Sowing: Sow onion seed in the garden after all danger of frost has passed in spring and the soil is at least 55°F (13°C)—warmer is better. In warm-winter regions, plant onions outdoors in the fall. Start onion seed indoors 8 weeks before transplanting seedlings to the garden. Sow seeds in a warm, well-lighted location—in a
Follow these broccoli growing quick tips for harvest success. Sowing: Sow broccoli seeds in early spring for an early summer crop or in midsummer for a fall crop. In mild-winter regions, sow broccoli from fall to late winter. Time your planting so that harvest comes before the weather warms into the 70sF (21sC) ; the
Sowing: Sow collard seeds in early spring for an early summer crop or in midsummer for a fall crop. In mild-winter regions, sow collards from fall to late winter. Sow seed outdoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost. Start seed indoors 10-8 weeks before transplanting seedlings to the garden. Sow seeds indoors in a warm
Sowing: Peas are a cool-weather crop; they must mature before the weather gets hot. Sow pea seeds directly in the garden in early spring as soon as the soil can be prepared; sow 8 to 6 weeks before the last frost. For an autumn crop sow seeds about 12 weeks before the first frost date
Sowing seed and planting crowns (roots): Rhubarb is a perennial plant that can grow for 10 to 15 years or longer. Rhubarb can be grown from seed or crowns. If you grow rhubarb from seed, your first harvest will come in 3-4 years. If you grow rhubarb from crowns (established roots), the first harvest will
Flea beetles eating a leaf The flea beetle is a shiny black insect 1/10 of an inch long. Some species have yellow or white curved stripes the length of the body. Flea beetles hop like fleas when disturbed. Flea beetles are particularly attracted to stressed plants; plants that are nutrient weak or underwatered. They also
Mealybugs on leaf Mealybugs are very small soft, oval insects that are usually covered with a white or gray waxy fluff. A mealy bug is about 1/10 of an inch long. Mealybugs suck the juices from citrus, apples, pears, apricots, avocadoes, and grapes as well as ornamental and tropical plants. Honeydew excreted by mealybugs supports
Aphids Aphids are small, pear-shaped, soft-bodied insects. There are many species of aphids ranging in color from green to pink to black to dusty gray or white with a fluffy coating. Aphids are 1/32 to 1/8 inch in length. Nymphs are similar to adults. Aphids live in colonies. They are slow moving and usually are
Whitefly on leaf Whiteflies look like very tiny white moths. Like their close relatives aphids, they suck juices from tender plant leaves. Whiteflies congregate in large number on the undersides of leaves and fly up in a cloud when disturbed. Whiteflies are found year round in warm climates; in colder climates they are seen in
Kale is ready for harvest as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat. Kale matures 55 to 75 days from seed sowing. It is best grown to mature in spring or fall before temperatures climb into the 70°sF . In mild-winter regions, kale will produce new leaves nearly all winter. When to Harvest
