Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Plant Disease: How to Avoid and Cure Disease

Thank you for joining us at Mary's Heirloom Seeds for another educational article about Growing Food!  
 
*NOW thru April 10th, Mary's Heirloom Seeds is offering GREENSAND and Mary's Organic Plant Food at a discount.  Check out the special before it's sold out!*


Do you have plants that look sickly or would you like to avoid sickly plants?  Below are examples of plant diseases and how to avoid or cure them in your garden.

From Planet Natural,
"Disease fungi take their energy from the plants on which they thrive. They are responsible for a great deal of damage and are often encouraged by wet weather, poor drainage or inadequate airflow. Plant diseases are characterized by a variety of symptoms, including moldy coatings, wilting, scabs, blotches, rusts, and rot.

Disease info from Garden.org  
(I do not recommend their pesticide suggestions)

Bacterium Wilt
source
 This disease occurs over most of the United States. It affects cucumbers and muskmelons and, less commonly, pumpkins and squash. Individual leaves wilt during the heat of the day, but recover overnight initially. As the disease progresses, part or all of the vine wilts and dies. To test for the disease, cut a wilted stem near the base of the plant. Squeeze the sap out of the stem. If it is sticky and white and forms a thread when the tip of a knife is touched to it and drawn away, bacterial wilt is probably present. (This test works best with cucumbers.) The disease overwinters in the gut of cucumber beetles, and is spread to plants as the beetles feed.

Prevention and Control

Controlling cucumber beetles is the key to prevention. Look for varieties of cucumbers and squash that are resistant to cucumber beetles. Cover young plants with floating row covers. Knock, shake, or hand pick beetles off plants and out of flowers, and clean up plant debris to reduce the number of overwintering adults.


Blossom End Rot

Blossom End Rot (BER) is a physiological disorder of tomatoes, peppers, and cucurbits caused by a calcium imbalance within the plant. Fluctuations in soil moisture, excessively wet or dry soil, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, roots damaged by cultivation, very high or low pH, or soils high in salts prevent all can the roots from taking up enough calcium to satisfy the plant's rapid cell development. The result is a water-soaked spot at the blossom end of the plant that enlarges, turning dark brown and leathery. Rot may set in at the spot. BER is common when plants grow rapidly in the beginning of the season, then set fruit during dry weather. As little as 30 minutes of water deficiency at any time can cause BER.

Prevention and Control

Keep plants uniformly watered throughout the season. Water deeply; wet the soil at least 6 inches down. Apply mulch to maintain soil moisture. Keep soil pH around 6.5. Some older varieties of indeterminates (vining tomatoes) and plum tomatoes are more susceptible to BER -- make very sure they have adequate soil moisture.

Early Blight
source
 This fungus disease attacks tomatoes and potatoes over most of North America. Plants under stress or with a heavy load of fruit are most susceptible. Dark brown spots with concentric rings in them form on older leaves first. Infected leaves turn yellow and die. Potato tubers are covered with brown, corky spots. Tomato fruits may sometimes be infected; a black, sunken, leathery spot forms at the stem end. Warm, moist conditions encourage disease development. The fungus overwinters in plant residues in the soil.

Prevention and Control

Plant in well-drained soil where air circulation is good. Rotate crops and destroy any volunteer potato or tomato plants. Don't wet foliage when watering. Amend soil with compost, and fertilize plants judiciously to maintain plant vigor. Tomato plants with early blight slowly lose their leaves, but unless the infection is severe, you can usually harvest mature tomatoes.


Powdery Mildew

This fungus disease occurs all over the North America and infects a wide variety of plants, including beans, cucumbers, squash, lettuce, and peas. A powdery white growth covers the upper surface of leaves, which eventually turn yellow and dry. Older leaves are usually infected first. The fungus competes with the plant for nutrients, reducing yields and weakening or even possibly killing it if infection is severe. Fruits and pods may also be covered with mildew. This disease usually develops late in the season on mature plants and thrives in both dry and humid weather. It can spread rapidly.


DIY Powdery Mildew Spray Recipes

One powdery mildew organic remedy is to use dilute solutions of hydrogen peroxide (9 parts water to 1 part hydrogen peroxide). Spray it on the plants thoroughly about once a week. Organic removal of powdery mildew is always preferable to using harsh chemicals on your plants.




Baking Soda Spray

Combine 1/4 tsp. of baking soda with 1 qt. of water in a large bowl.

Stir the mixture to dissolve the baking powder.

Pour the solution into a spray bottle.

Spray the solution on infected plants twice a day to remove the powdery mildew.


Insecticidal Spray

Combine 1 1/2 tbsp. baking soda, 1 tbsp. organic insecticidal soap (Dr. Bronner's), 1 tbsp. of olive oil and 1 cup of water in a bowl.

Stir the ingredients together.

Add 1 tbsp. of vinegar to the solution last to prevent the spray from foaming.

Pour a gallon of water into a large bowl. Mix in the vinegar solution.

Pour the solution into a spray bottle. Apply the powdery-mildew spray to the leaves of the plant.


If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!

HAPPY PLANTING! 
 
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Be A Part of Something BIG!

Earth day is April 22nd and we'd like to plant Trees!  I know I talk a lot about growing veggies but this is important as well.  We will be participating in Earth Day more this year than ever before.

But we need help!

From our gofundme
"Become a part of something BIG! We are a small, local business and we're looking to expand and offer additional Free educational workshops within our community."

This Earth Day, we would like to plant a minimum of 5 fruit trees for the Food is Free project.
“Never underestimate your power to inspire and affect your community around you. Even the smallest of acts can really ripple out.” - John VanDeusen Edwards, Founder of The Food is Free Project




The idea is to plant food and share with others.  I'm all about sharing with other!  If you or someone you know would like to donate, please use our link.  If you would like to get involved, please contact us.  We are happy to have help!

You can Host a Seed Planting Party for Earth Day.  Or how about a beach clean-up?  Plant a tree or Plant a Seed!

I am so passionate about growing and teaching.  I have some amazing projects and educational posts in store for you.  Thank you for being a part of Something BIG!

Tuesdays with a Twist #104

Good Morning and welcome to another No Rules Party! 

It's been a WILD ride these past few weeks.
Did you see the NEW Tigerella and Purple Tomatillo heirloom seeds?



On Sunday I shared our APRIL Seed Planting Guide for the US.

Last week I shared a VIDEO  and our Organic Pest Control series.



Are you ready for the party?   We're your hosts 

Back to the Basics

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59am.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 
Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!



Sunday, March 29, 2015

APRIL Seed Planting Guide for the US

Did you see our post about Hosting a Seed Planting Party?  
APRIL is an excellent month to host a party!
  NOW thru April 10th, Mary's Heirloom Seeds is offering GREENSAND and Mary's Organic Plant Food at a discount.  Check out the special before it's sold out!



Mary's Heirloom Seeds Newsletter
APRIL Seed Planting Guide

EARTH DAY is
APRIL 22ND
Clemson Spineless Okra
European Mesclun Mix



All of the seeds listed are open-pollinated, non-gmo and non-hybrid,non-patented, untreated, heirloom seeds.
Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.  
Most seed orders placed Monday-Thursday are shipped
within 24 hours, except for holidays. 
$10 Order Minimum with Free Shipping on Heirloom Seeds within the 50 United States as well as US Territories. 
 


SPRING is Here!  Yippie!
If you're in a warmer climate, you're probably are already growing.  For cold and cool weather gardeners, now is the time to plant out your garden and Get Growing.
In case you missed it, we shared our simple tutorial for Indoor Seed Starting

Now is a great time to add Organic Nutrients to your garden.  Also, our FREE Seeds specials end March 31st.
Details HERE

  
APRIL Seed Planting by Region

**With the Cold and sometimes Hot weather we're experiencing in the US, some of these "outdoor" varieties might need to be started indoors.  This will depend on your current weather**

GULF COAST 
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant (transplant), Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, OKRA, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Sorrel, Spinach, Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips and Watermelon.
Don't forget the HERBS and Wildflowers!



SOUTH FLORIDA
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, OKRA, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Sorrel Spinach, Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips and Watermelon.  
Don't forget the HERBS and Wildflowers!
 
SOUTHWEST  
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Beans, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant (transplant), Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, Pak Choy, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Sorrel Spinach, Squash, Tomato, Turnip and Watermelon. 
Herbs:
Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Toothache plant and Thyme. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers!


SAN DIEGO 
Sow Outdoors: Arugula Beans, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant (transplant), Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, Pak Choy, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Sorrel, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, Turnip and Watermelon. 
Herbs: Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Toothache plant and Thyme. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers!

PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Sow Indoors/Outdoors:  Artichoke, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Eggplant, Kohlrabi, Leek, Melons, Onions, Peppers, Radish, Rutabaga, Scallion, Tomatoes and Turnips
GREENS: Arugula, Chard, Collards, Endive, Kale, Mustard, Radicchio and Sorrel can be sown indoors under bright lights and planted outside when there are two true leaves. Curly cress and arugula prefer to be sown directly outside
Herbs: Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Toothache plant and Thyme. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers
  
SOUTHERN INTERIOR 
Sow Outdoors: Arugula Beans, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant (transplant), Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, Pak Choy, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Sorrel, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, Turnip and Watermelon. 
Transplant: Asparagus, Broccoli, Celery, Eggplant, Kohlrabi, Leek, Peppers and Tomatoes 
Herbs: Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Toothache plant and Thyme. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers!


CENTRAL MIDWEST 
Sow Indoors: Eggplant, Peppers and Tomatoes
Sow Outdoors: Arugula Beans, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, Pak Choy, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Sorrel, Spinach, Squash, Tomato,
Turnip and Watermelon. 
Transplant: Asparagus, Broccoli, Celery, Eggplant, Kohlrabi, Leek, Peppers and Tomatoes 
Herbs: Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Toothache plant and Thyme. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers
 
NORTH CENTRAL ROCKIES
Sow Indoors: Cabbage, Celery, Chard, Eggplant, Endive, Leek, Lettuce, Peppers, Radicchio, and Tomato
Sow Outdoors: Artichoke, Arugula, Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chard, Carrot, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard, Onion, Pak Choy, Peas, Radish, Rutabaga, Scallions, Sorrel, Spinach and Turnips
Transplant: Artichoke, Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Onions, Scallion, Sorrel and Spinach
Herbs: Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Toothache plant and Thyme. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers!

MID-ATLANTIC 
Sow Indoors: Cabbage, Celery, Chard, Eggplant, Endive, Leek, Lettuce, Peppers, Radicchio, and Tomato
Sow Outdoors: Artichoke, Arugula, Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chard, Carrot, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard, Onion, Pak Choy, Peas, Radish, Rutabaga, Scallions, Sorrel, Spinach and Turnips
Transplant: Artichoke, Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Onions, Scallion, Sorrel and Spinach
Herbs: Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Toothache plant and Thyme. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers!

MARITIME CANADA & NEW ENGLAND

Sow Indoors: Cabbage, Celery, Chard, Eggplant, Endive, Leek, Lettuce, Peppers, Radicchio, and Tomato 

Sow Indoors: Artichoke, Arugula, Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chard, Carrot, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard, Onion, Pak Choy, Peas, Radish, Rutabaga, Scallions, Sorrel, Spinach and Turnips 

Herbs: Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Toothache plant and Thyme. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers!



HAWAII 

Arugula Beans, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Chard, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Endive Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, Pak Choy, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Sorrel, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, Turnip and Watermelon.   

Herbs: Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Toothache plant and Thyme.   

Don't forget the Wildflowers!


ALASKA 
If you're growing plants in a greenhouse
Sow Indoors:
Arugula Beans, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, Pak Choy, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Sorrel, Spinach, Squash and Tomato 
Herbs: Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Toothache plant and Thyme. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers!

There you have it!!!  What are YOU planting in APRIL?
-Mary                                      Like us on Facebook

Mary's Heirloom Seeds 


HELPFUL LINKS:



Would you like to host a Seed Planting Party?  Check out our Seed Combo Packs page to purchase Heirloom, Non-GMO, Organic seeds with discounts and FREE SEEDS included!

If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!

HAPPY PLANTING! 
 
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