To avoid pests and diseases, we harvest tomatoes and peppers (both sweet and hot) at the first sign of blush (red, yellow, gold, purple, black). They are then put on our kitchen counter or other surface (not necessary to be in sunlight) to ripen. In this way, we prevent damage that would have happened between…
One of our most beneficial garden bugs are here at the Garden in increasing numbers. They are being attracted by Aphids and other soft body insects that are on our remaining winter and some early spring plants. I’ve left some Dill plants to seed in a growing bed, which also attracted Aphids, which attracted to…
Some timely advice from our experienced gardeners — Don’t let your winter crops bolt! Seriously! Harvest your crops while it’s cool and the plants are in good condition. Vegetables planted in September and October are ready to harvest now. If you neglect to harvest at the peak time, you may notice Animals start to gnaw…
What says, “Summertime” more than vine ripened tomatoes? Westbury Community Garden celebrated the tomato at its 5th Annual Tomato Tasting on June 2. The event was our most heavily attended to date with approximately 80 gardeners, friends and neighbors participating. We had some old time favorites and some new varieties this year, as we do…
My tomato garden has been very productive this year. The picture shows tomatoes canned today (24 pints) plus those waiting to be canned.I had previously canned 56 pints in the last couple of weeks. That makes 80 pints so far of tomatoes and tomato sauce. I will get at least 15 more pints from those…
The both orchards received some much needed TLC at the May Community Service Day at the garden. Fifteen members came out to join the crew and earn some volunteer hours. Some worked in the Butterfly Gardens while another group focused on the citrus trees that haven’t been adopted yet.
Goal: To improve the health and bring into production our many citrus trees which have been in the ground for 8 years without significant fruiting. Care and Feeding of Your Tree (per Texas Agrilife Agent, Robert Richter) Feeding: Fertilize ASAP with at least 10 pounds of Microlife (which WCG will supply) to anyone adopting a tree. Add…
Retired Texas A&M professor and advisor to Plant-It-Forward-Farms, Joe Novak, alerted us to an infestation of garden plantings of the Hawaiian Beet Webworm moth larvae. This pest has also sadly begun attacking the new beet seedlings in adjacent plots. The Hawaiian Beet Webworm will attack Beets, Chard and Spinach plants. It devastated PIFF crops last year. Joe suggests that plants in the…
I cannot think of a more rewarding vegetable. The tubers (roots) and leaves can be prepared in a variety of ways for delicious and nutritious side dishes and who can resist a sweet potato pie. However, the culinary value is just one of the rewards for growing them in your garden. Sweet potatoes are easy to grow…