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Problem & Solution
May/June 2013

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ASPARAGUS NOT LUSH
Problem: I have been a subscriber for years. I have a question about asparagus. I planted some about five years ago and it is established but not lush. I know to not pick the asparagus for the first couple of years, which I did not. My question is: If I just let it green out, will that keep the root structure from spreading?

Cash Edwards
Austin


Solution: After five years, you should be able to harvest for several weeks each spring. Of course, you don’t want to weaken your stand, so stop harvesting when spear size declines to 3/8” diameter. Asparagus is not invasive. The root structure is what produces the asparagus. You want a massive, healthy root system, so don’t do anything to suppress it. Instead, add compost and a good organic fertilizer and keep it well watered during times of low rainfall. Also, add a layer of mulch to your asparagus bed to help conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

BUGS OFF BRUSSELS
Problem: What can I use on my Brussels sprouts to keep bugs off and stay organic?

Joe Shamburger
Newark

Solution: That would depend on what kind of insects you want to control. The most common pest that you will find in Brussels sprouts and other Cole crops like broccoli and cabbage is the cabbage worm. To eliminate this pest, spray both sides of the foliage with Bt, a biological worm killer that is harmless to humans. Aphids can also play havoc on Brussels sprouts. Insecticidal soap will control them and is considered organic. Our favorite way, though, is to enlist lady bugs to do the job for us. Lady bugs and their larvae will devour aphids. All you need to do is provide habitat to encourage natural populations. If you need a quicker fix, you can purchase lady bugs at any organic nursery to release during times of aphid infestation.

ADDING FRESH MANURE
Problem: Can you tell me what effect horse manure and rice hulls will have on my garden? We live in the piney woods, north of Jasper. I took a soil sample to the “garden expert” at Lowes last year and he told me I needed to put in a lot of mulch and any leaves and grass clippings I had because of the pH. I put in as much as I could afford, being on Social Security, and the garden did fairly well. I have found a place that is giving away horse manure and rice hulls. My garden is still too wet to till and we don’t plan on planting until mid-March. If I can get the manure and this year’s leaves tilled up, will it be all right to plant this year? We mainly grow tomatoes, okra, sweet corn, squash and jalapeņo peppers.

Ted Bennett
Jasper


Solution: You don’t say what the pH of your soil is, but in the piney woods your soil is probably on the acid side of the pH range (lower than 7.0). Lime is often used to raise the pH; so we are surprised that your expert didn’t mention adding that to your soil. The ideal pH range for growing most vegetables is 6.0 to 6.8. We think it is a good idea to add organic matter to your sandy soil for several reasons. However, we don’t suggest adding fresh manure of any kind to the garden just prior to planting. Either obtain well-rotted manure or compost it before incorporating in your garden. Rice hulls would be a good source of organic matter, but it will tie up the nitrogen as it decomposes. You should either compost it along with the horse manure or, if added directly to the garden, add additional nitrogen at the same time.

PLANTING DATES
Problem: One quick question regarding your latest issue which has the spring planting dates listed. Do they reflect sowing of seeds in the garden or the planting of plants? The reason I am asking, it seems rather earlier than I am used to.

Mark
Email


Solution: That is a good question. If you don’t see plants or crowns in parentheses, then you can assume we mean seed. The only exception is onions, where there are different listings for plants and seed.