grow onions,cabbages,radishes and beetroot alongside seetcorn or will it restrict the light ... A: Radishes should be mature before the corn gets very tall, as well as green onions. My ...
beet seedlings	4/9/2008
Q: i am trying to find out a reason for my beet seedlings which are now about 1 1/2 weeks old why are ... A: Chris, I'm wondering if the seeds were planted deeply enough. It usually takes longer than a week ...
Tomato replanting	4/9/2008
Q: We put 3 tomato plants in a 22" pot in early March. All 3 are thriving well and are about 1 to 1 ... A: If you plan to keep them in pots, then replanting is necessary. If you are going to transplant to ...
Watering Tomatoes	4/9/2008
Q: How much water should I give to each tomato plant grown in the soil of a greenhouse with no heating. ... A: Derek, Well with all your potential variables, I can offer one constant. My suggestion would be ...
Vegetable squash	4/8/2008
Q: We love spaghetti squash and are growing some this year. How much squash does one plant yield. I ... A: We get about 4-6 per plant, I think. We usually have about three plants per hill and the vines get ...
Suckers on Tomatos	4/7/2008
Q: How soon and often should you pinch off the suckers? ANSWER: Dear Don, If I understand this ... A: Don, I'm sorry. I knew when I read that, I was probably reading it wrong. Please accept my ...
Watering Tomatoes	4/7/2008
Q: How much water should I give to each tomato plant grown in the soil of a greenhouse with no heating. ... A: I try to simulate the outdoor weather with indoor plants. I water when it rains, and since indoor ...
Squash	4/6/2008
Q: Can u tell me if there is a difference between the crooked neck and straight neck squash? Thanks A: I've planted both and purchased seeds of both. The only difference I am aware of, is the shape of ...
Veggies flowering but not getting any bigger	4/4/2008
Q: I put in new raised beds this year and my veggies are flowering but not growing like normal. All my ... A: Sounds like a plant nutrition problem. I recommend some natural fertilizer like manure. Chicken ...
planting	4/4/2008
Q: I live in northwest PA. I want to plant cucumber, beans ,cherry tomatoes & sugar baby watermelon, ... A: Check the growing season in your area. I'm thinking it's still a bit early to plant anything ...
Suckers on Tomatos	4/4/2008
Q: How soon and often should you pinch off the suckers? A: If I understand this correctly, parasites should be removed immediately and steps taken to prevent ...
herbs and vegetables	4/2/2008
Q: We are going to try to have a small garden this year. All past experiences have NOT been successful, ... A: I have learned, and this is a biggie . . . herbs are wonderful spacers in a garden and cucumbers and ...
Growing vegetables from seeds	3/29/2008
Q: In general, how many seeds are you supposed to plant per section? Most directions I read never say ... A: Since the size of sections vary, usually the package information indicates the distance between rows ...
honeydew	3/27/2008
Q: i know honeydew is a fruit and not a vegetable, but the guy that gives answers for fruit is ... A: I am not an expert on honeydew melons, but I do believe they grow best in semi-arid, warm climates, ...
growing lights	3/24/2008
Q: I'm trying to grow some seed with a growing light, but the plants come up small thin and spindly. ... A: Perhaps you are leaving the lights on too long. Too much light before the adequate development of ...
Growing Pimento Bell Peppers	2/23/2008
Q: I have a bell pepper plant that is producing only one pepper. It produces flowers that start the ... A: If the plant is healthy, I have only one idea. I'm wondering if the blooming nutrient is hindering ...
Bugs on Lettuces	2/19/2008
Q: We have a vegetable garden where we go various produce for our restaurant in Australia. We are ... A: I recommend diatomaceous earth to be sprinkled on the vegetation. It will not harm the produce, but ...
Potatoes	1/24/2008
Q: How long does it take from the day of planting potatoes till the nodules are formed? (in other words ... A: We plant the middle of March and dig them the middle of July. We usually dig a few up in June, when ...
carrots	1/15/2008
Q: Last year I planted carrots for the first time; in April, I just threw some seeds in a certain ... A: Absolutely! A carrot crop will come in fairly early and continue through most of the summer if the ...
Zucchini worm	12/28/2007
Q: Well, we had beautiful plants with zucchinis set, and then the leaves started looking plastic-like ... A: I am not certain of the type of worms you are dealing with, but I mix a bit of diatomaceous earth ...
Bell Pepper Main Stem	12/19/2007
Q: I've searched the net for a couple days now and can not find an answer for my problem, so I decided ... A: It sounds like a depth and drainage problem to me. Even though the coffee cans are big enough ...
Growing okra	10/29/2007
Q: When I was a child, our elementary school teacher gave us a homework about growing green beans from ... A: In answer to your first question, you can try starting the okra that way. It will probably simply ...
Sweet Potatos - Camote	10/28/2007
Q: I am going to live in Ecuador next year but on recent visits I found out they are having trouble ... A: When a sweet potato is placed in water, it sprouts. That was what I was referring to in the general ...
Sweet Potatos - Camote	10/28/2007
Q: I am going to live in Ecuador next year but on recent visits I found out they are having trouble ... A: Potato plants start from the eyes of mature potatoes. I think you need to check on the agriculture ...
growing sweet potates	10/23/2007
Q: can you grow sweet potates in southern Minnesota A: You could try it, but sweet potatoes need a longer growing season than white potatoes. Sweet ...
radishes	10/8/2007
Q: i try to grow radishes the last two years all i get is great big tops help what can i do for next ... A: I have found the earlier that I plant radishes, the better crop I get. We plant as early as our ...
zuchinni	9/21/2007
Q: why don't I get very many zucchinis on my plants. I have a large plants and lots of flowers and they ... A: It sounds like a pollination problem to me. When there have been many blossoms produced, but few ...
cantalope	9/20/2007
Q: I grew some cantalopes outside my office ( I was eating alot of cantalope, melons etc this summer)by ... A: Just pick the cantaloupe up in your hand, still on the vine, and check it like you would one in the ...
butternut squash	9/17/2007
Q: this is the first year I've grown butternut squash. would like to know when they are ready to pick. A: When butternut squash are ripe they are about 9-12 inches long and have a markedly larger diameter ...
tomatoes	9/16/2007
Q: I planted a beef tomato plant in a big pot on my deck in early July. I have tomatoes, but they're ... A: July is a bit late, but if you have green tomatoes, they should ripen. It takes at least a month or ...
Tomato flowers	9/14/2007
Q: I have a healthy tomato plant making lots of flowers. Some of the flower buds appear to be "snipped ... A: I have two thoughts on this subject. It may be a small rodent, in which case, cayenne pepper ...
rotting on the vine cantolopes	9/13/2007
Q: I garden in north Texas where we had abnormally high rain in April and May which I think caused ... A: I would agree that the excess rainfall caused or contributed to much vegetation rotting on the vine ...
my butternut squash are dropping off !!	9/8/2007
Q: I HAVE GROWN BUTTERNUT SQUASH THIS YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME AND I HAVE ONE PLANT IN THE GREENHOUSE. ... A: I think the problem is too much watering. Scripture states "to everything there is a season." Rain ...
cantalopes	9/6/2007
Q: I have a lot of cantalopes in my garden that are getting close to being picked but not yet ready, ... A: Watering when the rinds are already formed through the hottest part of the summer, can actually ...
scallions, chives, green onions	9/6/2007
Q: what is the difference between scallions, chives and green onions? A: Chives and green onions are different plants. Chives grow in a clump and the flavor is in the ...
MY PUMKINS ARE DYING	9/4/2007
Q: PROBLEM WITH THEM-- THEY HAVE BEEN GETTING TO A SIZE OF A NICKLE AND OR A QUARTER AND THEN THEY ... A: If the plants are green, but the blossoms are falling off, it may be excessive water. If the fruit ...
Hot Cherry Peppers	9/2/2007
Q: I have had a decent year with hot cherry peppers, and was wondering what to do with them all. I ... A: J. I will share with you my recipe for canning hot peppers. I use the same basic solution for ...
green pepper plants	8/31/2007
Q: I have been growing my green pepper plants now for about 6 months and they are doing very well. But, ... A: You have an infestation. If you wash the peppers carefully, eating them probably isn't dangerous, ...
Zucchini	8/30/2007
Q: I have two beautiful zucchini plants (2 mounds, 4 plants) and they have many leaves and produce many ... A: It does sound like a pollination issue. I am totally organic and natural, so I don't usually ...
Jalapenos	8/27/2007
Q: Recently someone told me that Jalapenos with black seeds are deadly. This is my first year growing ... A: I haven't heard that about black seeds, so I can't offer a comment. Jalapeno seeds do naturally ...
Indoor Chilis	8/25/2007
Q: I was just curious how difficult it would be to grow chili pepper plants indoors during winter, or ... A: Yes that would be plenty of light. They won't produce like outdoors in the summer, but I have kept ...
My tomato plants are sick! Help!	8/24/2007
Q: I completely agree with your stance on organic gardening. Organic is the only way to garden for me. ... A: It sounds like a fungus, possibly due to crowding, but also could be from a very humid summer. High ...
Cucurbit mounds	8/22/2007
Q: Where we live in Illinois we have very good topsoil which is free of rocks, clay or sand. As a ... A: I think you have an idea worth trying. I am not aware of anyone trying it, at this time, but hey . ...
squirrels	8/20/2007
Q: The squirrels have eaten all my cucumbers. Can you tell me something that I can use to keep them ... A: When I give my husband a hair cut, I save the trimmings and use them in the garden, around the ...
Spagetti Squash	8/20/2007
Q: My vines look okay but have a yellow cast to the leaves and the fruit dries up when it becomes about ... A: I don't know your growing zone, but in zone 7, the spaghetti squash vines have pretty much produced ...
Yellow squash	8/20/2007
Q: I have 4 mounds of yellow squash that I thought were doing well. The squash are plentiful, and quite ... A: We also planted yellow squash that did the same thing this year, in the early stage, but after a few ...
Spagetti Squash	8/19/2007
Q: My vines look okay but have a yellow cast to the leaves and the fruit dries up when it becomes about ... A: Spaghetti squash has a fairly short and concise producing season. This June was a bumper crop, but ...
growing eggplant	8/18/2007
Q: We are growing eggplant in our garden this year and the plant is growing very big but there is no ... A: We had the same problem last year. I think it was a result of hybridization. It seems the more ...
green peppers	8/18/2007
Q: I have 2 green pepper plants in an earth box. They are over 3 ft. tall but the leaves are wilting. I ... A: I realize this really isn't much help, but most pepper plants are taking on that wilting appearance ...
pumpkins	8/18/2007
Q: How do know when a baking pumpkin is ready to pick off the vines? A: It's not quite "pumpkin harvest season." Their color should be intensely pumpkin and there will be ...
harvestinf acorn squash, and watermelon	8/17/2007
Q: What are the clues to when is the proper time, and the proper signs for harvesting acorn squash, ... A: Acorn squash will be dark green when ripe, but both produce should pass the thump test. Thump them ...
Watermellons	8/17/2007
Q: Hey Kindred Beisinger, I had my very first garden this year and all in all everything has grown ... A: Yes, overhead watering is tough on melons. Also, with the size garden you have, you may have ...
Spaghetti squash	8/16/2007
Q: I am growing spaghetti squash among other things in my garden and they are growing to be quite large ... A: Spaghetti squash should not get as large as watermelon and they do not turn bright green. They are ...
acorn squash, and watermelon	8/15/2007
Q: For my first time growing acorn squash, and watermelon here in Rhode Island(zone 5 or 6), in a ... A: There is a different sound to a "thump" when you test them, but you have to be familiar with the ...
mystery squash identification needed	8/15/2007
Q: We had a couple of squash plants grow in our new lawn and one now has a fruit. It is the same green ... A: Of course, I can't be certain, but . . . if it continues to grow, while staying green, it could very ...
mystery squash identification needed	8/14/2007
Q: We had a couple of squash plants grow in our new lawn and one now has a fruit. It is the same green ... A: Spaghetti squash does grow like a small watermelon, shape-wise. They are ready to be picked when ...
squash & pumpkins	8/13/2007
Q: some leaves on my plants are getting mold spots-should i prune them? A: The actual mold problem may not be resolved by just removing the leaves with spots, but it certainly ...
Tomotoes	8/13/2007
Q: I have some beautiful tomatoes growing but it seems they are all splitting on the top. Would you ... A: Usually when tomatoes split, there is a water problem or a heat problem causing the skin to stop ...
bending tomato stems	8/13/2007
Q: I have a new problem. I have several healthy, 5 foot tall tomato plants with a good amount of ... A: I always stake my tomatoes at about 2 1/2 feet or "cage" them when I set them out in the spring. ...
cantaloupe being eaten by ????	7/27/2007
Q: My cantaloupe are big/ripe and delicious...however, recently something has been eating them. I ... A: Yes, birds eat cantaloupe. My recommendation would be to pick the fruit right before it's ripe, and ...
yellow cucumber leaves	7/27/2007
Q: I have a cucumber plant in the greenhouse. The older leaves are yellow turning crispy and brown. the ... A: I can only answer this from a natural, organic perspective. This is pretty much the lifespan of a ...
tomato plants	7/27/2007
Q: I went into the greenhouse today and all my tomato plants have flopped and the leaves have purple ... A: It sounds like a pretty severe attack. Although I cannot rule out some sort of infestation, if both ...
Tomatoes, or rather, no tomatoes	7/27/2007
Q: Three months ago my girlfriend and I both planted heirloom plants about 6" in height in pots. Two ... A: If your plants are blooming then I would say it's a pollination problem. If your plants are not ...
yellow squash	7/26/2007
Q: My squash were doing great until all of the leaves are covered with, what looks like powder. Is it ... A: You will have to watch them for a few days. It could be dust, if it's dry. It could also be some ...
small zucchini	7/26/2007
Q: I have two zucchini plants on the south side of my house. They have had several HUGE flowers and a ... A: Ours grow very close together, so I don't think you should move one. Fish emulsion is available in ...
cantalope tasts like crap	7/25/2007
Q: I have a very healthy plant, many blooms that take and cantalope are growing to about 7" in diam. ... A: I do know what you are referring to with cantaloupe. I have two thoughts and a suggestion. The ...
Butternut Squash	7/25/2007
Q: I put three Plants in my Green house directly i9nto the soil. The have grown great but they flower ... A: In a greenhouse, plants are generally not exposed to insects, bees, or wind, so it sounds like ...
Unripe Acorn Squash	7/25/2007
Q: Is unripe acorn squash edible and does it taste like ripe squash? I had some acorn squash plants ... A: Unripe squash does not taste like ripe squash. Some will ripen in the window, however. Try and ...
Aubergine flowers falling	7/24/2007
Q: My aubergine flowers are falling off the plant - this has been happening for at least 6 weeks. The ... A: Anytime a plant is not exposed to insects, bees, or even wind, pollination can be a problem. If you ...
Pumkins	7/24/2007
Q: I have several pumpkin plants growing outside in Ohio. I've noticed my buds are falling off before ... A: There are male and female blossoms in the vining squash plants, I believe pumpkins are the same. I ...
Cantelopes - How to sweeten	7/24/2007
Q: I've grown cantaloupes in the past but they always turn out to smell good, look good but taste ... A: I use natural fertilizer, that is manure or chicken litter in hills of topsoil. They are always ...
tomatos with black spots	7/22/2007
Q: I just notice my tomatoes are getting black spots in the bottom end when they are green. I usually ... A: I have received many of these comments this year. There is something that is affecting the ...
small zucchini	7/22/2007
Q: I have two zucchini plants on the south side of my house. They have had several HUGE flowers and a ... A: It sounds like a lack of nutrients in the soil or too sandy of soil. Try some natural plant food, ...
tomatos in Grand JunctionCO	7/22/2007
Q: Is it too hot? I started my tomato seeds indoors on March 1st. They went outside in late April. ... A: If the plants are thriving, then there is probably adequate moisture and fertilizer. Tomatoes ...
tomatos	7/20/2007
Q: Can you please tell me why my tomatos are spliting open, while still on the plant. ... A: It sounds like the "meat" of the tomato is "outgrowing" the skin, usually a water situation. ...
Tomatoes	7/20/2007
Q: For the last 3 to 4 years, my tomatoes and plants appear normal and healthy. However, when the ... A: Some parts of our country have had extra rainfall, and that has affected the produce. When our ...
yellow peppers	7/19/2007
Q: I planted a number of yellow peppers - bell and Hungarian supposedly sweet. My bell peppers formed ... A: I think we are finally reaching the "flip side" to hybrid. I receive several questions regarding ...
vegetable growing problems	7/18/2007
Q: MY TOMATOES AND ZUCHINNI PLANTS HAVE GROWN INTO HEALTHY PLANTS BUT ONCE THE FRUIT FORMING PHASE ... A: Henry, I'm not sure what the last sentence refers to, but I will attempt to address the body of the ...
tomatoe plants	7/17/2007
Q: The leaves on my tomato plants are curling up. I have noticed some of the blooms dying What can I do ... A: It sounds like a change in water or fertilizer. If the weather in your area is getting dryer, you ...
white larvae	7/17/2007
Q: this is my first year growing watermelons and cantaloupes and i have a white larvae problem on the ... A: The larvae belong to a particular insect and I would try to identify what that is to eradicate it ...
soil preperation	7/17/2007
Q: I want to do square foot gardening. What kind of soil mixture do you advocate. Per the author of ... A: I am no expert in square foot gardening, but I will share what I can offer. My thought would be to ...
Growing Zuchini	7/16/2007
Q: Our plants are out of control, we pick every other day when they reach about 8 or 9 inches. The ... A: I hear you! It's an abundant year for zucchini. Rather than stop the plants, I would find ways to ...
how do i care for an indoor jalepano pepper plant?	7/15/2007
Q: This is the first time that I am trying to grow a jalepano pepper plant. Since I live in a condo, it ... A: I water my indoor plants about 3 times a week, the ones that require a lot of sunlight. Make sure ...
Sweet Yellow Pepper plant (Bonnie Plants Variety)	7/15/2007
Q: I have recently decided to try out my thumb and see if I can grow something without killing it. I ... A: I am strictly organic, so I don't have any area of expertise regarding "miracle grow." But, it does ...
Tomato Plants	7/14/2007
Q: Why are my leaves turning yellow on my Tomato Plants? A: Yellow leaves are usually caused by one of three things and I always recommend that you change the ...
Summer squash	7/14/2007
Q: My question is concerning spaghetti squash. I bought an existing plant, put it in the ground, and ... A: What you are describing sounds like what we used to call pitty pat squash, I think. Or maybe it was ...
Cucumbers	7/11/2007
Q: I am growing cucumbers on my patio. I have just picked picked the first two and they are delicious. ... A: There is always a certain amount of seepage when anything is picked. Picking interrupts the flow ...
pepper plants	7/11/2007
Q: I am growing green, red and yellow bell peppers in clay pots in my greenhouse. All of them are ... A: I think you need some bees or insects for pollination. Often times, we don't consider that with ...
tomato plant	7/11/2007
Q: Can I move a full grown tomato plant from one part of my garden to another? By the way my tomato ... A: That would be quite tricky at this point. You may be able to keep the plant alive when ...
Tomatoes	7/11/2007
Q: Why do my tomatoes have black spots on the bottom of them? They are not touching bottom nor have ... A: I have received this question many times this year. I really think it is related to the excessive ...
freezing green beans	7/11/2007
Q: can you freeze green beans out of the guarden if u blanch them first A: Absolutely! And they taste almost fresh when they are cooked. Most cookbooks give a reference for ...
cucumbers and tomatoes	7/10/2007
Q: I planted some tomatoes and cucumbers in late april. The cucumbers are florishing but I wanted to ... A: Cucumbers are ready at varying sizes, depending upon what you want to do with them. For eating, we ...
Bell Peppers	7/10/2007
Q: M plants are tall and very green and look healthy, I all ready got one pepper but they are not ... A: I don't know your location, but in the part of the country that is getting a lot of rain, the ...
Pumpkins and watermellons	7/10/2007
Q: .I have never had good results growing pumpkins and watermelons in my garden. This year for the fun ... A: I recommend that you get some straw. Get a couple of bales or so. When you cut the twine on the ...
JALAPENO FLOWERS ONLY	7/9/2007
Q: It grew fast and is now about 2-1/2 feet tall. We get flowers but the flowers fade with no Jalapenos ... A: I believe most pepper plants will thrive with only one plant, but without bees or insects indoors, ...
Bell Peppers	6/22/2007
Q: I am growing Bell Peppers in a green house in the UK and I have had lots of white flowers. ... A: I'm sorry your peppers are not producing. It sounds like a pollination problem or actually a lack ...
Tomatoes	6/22/2007
Q: My tomato bushes are starting to grow tomatoes (they are still in the green stage). I noticed that ... A: This is by far not the first time I've been asked about this specific problem. I'm thinking it is ...
Leggy Yellow Pepper Plants	6/20/2007
Q: Good Afternoon. I have a garden that is connected to my neighbors garden. It is separated by only ... A: A very interesting situation you present. I think the first thing I would do, is talk to your ...
Tomatoes	6/20/2007
Q: My green tomatoes are are turning brown just on the bottom,what causes this? A: I've had this question already this year. I think it's a water or fertilizer situation, and too ...
turnips	6/19/2007
Q: sowed turnip seeds straight into grown in early April. came back from holiday last week and the tops ... A: Some seeds only produce the greens. I don't know if that is what you purchased or not. Usually the ...
peppers	6/3/2007
Q: my habanero peppers are being eaten up by some sort of leaf cutter any help ? A: You might try some natural insecticide like citronella around the base of the plant, and mist it on ...
sweet peppers	6/2/2007
Q: I AM NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME (TRYING) TO GROW GREEN PEPPERS AND TOMATOES IN CONTAINERS. I DO HAVE A ... A: I am totally organic and natural. I let the blossoms fall away naturally. Sometimes, and only ...
Red Onions	6/2/2007
Q: I put a red onion with growning roots in a pot...now it has a 3 foot stalk with a budding flower ... A: You should get several seeds from this flowering pod on top. I will warn you of two things. Onion ...
garden location	6/1/2007
Q: Beautiful sunny spot but next to the driveway..............Heard you cannot plant a vegetable ... A: The only reason I have ever heard about planting next to a drive way, is the fact that cars reflect ...
silver leaves on butternut squash plants	6/1/2007
Q: I have transplanted store bought butternut plants-they were nice and green when bought but now have ... A: When I read your subject line, I immediately thought of the soil. It may be that, rather than a ...
potatoes	6/1/2007
Q: This is my first time to grow potatoes. How do I know when it is time to harvest potatoes? A: When potatoes are mature, the foliage above ground dies away. We are in the southern plains and we ...
canning	5/31/2007
Q: I have canned fruits (mostly) and veggies as long as I can remember but have not been happy with the ... A: I have one suggestion, but I am still searching for the perfect crunchy dill, myself. Alum helps ...
onions	5/30/2007
Q: I discovered some onions at the back of my cupboard which had started sprouting so I decided to ... A: Sounds like you are quite the innovative gardener. You have determined correctly in that the seeds ...
tomato blooms	5/30/2007
Q: While my tomatoes plants started of great and some the plants have 5 to 10 fruits on now, All of my ... A: Not all blooms become produce. If this problem persists, I would ask a local greenhouse or nursery ...
My vegetable garden	5/29/2007
Q: I have planted tomatoes, collards, cucumbers and peppers and they have just wilted and some have ... A: Trusting that your plants have adequate moisture, something else occurred to me. I have heard about ...
TOMATO PLANTS	5/28/2007
Q: Kindred Hi, what is the best natural product that I can use to keep bugs off of my tomato plants. ... A: Organic citronella oil made into a diluted spray should keep the bugs away and not harm the fruit. ...
Black leaves on my pepper plants	5/28/2007
Q: I'm growing several different kinds of peppers and recently had an afid problem.A friend told me to ... A: I have had a ton of queries regarding black and purple leaves and stems this year on peppers. If ...
Planning & Planting My Vegtable Garden	5/28/2007
Q: I have a vegtable garden I am getting ready to plant, but I have no idea how to layout the rows or ... A: Two things for certain, right away. Use all your corners for different vining plants, because if ...
PEPPER PLANTS LOOSING LEAVES	5/28/2007
Q: We planted bell pepper plants a few weeks ago. They were perfectly healthy when we bought them, but ... A: You may be over watering. Back off of the water a bit, as even if you were receiving normal ...
SOIL	5/28/2007
Q: We recently made a raised bed garden and filled it with bags of "topsoil" from Lowe's. The "soil" ... A: I've been receiving concerns about various purchases for gardening. I have my own theories about ...
Squash in containers	5/27/2007
Q: I am trying to grow crook neck and zuccini in large containers. The fruits start out ok but some of ... A: I wish I had some tried and true words of wisdom for you. Growing vining plants in containers isn't ...
butternut squash	5/27/2007
Q: Ive planted butternut squash seeds and theyre doing well. my problem is that i dont when they fruit ... A: As a naturopathic organic gardener, I let G~d determine what blossoms need to bear fruit and which ...
Black leaves on my pepper plants	5/27/2007
Q: I'm growing several different kinds of peppers and recently had an afid problem.A friend told me to ... A: It sounds like a reaction to high acid to me. I suggest you "over-water" them for a couple of ...
Yellow Leafs on Baby corn	5/26/2007
Q: My baby corn are coming up and the leafs are yellow instead of green, I think they are lacking ... A: Sounds like the soil needs a bit of a "boost." Perhaps, the sandiness of the soil is permitting too ...
Bell Peppers - Purple/Black Leaves	5/26/2007
Q: I am a second year gardener. I have recently switched over to the square foot method and have my ... A: I have gotten so many questions regarding this situation with peppers that I am changing my stand ...
Rosmary Indoors	5/26/2007
Q: I live in northern MN and I am trying to keep a little herb garden in my kitchen. My herbs are all ... A: Indoor herb gardens are possible, but I have found rosemary to be somewhat difficult at times. At ...
black color on bell pepper plants	5/25/2007
Q: I'm growing 6 bell pepper plants (orange and red) in a mix of cow manure, peat humus, and rich soil. ... A: If the plants are standing strong and supporting their weight, then that sounds good. Your ...
Putting up vegetables	5/20/2007
Q: I have never successfully canned or froze any of my garden vegetables. I want to put up my extra ... A: Freezing is just a matter of proper blanching of the veges and tightly sealing the containers. Most ...
bell peppers	5/20/2007
Q: I planted 2 bell pepper plants, i've noticed there are no leaves on the bottom of the plants and one ... A: Sometimes pepper plants are kind of sparse in lower leaves, I call it "leggy." Leaves curling up is ...
wilting tomatoe plants	5/19/2007
Q: all of my plants are wilting up.they were green healthy tomatoes plants then the leaves started to ... A: This sounds like one of three possibilities. Not enough water, or watering in direct sunlight, or ...
cantalope	5/18/2007
Q: my plants are growing really well {I live in Fl.} with so many blossoms. I keep waiting for fruit to ... A: Are the blossoms just falling off and no fruit forming?There is a problem with some of our nation's ...
bell peppers	5/17/2007
Q: This may be silly, cut can you grow a bell pepper plant from the seeds of a bell pepper that you ... A: In a perfect world, you could, but . . . most produce purchased has been treated to preserve it and ...
jalapeno	5/15/2007
Q: i just got a jalapeno. its leaves have yellow w/brown spots. and the lower leaves fell off. it has 2 ... A: It sounds very unhealthy. If you just got it, and planted it in the ground, then try some plant ...
Tomato plant problems	5/15/2007
Q: I wish I could send you pictures of my tomato plants, I know I have a problem but most tomato plant ... A: You have a lot of plants in a pretty small place. Sounds like you have quite the green thumb. I ...
Tomatoe seedlings	5/15/2007
Q: I have two flats of beefsteak tomatoes that got "shocked" out in my greenhouse in the late April ... A: I think, even though then are not growing as quickly as you'd like, if they are still growing, they ...
Unwanted Potatoes	5/15/2007
Q: I've taken on an allotment which I have dug over ready for planting however I now have the ... A: I'm puzzled how these potatoes survived your working the soil . . . they must be hearty. I don't ...
my tomatoes are dying....	5/13/2007
Q: the tomatoes i planted this year are turning black(or rusting) and i need to know how to fix them. ... A: It is difficult to analyze by mail, but I have two thoughts. One, there is a fungus of some kind or ...
growing bell peppers (first time)	5/13/2007
Q: I'm in Northern California. I just planted my first vegetable garden -- in raised beds. I started ... A: Usually when transplanting, the plant doesn't appear to begin to grow immediately. When ...
growing tomatoes	5/11/2007
Q: Will a single tomato plant bare fruit or do tomatoes require cross pollination? A: Many types of tomatoes do not need to cross with another plant, but the blossoms themselves must be ...
Pepper plants yellowing	5/10/2007
Q: The leaves on two of my pepper plants (California Wonder and Jimmy Nardello's) are both yellowing. ... A: It sounds like either too much direct sun and heat or possibly over fed or fertilized. This may ...
red/yellow bell peppers	5/10/2007
Q: I've planted these in the past, so I don't want to appear totally unknowledgeable.. I am in ... A: I'm in southern Missouri. We're practically neighbors! Red and/or yellow peppers do change colors ...
Squash	5/8/2007
Q: Can I grow zucchini, acorn, buttercup and butternut squash in containers? A: They can be started in containers, but growing to maturity is another matter. It is not easy to ...
unripe tomatoes	5/1/2007
Q: I have several tomoato plants that have lot's of green tomatoes on them but they're not ripening. ... A: Not a dumb question, at all. It takes awhile for tomatoes to ripen, and although you may not ...
peppers	4/28/2007
Q: I have tried to plant hot and bell peppers in the past. I can grow tomatoes and other vegetables ... A: Since there are thousands of bugs, I can't really address what might steer them clear of your ...
growing vegies in san francisco	4/28/2007
Q: I'm wondering how I find out (without buying expensive book) which vegies grow best in San Francisco ... A: Do a Google search of the plants you'd like to grow, then check the zones and compare your weather ...
purple beans	4/27/2007
Q: i have a couple purple beans that have just sprouted, do you know how to get the seeds from them? A: I don't know everything about all the different kinds of beans, but as a rule, bean seeds are ...
Pepper plants	4/27/2007
Q: I have 3 pepper plants: 1 Serrano, @ Jalapenos & 2 Hot Bananas. They're all growing pretty good and ... A: I usually pick my peppers with just a bit of stem, as they seem to stay fresh longer, then remove ...
Greenhouse growing	4/25/2007
Q: Well right now I live in hawaii and am moving to oregon, I will be there in may and would like to ... A: I think May is about the right time to start a garden in Oregon. And as far as growing veges in a ...
Greenhouse tomatoes	4/18/2007
Q: Mike: I live on the Oregon coast. Tomatoes don't get enough sun to ripen here so I'm growing them ... A: I'm a bit confused here as to the fact this question is not addressed to me, but I will offer my ...
rhubarb	4/18/2007
Q: i recently moved into a new house, and there is rhubarb growing in the garden. I would love to use ... A: Glad to share what I know. When the rhubarb stalks are about the size of celery and have quite a ...
brassicas	2/26/2007
Q: i dont want to use any pestacids so can you give me any hints please thanks bella A: I recommend that you place hair or fur or wool around the plants. This will not cause problems in ...
sd	2/3/2007
Q: so being an organic, indoor farmer, does that mean you don't use artificial light? and in ... A: Tim, I do not count myself to be an organic, "indoor" farmer. I simply have moved a couple of ...
cucumbers	1/7/2007
Q: For several years now I have had problems growing cucumbers and zucchini. I live near the Il. and ... A: What you are describing almost sounds like too much treatment. Try less fertilizer and more water. ...
habanero peppers	12/11/2006
Q: It is a potted, indoor plant. Cool temperatures. I had thought about the pollination and have ... A: Using a cotton swab is a possibility with the blooms. I have had some reported success with that ...
habanero peppers	12/8/2006
Q: My habanero plant is blossoming, but will not produce any peppers. Any thoughts?? Thanks A: Since this is the world wide web, I cannot assume the season you are in, but I can offer this. If ...
How to lower the PH when growing flowers in a greenhouse	11/28/2006
Q: Where can I get whey? Is it liquid or dry?Where could I get whey? Is this the whey that comes from ... A: I can help you here. Take a gallon of milk, heat it to 200 degrees F. When it reaches 200, before ...
Tomatoes	11/28/2006
Q: Ahh Right, well I guess i did not make myself clear, I am based in New Zealand and it is the very ... A: Well, yes it does make more sense now. This is the height of your growing season, as I sit here ...
Tomato plants	11/27/2006
Q: Help... this is my first time growing both tomato and bell pepper plants. I started this garden with ... A: I have had single plants produce fruit, but I usually have a large number of plants. The fruit will ...
Tomatoes	11/24/2006
Q: We are a certified organic property growing around 600 Mondeo indoor tomatoes. We seem to have very, ... A: This time of year the plants just produce much more slowly. We also are organic, but we adhere to ...
How to lower the PH when growing flowers in a greenhouse	11/23/2006
Q: I have a friend that has flowers, Pansys, growing in a greenhouse that really look bad. He checked ... A: Lowering the PH is usually done with compost or sawdust. Peatmoss is a good way to lower the PH. ...
vegetables in tropical countries	11/14/2006
Q: I am living in Tamil Nadu India, but I am from Canada. We crave lettuce and broccoli but cannot find ... A: I don't know much about the climate in which you are attempting to garden, but I do have lettuce, ...
white leaves on acorn squash	11/12/2006
Q: We live in New Orleans, La. In mid October, we planted some acorn squash plants in a large pot. ... A: What you have described sounds like some sort of mold or fungus. Your particular location also ...
growing leeks.	11/12/2006
Q: I have grown some leeks from seed back in the early part of august.(musselburgh variety)although ... A: Not knowing from where you are writing, I have no idea about the growing season you are working ...
Tomatoes	11/9/2006
Q: The last several years the stems of my tomato plants have turned black and whithered away. My wife ... A: It can be a walnut tree. If there are hulls that decompose in the soil around your tomatoes. What ...
Tomatoes	11/2/2006
Q: I had a great crop of tomatoes this year. The weather has now turned cold and some rain yet I still ... A: We also had a bumper crop and still had many on the vine, as the weather changed. We picked over 25 ...
Green tomatoes	9/18/2006
Q: What is the best way to ripen green tomatoes that just don't seem to finish ripening on the vine ... A: We do three things with green tomatoes at the end of the season. One, we have fried green tomatoes. ...
Squash	9/17/2006
Q: When I put the Butternut and Hubbard Squash in cold storage, do I need to do anything to them. ... A: I think you are wise getting various opinions and input about your produce. I do not wax stems, but ...
Squash	9/15/2006
Q: I am growing Butternut and Hubbard squash, I am in southern Maine. How do I know when they are ... A: Butternut squash is light tan and is checked with a "thump" when it is ripe. I keep them in cool ...
indoor farming	9/14/2006
Q: Followup To Question -hi i want to know how to indoor farm? Answer - Hi Curtis, Your very short ... A: My very first response to you mentioned good lighting. Perhaps you need to begin your "indoor ...
indoor farming	9/13/2006
Q: Followup To Question - hi i want to know how to indoor farm? Answer - Hi Curtis, Your very short ... A: How much light do you have in your basement? Temperature not withstanding, light is usually an ...
indoor farming	9/12/2006
Q: Answer - Hi Curtis, Your very short question/comment covers a very large subject. I do not have a ... A: It really is just a matter of big enough pots and good sunlight. Don't over fertilize and make sure ...
Cold weather and pumkins	9/12/2006
Q: I have a pumkin plant in the back yard, grown from seed. I live in the mountains of Southern ... A: Since I do not garden in your zone, this is an amateur guess rather than expert advice, so I ...
Growing turnips	9/10/2006
Q: Is there any way I can prevent maggots attacking my turnips? A: Since I am unsure as to whether the turnips already harvested or still in the ground, I guess I can ...
White spots on tomatoes	9/10/2006
Q: I live in Chicago. I noticed small white spots on my tomatoes. Not on the leaves, but on the ... A: I believe it is a fungus or mold of some sort. If you cut around it and are sure to remove the ...
raised bed Tips	9/9/2006
Q: I’m interested in building a raised bed vegetable garden I have what could be an odd question. Is ... A: In answering questions here at the sight, I have a choice to make with every question. I can check ...
What's growing in my garden?	9/9/2006
Q: My husband says it's a pumkin, but it green and looks like a zucchini and very large. What can this ... A: Pumpkins and squash are in the same "family." There are occasions in which the produce is actually ...
TOPPING OFF TOMATO PLANTS	9/8/2006
Q: ALTHOUGH I DID DO SOME PRUNING MY FEW PLANTS HAVE PLENTY OF EXTRA BRANCHES AND TONS OF TOMATOS. ALL ... A: It does sound like further pruning is in order. There are organic products that can be used to coat ...
Bad tasting tomatoes	9/8/2006
Q: This is my first year as a gardener, and I thought I had successfully grown some beautiful ... A: It sounds like your soil has a pH imbalance. Tomatoes tend to be very acidic anyway. We never use ...
Tomatoes	9/7/2006
Q: Why do they get thick skin? What causes it? A: I have always found thick skinned tomatoes came in dry or very hot summers. And even when watering ...
Habanero	9/7/2006
Q: My Habanero plant did not give any fruit this year. This is first year I planted it - however, it is ... A: Peppers didn't grow very well this year for many. The plant really should have gotten taller. You ...
2nd year asparagus	9/7/2006
Q: I am growing asparagus and this is the second year. They are now very large ferns. Do I leave the ... A: We cut back the fern after the frost. As a matter of fact, we cut all the greenery in the garden ...
Butternut squash splitting	9/7/2006
Q: A couple of my butternut squashes have split. Can you tell me why this might be happening? Might ... A: G. Usually splits are a result of excess moisture early and then a dry spell. If the splits are ...
Spaghetti Squash	9/6/2006
Q: I believe that I should pick my spaghetti squash now based on the recent questions, but how should I ... A: Squash needs to be kept cool and dry. It can be stored about like sweet potatoes. It keeps about ...
Green Peppers rotting on plant	9/6/2006
Q: My green peppers are starting to rot on the bottom before they are even big enough to pick. I have ... A: I'm sorry to hear this. It sounds like a problem beneath the surface or with the plant itself. If ...
Tiny Peppers	9/6/2006
Q: My question is about the bell pepper plants I have growing in my garden. The plants are quite ... A: I do not utilize the "sea products" you mentioned, but it did raise a question when you say the ...
indoor farming	9/6/2006
Q: hi i want to know how to indoor farm? A: Your very short question/comment covers a very large subject. I do not have a large garden indoors, ...
Tomato Ripening	9/5/2006
Q: My tomatoes are ripening on the top half but the bottom half are mostly yellow. This is the first ... A: We are in the southern plains and experiencing a similar situation that you have described. I ...
Why such tomato giants with only a few fruits?	9/5/2006
Q: experts: Tomatos prouted out from the ground and grew and grew to heights of ten feet and over (one ... A: I would agree with your guess. It does sound like over fertilization, which ultimately resulted in ...
Iris's	9/5/2006
Q: What is the best time and how to seperate and transplant iris's. A: I am not an expert pertaining to flowers, but I deal with the flowers that grow from bulbs in the ...
My jalapeno Peppers	9/3/2006
Q: I am wondering i have 2 Jalapeno Pepper plants and they are growing good. the one plant has many ... A: The black on the peppers sounds like some sort of chemical burn to me. I don't use patented growth ...
Green-to-red peppers	9/3/2006
Q: My neighbor just gave me a pepper that is green to red, I believe. It had both red and greens on ... A: I have seen some species of pepper plants grow for several years, even in colder climates, by ...
First Garden Attempt--Help!!	8/31/2006
Q: Im attempting my FIRST fall/winter garden--I live in Florida. Could you please tell me the EASIEST ... A: The quickest veges are the leafing lettuces, spinach, etc. and radishes that grow beneath the ...
Zuccini Squash Fruiting	8/29/2006
Q: I live in Long Island, NY - Zone 5/6. My experience with Zuccini Squash in 3 years growing here has ... A: The fruiting season of squash was short for most everyone in a variety of zones, this year. All the ...
butternut squash	8/27/2006
Q: When do I harvest my Butternut squash? They are now quite large but still pale green with stripes. A: Butternut squash should be a very light tan color, when it is ready to harvest. They do reach their ...
tomatoes	8/26/2006
Q: I live in the El cerrito/ berkeley ca area so you can have idea of the growing conditions in Aug. My ... A: As an organic gardner, I avoid all the market additives, so I'm kind of at a loss, other than to ...
habanero peppers	8/26/2006
Q: This is the first time I have planted habaneros and I am frustrated by the lack of fruit/pepper. I ... A: Usually habaneros are about 1 1/2 inches long when they ripen. They will change colors to indicate, ...
tomatoes not fruiting	8/25/2006
Q: I tried to raise tomatoes from seed without much luck. I ended up with one very healthy plant and I ... A: Sometimes seeds are from a hybrid fruit and they simply do not produce. They may have an ...
tomatoe blooms fall off	8/25/2006
Q: I have some real healthy plants, but the blooms are falling off about 1/4" down the stem from under ... A: I used to live north of KCMO in St. Joe. I have received many questions about tomato blooms ...
Vegetables in the house?	8/23/2006
Q: I got a gift that was a grow a tomato in the house kit. Well it seems to be doing very well, but I ... A: I am fairly new to raising tomatoes indoors. We have had moderate success with various peppers and ...
Mold on cantalope leaves	8/23/2006
Q: I have a white film on the leaves of my cantalope plants. How can I get rid of the mold and prevent ... A: This question really stumped me. I haven't ever come across this particular situation, before. I ...
Habanero Peppers	8/19/2006
Q: KB, This is my first time to grow habanero peppers. They are growing fine and fruiting well. They ... A: I am an organic gardener, so I don't use or recommend any TM products. Is this the one that isn't ...
Cantaloupe	8/17/2006
Q: One of my cantaloupe grew up a fence and the weight caused the vine to snape as it was starting to ... A: You can try to ripen your cantaloupe in the sun off of the vine. The produce in the grocery store ...
Tomatos	8/17/2006
Q: Every year my tomato plants die out in august This has happend for about the last 10 years why is ... A: Tomato plants often die off in August if it has been a particularly dry summer. Ours start ...
Corn on the Cob	8/16/2006
Q: How do you tell when it is ripe? Also any good ideas for freezing it on the cob? Thanks, Holly A: Basically knowing your area and the approximate time to expect the ripening is a good place to ...
bambe and mother	8/14/2006
Q: how do I protect my tomatos from above, thanks A: This doesn't work everytime, but it works most of the time. I presume your tomatoes are staked. I ...
Watermelons and cantelopes	8/14/2006
Q: I think I have planted my watermelons and cantelopes too close together. Is there a problem with ... A: It seems that certain vining fruits can cross when too close and I know watermelon is one of them. ...
butternut squash ripening	8/13/2006
Q: do these squash continue to ripen after being picked? we picked several small ones after the vines ... A: I wish a had a "sure-fire" plan for you, but I do have a suggestion that has worked for other fruits ...
growing sunflowers and potatoes together	8/10/2006
Q: I would like general info on the advantages and disadvantages of growing sunflowers side by side. I ... A: I realize all gardners have their own methods for success, but I generally do not sow plants that ...

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