Question: What type of soil should I layer on top of my asparagus bed? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant Asparagus crowns should be planted in a pre-dug furrow and covered with light, sandy (and therefore well-draining) soil so that water doesn’t accumulate at the roots and shoots can easily penetrate the surface. If the […]
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Question: I have just purchased a home and it already has four small raised beds in the front yard. I am new to home gardening, but I would love to get these ready for next planting/growing season. Is there anything special that I should be doing now in order to prepare for the spring (which […]
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Question: Hello, I am looking for an expert to come to my house and tell me what is wrong with both my raised beds and flower gardens. I’ve been trying to have raised beds for six years and am at my whits end. I’ve built a hügelkultur, pulled it all out, added new soil, kept […]
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Question: I planted a butterfly magnolia tree a couple years ago. Last year it had one flower at the beginning of the season. This year it doesn’t have anything and I noticed it has three splits in its trunk. I put fertilizer around it this year but just a day ago. It seems nothing grows […]
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Question: I’m growing grapes in what I believe is leaded soil. I haven’t yet tested, but nearby soil is leaded. I’m aware that the fruits are safe to eat if they are kept free of dirt, but I’m wondering if the leaves are safe to eat as well. Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home […]
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Question: I am an avid backyard gardener and am familiar with the big three nutrients, Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorous, the differences between full, partial shade, etc. I also know the importance soil testing and proper pH. What I don’t know is when to fertilize? I generally buy Neptune’s Harvest and Espoma products as well as use […]
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Question: I want to plant raised bed for vegetables. Is there a correct soil composition or soil test kit you would recommend? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Generally we recommend 75% loam (the mineral component of soil) and about 25% organic matter (finished compost) mixed together well. Depending on how much you need, […]
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Question: Is the absence of earthworms in or at the bottom of a two year old compost pile with a bottom made up of a tangle of small tree branches a concern? Answer: Frank S. Wertheim, Extension Educator – Agriculture/Horticulture If the compost is old, which it likely would be at the bottom of the […]
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Question: I have a low level of arsenic in my well water (between .01-.015 mg/L). I understand that I can use water with up to .1 mg/L arsenic to irrigate outdoor crops, but so far have been using rainwater to irrigate my outdoor garden. I am thinking of planting fruit trees in my yard. I […]
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Question: Two years ago I made a small raised bed garden approximately 10×6 ft. I regret that I filled it with several cube feet of Pro-mix soil. Last year not much grew, not even Zucchini! Do you have any suggestions for me to improve the soil? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Sorry to hear […]
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