19 Jul Summer Gardening Tips
Below you will find some timely gardening tips taken from the University of Nebraska’s weekly Horticulture update.
Blossom end rot (Tomato) is a common problem of tomatoes, but also occurs on peppers, eggplant, squash and watermelon. It appears as a flat, dry, sunken, brown rot on the blossom end of the fruit, opposite the stem end. The size of the rotted area varies, but can cover up to 50% of the fruit. This problem is a physiological disorder associated with a calcium deficiency in the developing fruit. Rarely is the problem a lack of calcium in the soil. Drought stress, low daytime humidity, high temperatures and rapid, vegetative plant growth caused by excess nitrogen applications favor blossom end rot development. To reduce it, prevent drought stress, mulch with organic mulch and avoid excess nitrogen fertilization.
Poor fruit set (Peppers, Zucchini, Tomatoes, etc.) – is being reported on some fruit bearing vegetables, especially tomatoes. This could be weather related. For insect pollinated vegetables, our frequent and heavy rains may be reducing insect activity and/or adequate pollination.
Other factors that can affect vegetable pollination include daytime temperatures above 90 degrees, and/or nightime temperatures above 70 degrees. Ideal conditions for pollination are moderate temperatures, 59-68 degrees.
Plants receiving excessive fertilization and abundant moisture often produce excessive foliage growth that inhibits flower formation. However, very low fertility levels, substantial damage from insects or diseases, and inadequate moisture can also inhibit flower development.
Provide plants with good basic growing requirements, without over or under fertilizing, so that flower clusters are produced. In small gardens, hand pollination can be done to encourgage fruit formation. If the lack of fruit set is due to temperature conditions, plants often begin to set fruits again when temperatures have cooled.
Rain water use in vegetable gardens – Water collected from rooftop runoff is not recommended for use in the vegetable garden, due to pathogens in bird droppings that can be washed from the roof and into the rain barrel. If gardeners are determined to use rain water in the vegetable garden, it is best to apply the water to the base of plants at the soil surface. Avoid overhead irrigation with rain water and avoid application to leafy greens. Wash all produce harvested from the garden thoroughly before use.