Okay, so I’ve already copped to the fact that I’m new to this whole food production thing. As such, I don’t know what I’m dealing with in some cases. I need help.
My potatoes are of particular concern. We’ve gotten quite a lot of good ones but “something” is drilling into them and I don’t know what it is let alone what to do about them. Another potato issue is a complete mystery to me- they’re growing quite normally and no signs of insects boring but have a hard, almost scaly, looking skin. I can only assume that this is some kind of potato disease but again- no idea what or how to treat for it.
And finally, I neglected to mark off lots of what I planted. I have a bunch of these quite large squashes but don’t know what kind they are, and whether they should be picked now. I think (???) that I planted butternut and spaghetti squash, possibly a third variety- can’t recall. Would this be the spaghetti squash and if so, is it ready?
Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!
hmmm
Dude- what are you?
potato problem
Mystery squash
The little worm thing looks like a meal worm but that’s just a guess.
That is a Spagetti Squash! Lucky YOU!
I only got summer squash. But then South Central Alaska has been in a freaking down pour of rain. I hope next summer is good.
Oh and yout potatoes didn’t look like they got enough water. Can I ask, were they “squishy” when you took them out? What did the foliage look like? Was it yellow on the leaves? Was there a fuzzy mold?
You may have had blight too.
You have to water potatoes? LOL Lack of water is a definite possibility. Been so busy building that my garden is badly neglected- luckily a lot did well in spite of the neglect. The leaves on the plant these particular potatoes came from did have some yellowing, but no mold, and they were really solid- too solid it seemed…
Ahh Canadian, yeah it was lack of water.
It happens. I had to much.. via Rain.
As for green toms, LOL mine were too small to fry up. Always next year though.
Lets stay in contact. I noticed Canadian areas and Alaska areas have the same issues with plants.
The worm definitely looks like a wireworm. Rodale’s Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening says that wireworms are most prevalent in newly cultivated areas, and that frequent crop rotation and cultivation helps.
The bacterial disease on the potato is likely common scab… which unfortunately earns its moniker. Generally it can be managed by using green manures, crop rotation, lowering spoil pH and buying resistant strains. Eagle Creek Seed Potatoes carry some resistant strains, but I wasn’t impressed with the vigor of their seed this year. Happily scab doesn’t affect anything but appearance.
The mystery squash is spaghetti. Looks lovely!
Thanks Carissa! I have a ridiculous amount to learn about this gardening ‘thing’. I’m really fortunate to borrow on others’ knowledge and experience.
The advice on getting the Rodale Organic book is right on. I worked in a garden center for a few years so I need a reference. I learned a lot from it. Another reference that is useful is Park Seed catalog. It had the germination times, light conditions, growing zones, water requirements etc. in the index. You may not be able to get it up there, but there might be others you can use. Some of the pest control I use are bacillius thurengensis (I’m not sure I am spelling that right) good for cut worms, etc. that attack cabbage family and other plants, and is organic and harmless to humans. Diotomatious earth, for ants, snales, and other creatures. Safer soap is another one. I really like fish emulsion for fertilizing although it is a little fishy smelling if you mix it too strong of ratio. If it is used righ it smells like a creek. It is the best fert of any I have used and I don’t use anything else.
Tomatoes will probably never ripen in your climate unless the are grown as seedlings inside and then planted outside after any threat of frost. Sun and heat, and thats what we have down here and are famous for great tomatos or ‘maters as we call them . I have grown Beefsteak tomatoes that are as big as cantalopes and weigh a pound. The most important thing for you is to find varities of plants that grow well in your zone and your soil conditions. With the aid of the books recommended and an analysis of your soil (you can take a soil sample to your regional extension agency) you will learn what to plant next year. That will be good reading for the winter coming. Also, talk to the locals and old timers, they will love sharing knowledge. Got any garden clubs there? Great place to meet people and learn.
My daughter lives in Minnesota and she has the same problem getting a ripe tomato… boohoo you know how we love our ‘maters. Ever seen the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes”? They are supposed to be good, but I have never liked them.
Several other tips: When I had a small home greehouse to start my plants I used to go to garage sales and thrift stores, find old used window blinds with thin slats, cut the slats into 6 inch long strips then cut one end into a point. I used them for labels on my seed trays, seedlings, and plants outside. I used a sharpie indelible ink pen to write the plant name, germination time, and on the back the date I planted or sowed the seedlings. That way I could tell what was what. I also found an old king sized waterbed heater that I used for a germination mat under my seedlings though I had to really watch the temperature and keep it nearly to off. Luckily it did have the temeratures instead of high, medium, and low. Saved me a lot of money. Some seeds you can be very casual about and others are touchy. I was growing a lot of flowers so some seeds are tiny and had to be watched like a newborn baby. Gardening IS so much like motherhood. If you love plants they are like your childeren, they have to be feed, cared for, and watched for any signs of distress. Honestly it is a real joy when you see them grow and flourish.
You gotta water girl, drip irrigation works really well for our climate, set on a timer and your watering worries are almost nill. An ocasional spray with the hose doesn’t hurt either, especially with the fish emulsion because plants can take their nutients from their leaves too.
Happy gardening and keep up the good work…oh yeah compost, now I know people say you can use human manure compost but I would never use it on anything that goes into my mouth except fruit trees etc. Veggies, I am very leary because of ecoli. I am no expert on it but unless you have that sh.. burnt completely by a really hot compost you are risking gettin sick. I don’t give a hoot what anyone says…I aint putting that crap in my mouth. Thats just my 2 cents on humanmaure.
Can’t wait to see the progress on your house. hint hint, not too suttle am I haaaaa haaaaaa