Monthly Archives: July 2008

Broccoli is a hardy vegetable that grows best in cool weather. Spring Planting In most areas there is not enough time to grow broccoli from seeds before the weather gets too hot. Start seeds indoors 12 weeks before the frost date, or purchase transplants. Transplants are ready when they have 4-6 true leaves. Harden off and transplant outside 6 weeks before the frost date. If you live in a climate with hot summers and/or a short fall, choose varieties that mature quickly. Fall Planting Start seeds indoors 14 weeks before the first fall frost date, or purchase transplants (if available). Transplants are … Continue reading →

Some say none. If you are going to fertilize, use something low in nitrogen. I used a “blooming and rooting” fertlizer (9-59-8) before I saw any flowers, and within days I had tons of blooms, and soon I had peas.

Peas are a hardy vegetable that grow best in cool weather. Spring Planting Peas do not transplant well. Plant peas directly in the garden 9 weeks before the frost date. Plant them as soon as the ground is no longer frozen and the soil can be worked. Fall Planting Plant peas from seed 10 weeks before the fall frost date. Soil and Fertilizer Amend soil with lots of compost and fertilizer (chemical or organic) at planting. Avoid adding nitrogen fertilizer after planting. This will stimulate leaf growth but delay fruit. I use a “blooming and rooting” fertlizer (9-59-8) to promote flowering … Continue reading →

Basically, these are potatoes that have not been treated to prevent sprouting. They are also less likely to have problems with disease. You can plant potatoes from the store, but it’s riskier. One potato can be cut up and planted in several pieces–just be sure each piece has 2-3 eyes and weighs at least 2 ounces. Set the cut pieces out and allow a crust to form before planting. Otherwise, it will just rot.

Nitrogen (34-0-0) 6 weeks after planting. Too much fertilizer will lead to lots of leaves but little potatoes.

My plants have small brown spots on them which seem to spread. The whole plant is looking sad, and it’s not flowering.  Probably the problem is blight. The solution is a fungicide.

Plant potatoes in the spring, 3 weeks before the frost date. The potatoes should flower–you can harvest “new potaotes” (small, thin skins) 2-3 weeks after they flower. Or, wait until the plants die. Dig up the “late potaotes” (larger, tough skins) and brush off dirt. Store in a cool, dark, dry place until ready to eat. Don’t wash until just before you cook them.