Fruits & Vegetables

Pest Management Guide: Field Crops, 2013

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:24:00 -0500

Pest Management Guide: Horticultural and Forest Crops, 2013

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:44:00 -0500

Pest Management Guide: Home Grounds and Animals, 2013

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:40:00 -0500

Performance of Insecticides on Brown Marmorated Stink Bug on Vegetables

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:47:00 -0500

Arthropod Pest Management Research on Vegetables in Virginia – 2011

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:17:06 -0500

Herb Culture and Use

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:00:00 -0500

Herbs have been used for seasoning, medicine, fragrance, and sorcery for thousands of years. Tarragon, rosemary, and thyme are among the most ancient of seasonings, yet there are few culinary achievements that can top good poultry roasted with these three herbs.

Corn Earworm on Vegetables

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:39:24 -0400

Nitrogen Management for White Potato Production

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:52:03 -0400

One of the challenges of white potato production, as with any crop, is the efficient management of nitrogen
(N) fertilizer. Excessive N fertilizer applied at or before tuberization can extend the vegetative growth period and delay tuber development, resulting in a lower tuber yield. However, too much N applied later in the season can delay maturity of the tubers, reducing
yield and adversely affecting tuber quality and skin set. Conversely, under-application of N at any point in the season can result in lower tuber yields and reduced profits. Environmental considerations must also be taken into account in N fertilizer management. Nitrogen
is a mobile nutrient in the soil and any excess N has the potential to move off-site via leaching or surface runoff. This is particularly true on the coarse-textured, low-organic matter soils common to the Eastern Shore, the premier potato-producing region in Virginia. These factors make the appropriate N rate and N application timing critical for successful white potato production.

Tools to More Efficiently Manage In-Season Corn Nitrogen Needs

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:29:03 -0400

Tree Fruit in the Home Garden

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

It is desirable to locate the fruit planting as close to your home as possible. Where space is limited, fruit trees may be set in almost any location suitable for ornamental plants. Consider the mature size of the tree when designing the planting.

Dwarf fruit trees lend themselves admirably to ornamental plantings as well as orchards. They come into bearing earlier than standard-sized trees, occupy less space, and can be more easily pruned and sprayed with equipment normally available to the average gardener. Most nurseries now carry dwarf and semidwarf apple trees of all varieties. Dwarf pear, peach, and cherry trees of a few varieties are offered by some nurseries, but are not recommended because trees may not survive more than five years due to disease and incompatibility problems.

Small Fruit in the Home Garden

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

The small fruits offer advantages over fruit trees for home culture. They require a minimum of space for the amount of fruit produced and bear one or two years after planting. Also, pest control typically is easier than with most tree fruits.

Success with a small fruit planting will depend on the attention given to all phases of production: variety selection, soil management, fertilization, pruning, and pest control. Plant only what you can care for properly. It is better to have a well-attended, small planting than a neglected, large one.

Integrated Pest Management for Vegetable Gardens

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Maintain a slightly acid soil (around pH 6.5). If in doubt, have a soil analysis done through your local Extension office, by a private lab, or with a commercial soil test kit. Lime can be used to increase soil pH and sulfur can lower it.

Maintain adequate levels of soil fertility through additions of potassium and phosphorus releasing materials, such as commercial fertilizers or animal manures. Soil testing should be done every three years to determine levels of these important nutrients.

Build a biologically active, healthy soil through regular addition of organic matter, such as yard waste, compost, and manure.

For planting areas not being cropped, grow annual cover crops, such as clover or rye grass, to provide additional organic matter.

Till the soil in the fall to expose pests living near the surface to natural enemies and weather, and to destroy insects overwintering in crop residues.

Vegetables Recommended for Virginia

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Table of vegetable recommendations for Virginia.

Root Crops

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Environmental Preferences

LIGHT: sunny

SOIL: well-drained, deep loam, free of rocks

pH: 5.5 to 6.5

TEMPERATURE: cool (60 to 65°F)

MOISTURE: moist, but not water logged

Sprouting Seeds For Food

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Seeds themselves are a very nutritious form of food because they contain proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and oils that a beginning plant needs to grow. Many of these constituents are increased greatly when the seeds are sprouted.

If their presence in restaurant salad bars and in grocery stores is any indication, the popularity of sprouts is increasing. It's very easy to grow your own sprouts at home with a minimum of supplies.

Tomatoes

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Environmental Preferences

LIGHT: Sunny.

SOIL: Well-drained, loam.

FERTILITY: Medium-rich.

TEMPERATURE: Warm (70° to 80°F).

MOISTURE: Moist, but not waterlogged.

Potatoes, Peppers and Eggplant

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Environmental Preferences

LIGHT: Sunny.

SOIL: Well-drained with moderate organic matter.

FERTILITY: Medium-rich.

pH: 4.8 to 6.5

TEMPERATURE: Cool (55 TO 65°F).

MOISTURE: Uniform moisture, especially while tubers are developing.

Onions, Garlic, and Shallots

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

ENVIRONMENTAL PREFERENCES

LIGHT: sunny (green onions tolerate partial shade)

SOIL: well-drained loam

pH: 5.5 to 7.0

TEMPERATURE: cool (45 to 60°F) during develop ment; medium hot (60 to 75°F) during bulbing and curing

MOISTURE: moist, but not waterlogged

Leafy Green Vegetables

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Environmental Preferences

LIGHT: Sunny, tolerates shade; prefers shade in summer

SOIL: Well-drained, loose loam

FERTILITY: Rich

TEMPERATURE: Cool (60 to 70°F)

MOISTURE: Moist, but not waterlogged; frequent, light waterings

Cucumbers, Melons and Squash

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Environmental Preferences

LIGHT: Sunny.

SOIL: Well-drained; moderate-high organic matter.

FERTILITY: Rich.

pH: 5.5 to 7.0

TEMPERATURE: Hot (65 to 80°F).

MOISTURE: Keep moist, not waterlogged; mulch helps maintain moisture.

Sweet Corn

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Environmental Preferences

Light: sunny

Soil: deep, well-drained loam

Temperature: warm (60 to 75 degrees F)

Moisture: average

Culture

Planting: seed after danger of frost is past; extra-sweet varieties should be planted when soil temperatures reach 65F.

Spacing: 9 to 12 inches x 24 to 36 inches; minimum of three rows side by side (preferably four rows) to ensure good pollination.

Hardiness: Tender annual

Fertilizer Needs: heavy feeder; sidedress when plants are 12 to 18 inches high with 3 tablespoons 10-10-10 per 10 feet of row.

Cole Crops or Brassicas

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

All of the following crops are members of the cabbage family. It is best not to plant cabbage family crops in the same spot year after year, since diseases and insect pests will build up. Rotate crops within your garden.

Broccoli

Environmental Preferences

LIGHT: Sunny.

SOIL: Well-drained, high organic matter.

FERTILITY: Rich.

pH: 6.0 to 6.7

TEMPERATURE: Cool (60 to 65°F).

MOISTURE: Keep moist, not waterlogged.

Beans

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Environmental Preferences

Light: sunny

Soil: well-drained

Fertility: medium rich

pH: 5.8 - 7.0

Temperature: warm (65 degrees - 80 degrees) except fava beans

Moisture: average

Asparagus

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Environmental Preferences

LIGHT: Sunny.

SOIL: Well-drained, deep sandy loam.

FERTILITY: Medium-rich.

pH: 6.0 to 6.7

TEMPERATURE: Cool (60 to 65°F).

MOISTURE: Average; a flush of spears often follows a soaking rain.