Vegetables

What little green worm is eating my kale?

Question: My kale is getting eaten by a little green worm and there appears to be eggs on the plant as well. Do you know what this is and what I can do about it? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant There are several types of caterpillars that prey on brassica/cole crops like kale, with […]

Read more

What is causing my beet sprouts to disappear?

Question: I have planted beets multiple times this season, with very little success. What happens is this: I plant the seed (Detroit Red) and a week or so later the little sprouts poke through the soil. I keep them watered, but over the next week or two, almost all of them disappear. I have a […]

Read more

Why are my asparagus plants turning brown prematurely?

Question: Our asparagus plants are turning brown earlier than usual. Typically we cut them back near first frost time. If it is some type of fungus, should we cut earlier to protect the roots? These are older well established plants. It has been a wet humid growing season which may be the reason. The spring […]

Read more

 How late can I plant peas for a fall crop and expect to harvest any?

Question:  How late can I plant peas for a fall crop and expect to harvest any? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant The planting calendar from MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners) recommends August 1 for a planting date for fall crop peas. Keep an eye on them toward the end to protect against early frost. […]

Read more

Has the rainy weather prevented my seeds from germinating?

Question: Since the constant rains stopped, I have tried to replant crops that were ruined with no success. I have planted lettuce, beans, and peas several times with no germination (visible, anyway). Now, I find a lot of my neighbors have had the same problem. My garden was never under water, but we did have […]

Read more

Would asparagus adjust to a border of mulch and compost?

Question: I would like to build a border around my asparagus that is 12 to 18″ high and then immediately, or gradually fill it in with mulch and compost. Will the asparagus adjust to this, or will I need to replant it all? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant As you probably know, asparagus planting depth is […]

Read more

What could have eaten my cucumber seedlings?

Question: What could have eaten my cucumber seedlings? I planted eight and i only have two left. Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant There are a number of possible culprits, some of which work at night. Here are some possibilities and how you can avoid them going forward. Cutworms. These species have four categories: […]

Read more

What is the likelihood that self-seeded asparagus will be female?

Question: I have an asparagus bed of many years’ duration. Although I tried to plant all males, I have plenty of female plants. I assume they are the ones responsible for some self-seeded small asparagus popping up in other places. My obscure question is, what is the likelihood that the self-seeded plants will be females, […]

Read more

Why did my cucumber plants not grow in a raised bed?

Question: I planted cucumber seeds in a raised bed 1 in early May and they did not come up. I was given some well established cucumber plants that I placed in the same raised bed and they nearly died within a week. I transplanted them to another raised bed and they are looking better… they […]

Read more