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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.
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