self-watering pots?

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Elyse Ive been hearing wonderful things about a self-watering pot and how they can help regulate watering uptake. however, I have some questions! I am planting tomatoes. 1. What ha

organic potting mix + fertilizer

QuestionHi Elyse, thanks for all your help so far! Ive got a more technical qu about soil in general: I bought some organic potting mix to plant my tomatoes in, which apparently comes with fertilizer. T

Winter Preparation for Asparagus

QuestionThis past spring 2010 I planted asparagus plants for the first time. I live in Pittsburgh PA. How do I prepare my asparagus plants for the winter? Do I cover them with mulch, straw, leaves.. Thanks in advanc

suddenly cool nights

QuestionHi Elyse - I transplanted my tomato seedlings into pots a week ago. However, we are having a sudden cool spell - according to the weather forecast, there will be minimums of 45-50 degrees for the next

Yellow top leaves

QuestionQUESTION: Within a few days of transplanting my tomato seedlings, the tops of the new leaves are turning yellow so that half the leaf is green and the other half yellow. I added lime to bottom of soil and

little jumping insects on tomatoes

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Elyse Its been very cloudy, wet and generally humid here for the last few days. Ive just noticed some tiny jumping gnat-like insects on my tomato plants - I cant really tell what colour t

grape vine trellis and wood sealant

QuestionI hope you can help with this before I wring my husbands neck..lol we made a trellis for the 2 grape vine I put in my garden this year it was plain wood un treated so my husband decided to put wood sealant o

foliar fertilizer

QuestionHI Elyse what you think of foliar fertilizers for a tomato plant? I was advised by a garden shop person that a seaweed foliar spray (direct spray-on, no water needed) is very effective as an instant bo

Growing peppers with sun and grow bulbs

QuestionI have written you in the past about my stunted habanero plant. I have since planted new habaneros. One from seeds, and two plants that I bought at home depot that are about 5 inches tall. Since I live on th

greens

Questioncan you grow mustard kale collards and turpins outside in the winter in wv 25628 is zip code AnswerToni: Im not sure about the turpins. I assume you mean turnips. If theyre already growing, they will be OK.

habaneros/chilis

QuestionQUESTION: I live in Northern VA; I have a beutiful habanero and super chili plant, with about 15 green peppers on each of them; is there a way that I can harvest them now and have them ripen indo

disease crook neck squash

QuestionI have yellow crook neck squash and the fruit is growing and when i pick the 2-3 inch has a hard shell, split, inside is hollow. please assist me with identification and how to remedy. Much appreciate your k

whats wrong with my tomato - photo attached

Question white fuzzy patches on Hi Elyse, what are these fuzzy white patches that appeared on my bottom leaves (after a few days of rain and humid weather?) Ive had a search on the net and am afraid its powder

new disease on tomato?

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Elyse, your mildew mix did wonders for my container tomatoes; its halted the mildew on all the plants! I seem to have a new problem with one tomato however, I havent a photo because its too diff

Tomato Disorders

Questionpoor sick branches QUESTION: Hi Mike Just wondering if you could tell me whats wrong with my tomato? The foliage on the lower leaves are becoming pale yellow and dry. The stem is developi

Tomatoes - crawly things in the soil

QuestionHi Mike Thank you for the answer on radishes. I have a problem with my tomatoes. Its growing in a container and the top of the soil has shiny cobweb - like things. I can also see some very small worms

Annoying slugs

QuestionHi, Elyse, I live in Hawaii and I thought itd make sense to grow some vegetables/herbs since its pretty much summer forever here. I started growing them about a month ago and I noticed the leaves had

Square Foot Gardening Project

QuestionHello, My name is Andreea Fatu and I am a student at White Oaks Secondary School in ON. The reason I am writing to you is because I have an idea for a project in my local community, and I was wondering if y

Slug control with black cinders

QuestionHi, Mike, Im trying to protect my basil, soybeans, tomatoes, etc. with black cinders. Ive never tried those and theyre actually small volcanic rocks. Ive read that lava rocks act as a barrier ag

Growing garlic and onion indoors

QuestionHi Mike, I saw you answered a similar question on onion, thus I decide to seek you advice. My onions and garlics also have sprouted, so last Christmas, I put them in medium plastic pot with soils. Surprisin