AboutJames L. Crowder Expertise I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants
Experience I have 37 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.
Organizations Garden Writers Association
Horticultural Board of the Mid South Fair
Publications Green Thumb Magazine - out of print
Education/Credentials 37 years of learning everday.
Awards and Honors Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society.
Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society.
Memphis Horticultural Society 2008 Horticultural Excellence Award
Question Reently I planted some onion sets. They are doing well except one a.m. while inspecting, found some white puddingy stuff growing around the base of the green leafy part of the plant. Where it joins the bulb - encircling the leaf base. I scraped it off all 3 of them.
I suspect it is a fungus, but can the onion be harvested and eaten; if not, I will toss. Is it harmful? What kind of fungus is it. I live in Miami, FL and it is hot now. No rain to speak of, but I water every week on my back patio. They are in containers in MG Organic pot. soil.
Answer Hi Janet, It sounds like neck rot, a fungal disease. It's usually associated with too much nitrogen, so be careful fertilizing. I don't know of any treatment, it just needs better cultural practices.
I suspect the onions should be discarded.
Also, it will stay in your soil, so get new soil. I would not use a lightweight soil. Use garden clay and loosen it with a little sand and compost. Jim
