Some basic questions from newbie

15 years ago

My 10 X 10 garden is full of good things growing (cukes, tomatoes, squash, beans, peppers) but some of the plants are not growing at all. Two of the tomatoes have barely grown more than an inch or two since planting in mid-June. I just sent a soil sample off to VA Tech for testing, but in the meantime I think it's a fair guess that the soil is nutritionally deficient - likely in nitrogen. What is a good all-purpose vegetable fertilizer that I can get in a local garden center?

Secondly - my squash are also barely growing :o(, but have some flowers. The flowers are getting "snapped off" by something, literally it looks like someone snipped off the flowers with scissors. Could this be squirrels and what can I do to keep them away? We have a good sturdy rabbit fence up that is doing well at keeping those varmits away ;o)

Thanks!

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Comments (8)

itsmekarak
15 years ago
Welcome Newbie! As for your two tomato plants it is possible that your soil is nutrient deficient, however, if your other tomato plants are doing well you might want to consider other options. It is possible that these plants have not established a strong root system. The way you can tell is to carefully dig up these underdeveloped plants and see how deep the roots have gone. If you find that the root ball is very compact and tight, simply break it up with your fingers and plant it deep enough that at least 1" of the stem is beneath the soil. This will help establish a stronger root system and will help carry the proper nutrients to your plant. Always remember to water very well after replanting. When planting tomatoes I use a solution of Â¼ cup of bloodmeal, 2 tbsp of sugar and 2 tbsp of Epsom salt. Mix this together and sprinkle over the base of the planted tomato plants and water in well. I fertilize with Miracle Grow tomato food every 3 weeks thereafter.

As for your squash, if you can distinctly tell that the flowers are being cut off then chances are it is squirrels. The unfortunate thing about squirrels is that there isn't much that will keep them out of a garden. However, one proven suggestion would be dog hair. Squirrels hate dog hair and it will definitely ward them away. If you don't have a dog you can always get this from your local groomer. However, if you are not a dog lover or want the look of hair everywhere, I was told by a friend that the same cayenne pepper solution I use for my tomatoes works well for squirrels as well. Take 5 cayenne peppers and boil them for 5 minutes in a medium saucepan of water. Once tender place the peppers and water in a blender and pure. Strain all seeds through a fine strainer and put in a spray bottle. Spray the flowers every 3-4 days and after every rain. I have been told that this is a wonderful solution to use.

Hope these suggestions help - Kara
bigfoot839
15 years ago
hi winnie
Not sure i can give the credit to the size of my tommatoes to this but has to be somthing i have used no store bought fertalizers on my tommatoes an have huge plants and a pile of blooms and tommatoes what i used was a mixture of half cup of 3 percent peroxide with a gallon of water and seems i have the best tommatoes i have had in years
Hope it helps
Shoan
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lorna-organic
15 years ago
Shoan, what gave you the idea to use peroxide? What is it supposed to do?

Lorna
bigfoot839
15 years ago
hi lorna
I actually got the idea here on the forum i found a link to a page that showed what all it was good for wish i could find the link now. If i remember right it gives the roots more o2 that they need and seems to act as a fertalizer (atleast in my case) also if mixed in a 1 cup to a gallon of water and sprayed on the leaves it appears to have an affect on molds and stuff that grow on the leaves i have yet to see if it will fight amphids or any other pests but i will be trying it before the year is out i am sure.
Shoan
bigfoot839
15 years ago
Lorna i found the link to the mixing and it also tells alot of good things about peroxide
http://www.using-hydrogen-peroxide.com/gardening-with-hydrogen-peroxide.html
wally_1936
15 years ago
You might try blood meal along with that dog hair.
lorna-organic
15 years ago
Thanks, Shane, much appreciated! I'm especially interested in the root cutting and seed sprouting, which I read about in your link.

Lorna
bigfoot839
15 years ago
Lorna
i have tried the seed sprouting on okra it seems to work well. haven't tried the rooting but i will be soon

Some basic questions from newbie

Comments (8)

itsmekarak

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