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Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Vegetables

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 […]

Should I put my squash seedlings on my glassed porch until it’s time to plant outside?

Question: I have a question about how to care for seedlings while waiting for the weather to get warmer so I can plant outside. I have some butternut squash seedlings that aren’t ready to plant outside yet because of weather, but are showing their true leaves and are 6-8” tall. I have some smaller Moonflower […]

Do you have a version of a companion planting chart that I could print?

Question: Do you have a version of a companion planting chart that I could print? We have several raised bed planters that can’t be moved (too old) and need to plant various vegetables wisely. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional It depends on what you mean by companion planting, as the phrase has a […]

Is it safe to plant vegetables in the blue 55 gallon barrels if they previously contained white vinegar?

Question: Is it safe to plant vegetables in the blue 55 gallon barrels if they previously contained white vinegar? Or will the vinegar kill the plants? The barrels have been thoroughly washed. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional I don’t think the previous presence of vinegar presents any immediate threat to the plants themselves. […]

Should I rotate my vegetables in raised beds even if I am taking out about half or more of the soil each year and adding new?

Question: Should I rotate my vegetables in raised beds even if I am taking out about half or more of the soil each year and adding new? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional When possible, crop rotation is always a best practice recommendation to prevent the potential build up of pathogens, though the realities […]

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