template_images/title_gardenguru.gifEdible Gardening

Planning an herb garden
Q:

Hi gardeners,

I am envisioning a small, kidney shaped herb garden right on our front lawn. I'm thinking about a raised bed, nothing too complicated, probably borders of some kind of stone or hardscape. What sort of herbs grow best in our climate? And can you offer any process insight in design?

Regards,
- Eric in San Francisco
   
A: Dear Eric,

Herbs that do well in your area are: Rosemary, Spanish Lavender, sage, parsley, Santolina, chive, and marjoram or oregano. Thyme and basil can be fickle. You may want to reconsider the kidney bean shape. A square or rectangle is more conducive to the classic herb knot and easier to work with. Choose plants that contrast in foliage color. After the size of the bed is decided, graph paper and colored pencils are very helpful. Each square could represent 1/4 ' so consider planting two 3" pots per foot. Use a different colored pencil for each herb. In other words, 4 squares in a row would be colored the same. It might be worth looking at some of the DIY and HGTV links or calling our Design Department to schedule a consultation. The number is 388-3754.

Thanks for choosing to garden with us.
The Garden Guru
 
Tomato plants
Q: Dear Garden Guru,

My tomato plants always look beautiful when I get them in the ground. I
water and fertilize and then right after the plants flower they turn yellow
and spindly and they don't fruit very well. What am I doing wrong?

- Liz in San Bruno
   
A: Dear Liz,

Yellow and spindly tomatoes don't fruit that well do they? Believe it or
not, I suspect that you are loving your plants too much. Over watering
tomatoes will wash away all the nutrients you so lovingly applied, it also
reduces needed oxygen in root zone and makes the plant susceptible to
disease. Your plants should be deep watered 2 to 3 times a week. If the
plant is seen wilting in the middle of the day, ignore it. Tomatoes will
close their stomas in the heat of the day to prevent water loss by
transpiration. They will perk right back up by late afternoon. If the plants
look droopy in the morning, they need water. Too shady a location will also
cause plants to be spindly but you usually see that effect immediately. If
the leaves are showing some signs of browning, your plants may have
Verticillium or Fusarium wilt. These are soil borne pathogens and there is
no chemical control available. Warm and humid conditions will hasten the
onset of wilt. It is highly recommended that you plant tomatoes labeled
with "VF" (Verticillium/Fusarium) on the label as these are resistant
varieties. Should there be an "N", that means resistant to root knot
nematodes. Hope this helps for this year's crop!

Thanks for choosing to garden with us.
The Garden Guru
 
Growing salad greens
Q: Dear Garden Guru,

I'd like to know the best way to grow salad greens throughout the summer. Can I plant them in succession so that I'll have 4 months of salad? Also, I live in a foggy pocket of the east bay - does that make a difference?

Thanks,
- Beth in El Cerrito
   
A: Dear Beth,

The easiest way to get your summer greens going is to start with pre started cell or jumbo packs. You can always supplement with a sowing of seed.

Should you opt for seeding only, be sure that you do not bury the seeds too
deeply. The best results with lettuces and greens is to prepare the bed (be
sure to mix in Loam Builder and Agricultural lime) so the soil is nice and crumbly. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil and then water. The seeds will settle into the soil at the right depth. Carrots and Lettuces need UV light to germinate! You do not need to pull up whole heads, it is better to cut the plants off about an inch above the soil. The greens will quickly regrow. Feed with a liquid fertilizer such as Maxsea All Purpose after cutting. Should you want to pull up whole heads or the plants begin to slow down coming back, you can resow or plant every 3-4 weeks to keep a fresh crop coming. The fact that you live in a cool, foggy location is actually a blessing for growing greens. They do not like it hot. We actually recommend planting in part shade in our hotter areas.

Thanks for choosing to garden with us.
The Garden Guru
 
When should I start planting?
Q: Dear Garden Guru,

Recently I moved from San Bruno to San Carlos. When is the ideal time to plant my garden seedlings? I wonder if it too early to start my garden (particularly tomatoes)?

Thanks,
- Mara in San Carlos
   
A: Dear Mara,

You can start your gardening projects right now. This would include planting your seedling vegetables (peas, greens, strawberries, cabbages, kales, beets, carrots, onions, spinach), as well as the tomatoes, beans and squashes and basil. All Sloat Garden Centers now have the most varied vegetable selection of the season. As you plant during this cool spring weather, please keep in mind that tomatoes need consistent warmth. If you want to plant tomatoes now, you will need to protect them from cold nights.

Thanks for choosing to garden with us.
The Garden Guru