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Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Vegetables

If my soil test shows above optimum organic matter, why is my garden not doing well?

Question: I received my soil test back recently. I’ve had problems growing lettuce, carrots, kale, cabbage, etc. They start nicely, turn woody, and do not grow. The soil test indicates that there is above optimum organic matter. Why do you think my garden is not growing well? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional The […]

How long can a fall crop of beets and carrots remain in the soil in Southern Maine?

Question: How long can a fall crop of beets and carrots remain in the soil in Southern Maine? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Per MOFGA’s nice resource page on storing vegetables, both beets and carrots can remain in the garden late into the fall under a nice layer of mulch, but should be harvested […]

Will a soil test determine why my seeds did not germinate?

Question: I have just moved into a condo and was so lucky to find a garden there. Unfortunately, the maintenance workers, while mulching our shrubs, covered the vegetable garden with mulch. I was assured by the property management that it was not toxic. However, in my many years of gardening, I have never planted seeds […]

Why are my curly parsley plants dying?

Question: Some of my curly parsley plants are yellowing and dying. This happened two years ago. I lost them all. Dug some up and the roots seemed fine. No bugs of any kind that I can see. Last year, I changed planting locations and they all did great. This year, some are starting to die […]

How should I proceed with the asparagus that I planted?

Question: I planted asparagus about six weeks ago, in trenches 8-10″ deep, following directions. The directions also said to cover up new growth when it came, but it came almost overnight, with stalks several inches high, which seemed uncoverable. I haven’t done anything, and now they are feathery and plentiful…should I cut them off and […]

Do you test soil for toxoplasmosis?

Question: Do you test soil or vegetables for toxoplasmosis? My cat has been using a part of the garden as a litter box so I’m a bit freaked out about eating the produce from it. I’m hoping that you can test for it? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Unfortunately, toxoplasmosis is not something […]

What are some general recommendations for fertilizing in a limited space for growing vegetables?

Question: I haven’t found any recommendations on this website for fertilizing specific varieties of vegetables. I do get recommendations with a soil report but I grow my vegetables in a limited space and rotate them as best as I can from year-to-year. Are there some general recommendations you can provide, as well as timing? Answer: […]

Why is asparagus not growing well this year?

Question: We planted asparagus four years ago, harvesting for the first time last year. We had a long and abundant harvest last year. This year we have experienced next to no shoots. Should we be concerned? Is there something we should do to encourage growth again next year? Are the good years and bad years […]

Can I use cedar shavings as mulch in my vegetable garden around squash or tomatoes specifically?

Question: Can I use cedar shavings as mulch in my vegetable garden around squash or tomatoes specifically? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Cedar has at times been a controversial choice for mulch, due to concerns over 1) its naturally occurring biochemical properties having what’s known as allelopathic effects (that is, inhibiting the normal […]

Will adding compost adversely affect the soil I’m growing vegetables in?

Question: I grow vegetables in a field via direct seeding or transplants. I have noticed that when I try to plant I have a lot of clumps. When I squeeze the clumps, they break down easily into small granules. I need to add additional soil to to my growing area. My choices are loam, compost […]

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