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Eggplant Growing Problems: Troubleshooting
They can be difficult to grow without these ingredients. Here is a troubleshooting list of possible eggplant problems with control and cure suggestions: (More eggplant growing success tips are at the bottom of this post.) Eggplant seed and seedling problems Seedlings are cut off near the soil surface Cutworms are gray or brown grubs that […] More
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Pepper Plant Problems, Pests, and Diseases—How to Fix Them
After decades of growing peppers, I’ve encountered just about every problem a gardener can face—wilting plants in the heat, leaves riddled with holes, stunted growth, and even entire crops lost to disease. Early on, I struggled with diagnosing issues quickly, often losing valuable growing time. But through experience, research, and trial and error, I’ve learned […] More
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Sweet Corn Pests and Diseases: What to Watch For
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 […] More
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Common Cucumber Pests and Diseases: Prevention and Treatment
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, […] More
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How to Prevent and Treat Squash Pests and Diseases Naturally
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 […] More
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Asparagus Growing Problem Troubleshooting
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that will keep on producing for 20 years or longer given the right location and care. A healthy asparagus patch requires a bit of attention. Rule Number One: Keep ahead of asparagus problems, pests, and diseases. Here are asparagus growing problems and solutions: Whole plant problems Yellow to orange to […] More
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Radish Growing Problems: Troubleshooting
Radishes are a cool weather crop that will tolerate some heat. Sow radishes in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in spring and plant succession crops every 10 days until the end of spring. Lifting radishes as soon as they are large enough to eat is important. Radishes that stay too […] More
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Spinach Growing Problems: Troubleshooting
Spinach growing problems are often related to growing spinach in the wrong season. Grow spinach in cool weather. Sow spinach in the garden as early as the ground can be worked in spring. Make succession sowings every 10 days for a continuous harvest of young tasty leaves. Continue sowing spinach until just a few weeks […] More
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Brussels Sprouts Growing Problems: Troubleshooting
Brussels sprouts are a fall vegetable; there is not enough cool spring weather in most regions to bring sprouts to harvest before summer. Brussels sprouts require about 3 months to reach harvest size. Sprouts–buds or heads that resemble miniature cabbage–form in the axils of leaves. Sprouts appear first at the bottom of the stalk and […] More
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Lettuce Growing Problems: Troubleshooting
Most varieties of lettuce require cool weather or slight shading for best growth. Grow lettuce in the cool part of the year, when temperatures range in the 50s and 60sF. You can plant lettuce as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. Grow leafy varieties where the weather is warmer. Lettuce grows well […] More
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Cabbage Growing Problems: Troubleshooting
Grow cabbage as rapidly as possible. Give cabbage plenty of moisture and be sure to feed it through the season–a planting bed amended with aged compost and side dressings of compost tea every two weeks will do the job. Cabbage can be grown in three distinct crops: early, mid-season, and late. Early cabbage can be […] More
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Melon Pests and Diseases: Identification and Control
Melon plants are vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases that can affect their growth, yield, and flavor. As an experienced gardener with over 30 years of melon-growing practice, I’ve encountered numerous challenges, from aphids and cucumber beetles to fungal infections like powdery mildew. Properly identifying these pests and diseases early, and knowing how […] More
Stephen Albert
