Cool weather is needed for tubers to form
Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008
Question: I planted potatoes about four weeks ago. Lovely green plants have come up, but there are no tubers. How long must I wait for them to form ?
Answer: Potatoes are among the earliest vegetables planted in the garden. They are usually planted from mid-February to early March. Saint Patrick’s Day is traditionally a planting day even if you are not Irish. Cool weather is necessary for the potatoes to form tubers.
Late varieties may be planted as late as July to August for fall production. Late potatoes are best for winter storage.
The University of Arkansas Extension office has a brochure on growing potatoes; it is free for the asking.
Question: If I spray Sevin on the ground before planting my tomato plants will it give them a head start ?
Answer: Sevin is a fungicide. It is not used as a preventative. There is no way to guess where a problem may start. It would be necessary to spray after any rain. It may kill the tomato plant.
Question: Something is eating my roses, but I don’t see any insects around. What can it be, and what can I do to be rid of this problem without using toxic sprays ?
Answer: Likely, it is trips — roses are one of their favorite foods. They feed on the leaves and flowers, and they hide in the flower bud but are not readily visible to the naked eye. Their life cycle is completed in two weeks; a population can build up rapidly.
Remove and destroy infested buds and flowers. Spray at seven- to 10-day intervals at least three times with Safers insecticidal soap or hot pepper wax. If you feel more desperate, try Orthene which is considered moderately toxic.
Questions: My petunias were in bloom when I bought them, but they have not bloomed since. What could be wrong ?
Answer: When things don’t bloom it is usually due to insufficient sunlight. Petunias require full sun for good bloom.
Send your gardening and landscaping questions and tips to Washington County Master Gardeners, 2536 N McConnell Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72704. You may also call 444-1755 for answers to your questions.
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