New England Gardener

There is evidence of a leaf fungus in some blueberry fields in Maine. Valdensinia leaf spot spreads easily and quickly in damp weather — and can only be cured by burning the fields. It causes leaves to drop off the plant and interrupts the normal cycle of bud set for the next season. Experts say the blueberries are unaffected and can be eaten, but the fields must be burned to halt the spread.

Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com

Filed under: Vegetables

Zach and I Pull What's Left Of The Peas.

I had planned on pulling the remainder of my pea crop last weekend, but the plants kept producing–a pod here, a pod there–and I couldn’t bring myself to rip them out. But the garden clock is ticking, and I knew I need to put the pea real estate to good use. So, with Zach’s help, the pea crop came out this afternoon with three forceful yanks.

I decided to go the easy way and buy deeply discounted seedlings from my local garden center. Unfortunately, I waited until the pickings were slim. I purchased and planted a half dozen sad looking cauliflower seedings and 4 celery plants. I’ve never planted celery so I’m looking forward to watching the plants mature.

I’ve also seeded the old spinach beds with carrots-twice–and germination is spotty. In past years, I’ve had good luck with July carrot plantings. I’m wondering if the rains have washed seeds away? We all know it can’t be the heat this summer! I may pop up to the garden before work this week and drop a few more carrot seeds in the ground.

What are all of you planting in late July?

Filed under: Just Add Water Project | Vegetables

Question:
My bean plants have all yellowed on their bottoms..tops are still green. I blame it on all the rain. What do I do to correct this situation? Suggestions welcome.I am on the Worc/Norfolk County line in Mass.

Answer:
Hi Finny,
I think your instincts about excessive moisture are correct, but just to be sure, have you checked the plants, including the undersides of leaves, for signs of insect damage? Are there any pocks or holes on leaves? Consider pulling a plant to check for stem/ root rot. Are there any signs of powdery mildew or other fungi on the beans?
If you come up empty handed, it’s probably just too much rain and not enough sun. Remove dead leaves and consider adding some aged compost or other organic matter to improve drainage in your garden. Make sure there’s enough space between plants (Air circulation is important) and pray for sun.
–Amy

Have a question for the Garden Team? Ask them here!

Filed under: Ask The Garden Team | Vegetables

Macrophylla or Mophead Hydrangea In Bloom

I have a hydrangea plant which I brought from my mothers garden in New York 6 years ago. It grows beautifully with healthy green leaves, but has never flowered. Any suggestions?
Sue

Answer:
Hi Sue,
I’m assuming you’re growing a macrophylla or “mophead” hydrangea because they’re the ones that can be finicky in our northeastern climate. It’s important to remember that older mophead varieties form buds and bloom on last year’s stems.

Here in New England, a late spring freeze can wipe out all the buds that have started to swell on the old growth. One way to determine if this is happening is by simply looking at the spring growth. If all the green is coming up from the ground instead of from existing branches, you’ve got a hardiness problem. I’ve seen this happen on a Nikko Blue in my yard. Some years I get blossoms. Some years I don’t.

Read more »

Filed under: Ask The Garden Team | Flowers

A perfectly manicured lawn used to be the ultimate status symbol. Now a growing number of suburbanites are turning away from fertilizers and pesticides and searching out “green” alternatives. This story talks about the trend. I also interviewed Paul Tukey, a former landscaper who became an activist after being poisoned by the chemicals he used on clients’ lawns. Check out his non-profit SafeLawns to learn more about organic lawn care options. Your comments are always welcome.

Filed under: Organic

This sort of updates Amy Sinclair’s post on the opportunity we as gardeners have to pass on our excess of zucchinis, tomatoes and other crops that arrive by the bushel. Your neighbors might run the other way in zucchini season when they see you coming (again) with an armful of squash, but those who feed the hungry are hoping gardeners will remember to pass on what they can’t use.

Amy’s story on NECN this afternoon looks at a Cumberland, Maine farmer who heads up the local chapter of the group “Plant a Row for the Hungry.”

If you are not already connected with a food pantry in your community, your local cooperative extension office is a great place to start.

Click here for more information.

Filed under: Vegetables