Celery requires plenty of moisture, fertile soil, and a long, cool growing season. You can start celery from seed, but germination is slow–about four weeks. Sow seeds indoors at least 10 weeks before seedlings are to be set out. A better plan might be to purchase celery starts when you are ready to plant. Even…
After growing sweet corn organically for over 30 years, I’ve learned that healthy corn starts with early attention to potential problems. Pests and diseases can quickly damage a crop if you don’t know what to look for—or when to act. In this post, I’ll share the most common sweet corn troubles I’ve faced in the…
As a seasoned gardener with over 30 years of experience growing cucumbers, I’ve encountered my fair share of pests and diseases that can threaten a healthy harvest. Whether you’re a first-time cucumber grower or a seasoned gardener, understanding the common problems that cucumbers face is crucial to maintaining a thriving crop. In this troubleshooting guide,…
Growing squash is incredibly rewarding, but if you’ve ever battled squash vine borers, aphids, or powdery mildew, you know how quickly pests and diseases can take over. Over the years, I’ve dealt with my fair share of squash plant problems—watching healthy vines suddenly wilt, fruit fail to develop, and leaves become covered in white fungal…
Asparagus is a hardy perennial, but even the healthiest patch can face challenges from pests and diseases. Over more than 30 years of growing asparagus in my California garden, I’ve seen firsthand how timely care and preventive action keep plants productive for decades. Below are the most common problems, how to identify them early, and…
Potato growing success can be had with well-drained, deep, sandy loam containing plenty of humus paired with cool, moist conditions. Plant potatoes in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Use disease-free seed potatoes; cut each potato so that two eyes are on each piece. Even under these ideal growing conditions, potatoes are…
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