Miscellaneous Topics

My wide row construction method.
Seed germination Temperatures.
Got Mildew? Get Milk
Squirrels and rabbits in your garden ?
Side dressing
White fly deterrent
USDA Hardness Zones
Vegetable & Herb Ph requirements

This chart will fully explain my wide row construction method 

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Seed Germination Temperatures Table

Got Mildew? Get Milk!

Less than 3 years ago, researchers in South America discovered a new alternative to controlling powdery mildew. Wagner Bettiol, a scientist from Brazil, found that weekly sprays of milk controlled powdery mildew in zucchini just as effectively as synthetic fungicides such as fenarimol or benomyl. Not only was milk found to be effective at controlling the disease, it also acted as a foliar fertilizer, boosting the plant's immune system. In his experiments with zucchini plants, Bettiol found that a weekly spray of milk at a concentration of at least 10% (1 part milk to 9 parts water) significantly reduced the severity of powdery mildew infection on the plants by 90%. While some gardeners may be tempted to increase the concentration of milk for more control, Bettiol found that once concentrations rose above 30%, an innocuous fungus began to grow on the plants. How does milk control powdery mildew?

What kind of milk should be used?
In Bettiol's original experiment, fresh milk was used, straight from the cow. However, this is obviously not feasible to most home gardeners. The research work in New Zealand actually found that using skim milk was just as effective. Not only was it cheaper, but the fact that the milk had no fat content meant that there was less chance of any odors.

Side Dressing

Giving crops an extra boost of fertilizer is called side dressing. Good side-dressing helps crops grow evenly and smoothly and helps deliver better harvests.

If you have amended your soil with organic matter as I advised throughout my Vegetable culture pages, and grow green manure corps like peas, beans, vetch and buckwheat, chances are your soil is rich in nutrients. As long as you add a little fertilizer to the soil before planting, your crops probably will do very well without side dressing. Possible exceptions are corn and onions, and cabbage family crops which are heavy feeders and almost always require side dressing. If you've just started to improve your soil by adding organic matter, side-dressings are essential. This is especially true in a sandy soil with little organic matter. Plant foods leached out of sandy soil and away from the roots of your crops. To keep crops growing smoothly, you'll probably need to side-dress .Not all crops need side-dressings. Peas and beans, greens and root crops grow fine when fertilized only at planting time. Carrots, beets and turnips need only a little extra bone meal at planting time to provide phosphorus for the roots.

Applying Side-Dressings:
Side Dressings are usually applied by either circling the plants or banding. I disagree with this method. I prefer to side dress in the trench watering system I have developed. This method improves the old method in two way.

1.       It prevent the side dressing from being drained off from the bed when watered or heavy rains occurs.

2.       It prevents burning of the roots and the top mulch keeps the soil moist allowing nutrient absorption.

I prefer balanced 13-13-13 for most of my side dressing, however Organic or time released fertilizer will work as well.

White fly deterrent

  To one gallon of water add in pump up sprayer.
   1 tablespoon vinegar
   1 teaspoon dish soap
   1 tablespoon Malathion 50%
Mix and spray effected plants, consult Malathion label for complete instruction of use.

USDA Hardness Zones

Vegetable & Herb Ph requirements