Tomotoes

QuestionI have some beautiful tomatoes growing but it seems they are all splitting on the top. Would you know why? AnswerDear Norman, Usually when tomatoes split, there is a water problem or a heat problem ca

squash & pumpkins

Questionsome leaves on my plants are getting mold spots-should i prune them? AnswerDear Judy, The actual mold problem may not be resolved by just removing the leaves with spots, but it certainly is worth a try. &nb

Zucchini and Yellow Squash

QuestionI have beautiful plants with tons of flowers but only 2 zucchini have come from it. Good soil and fertilized regularly. Why do you think this is happening? AnswerLiz, zucchini, like all other squash,

mystery squash identification needed

QuestionQUESTION: Hi, We had a couple of squash plants grow in our new lawn and one now has a fruit. It is the same green as a honeydew melon and it is about 6-1/2 long and quite fat (watermellon shaped). &nbs

acorn squash, and watermelon

QuestionFor my first time growing acorn squash, and watermelon here in Rhode Island(zone 5 or 6), in a PACKED garden I find myself wondering when I should plan to harvest them, and how do I know when they are

Cucumber Problems

QuestionI live outside of Charlotte, NC. This is my first year gardening here in the South, being a recent transplant from the Midwest. I have several vines of Kirby and Burpless cucumbers. I have

Watermellons

QuestionHey Kindred Beisinger, I had my very first garden this year and all in all everything has grown really well expept my watermellons and cantalopes. I had a 1-2 base with some good ole aged horse manure

harvestinf acorn squash, and watermelon

QuestionWhat are the clues to when is the proper time, and the proper signs for harvesting acorn squash, and watermelon here in Rhode Island (zone 5 or 6)? I never tried these plants before and do not want to

squirrels

QuestionThe squirrels have eaten all my cucumbers. Can you tell me something that I can use to keep them away. I dont want to use any chemicals, because my son eats vegetables right out of the garden.

Cucurbit mounds

QuestionWhere we live in Illinois we have very good topsoil which is free of rocks, clay or sand. As a result, when we plant cucurbits the mounds tend to erode and expose the roots when watering. I was s

My tomato plants are sick! Help!

QuestionHi there, I completely agree with your stance on organic gardening. Organic is the only way to garden for me. I have nursed my tomato plants from seed and they have done well until now (except

How do I care for my jalapeno pepper plant in the fall and winter?

QuestionI have my jalapeno plants potted outside on my deck, what do I do with them in the winter months? Can I move them inside or just cover them outside? I live in MO, so our winters can get pretty bad! HELP!!!

Indoor Chilis

QuestionI was just curious how difficult it would be to grow chili pepper plants indoors during winter, or if it would even be worth it. If so, do you think a 100 watt compact fluorescent or two would suffice

Grey Mold on Squash Leaves

QuestionWe grow our squash in our greenhouse due to the cold conditions here (zone2c). It is a challenge to minimize the humidity yet still have ideal growing temperatures. Our spaghetti squash and to a

Tomatoes; Stressed

QuestionI am trying to grow a few tomato plants in some pots. I live in Los Angeles... I grew them from seed and now they are about 3 feet high. They have a few green tomatos. But the plants

Peppers; Rotting

QuestionI read your reply about blossom end rot on green peppers. I have a square foot garden - this is my first year and theres plenty of humus and peat in it. While my bell peppers have had some brown

Tomatoes; Uneven Ripening

QuestionWhat would cause a Bush Champion tomato to appear to have ripe/red fruit on the outside, yet have hard green aeas in the center of the tomato (along with red/ripe areas)? Thanks, Sara AnswerSara, uneven wa

Cantalope-help!!

QuestionI have read postings and I pretty much have everything wrong with my cantalope! :( Stays green/never tan until its too late, very soft even when green, but comes off vine very easily. Split, small bug

Tomatoes; Fruit Dropping

QuestionWhy are my tomatoes falling off the plant before they are ripe? AnswerNorma, when fruit fall from the vine prior to fully ripening, it is usually an indication of a problem related to stress caused by incon

jalapenos not hot?

QuestionQUESTION: Hello I grow jalapenos in my back yard, but when I pick them they are not hot. What are the secrate(s) for making them hot? ANSWER: Jake: Jalapenos are about 2500 on the Scoville scale for hotnes