Natural gardening expert Jen Aron takes the mystery out of growing vegetables
Eager gardeners may have already planted spring peas and spinach. But what are the next steps to sweet success in the veggie patch? Natural gardening expert Jen Aron answers common questions about growing organic. Aron is a certified Master Gardener™ and teaches free natural gardening workshops offered by Metro in partnership with the Oregon State University Extension Service.
Q: I planted peas in late February but they never came up. What happened?
A: Veggies can be fussy. Start with varieties that are easiest to grow for rewards along the way, then expand. The easiest edibles to start from seed are peas, beets, radishes, potatoes and greens, including spinach, Swiss chard, kale, collards, mustard, arugula, mizuna and lettuce. Potatoes in particular are great for kids, especially at harvest time. And potatoes planted in spring won’t need any water other than seasonal rain.
If you prefer, you can transplant kale, chard and heading lettuces.
Q: The plant starts I transplanted last year didn’t do so well. What did I do wrong?
A: Focus on good quality starts. Purchase them at locally owned garden retailers rather than garden departments in large national chain stores. This ensures the plant varieties are suitable for our climate. Also, make sure the roots in the starts aren’t bound inside the containers.
Q: My soil is still pretty wet. Is it OK to dig in anyway?
A: No. Turning soil when it’s too wet (dripping or sticky) destroys its structure and compacts it. Let sandy soil rest a few days after a deeply soaking rain. Clay soil needs longer to dry out. Then, gently loosen the soil with a digging fork instead of tilling or turning it over with a shovel.
Q: What’s the point of planting anything? The slugs just eat it all.
A: The most effective way to control slugs is to patrol daily and kill every slug you see. A pair of scissors does the trick. Look for slugs on the undersides of leaves, in the top two inches of soil and under rocks and boards. A persistent patrol pays off.
Q: Last year, my plants looked fine until May, and then were destroyed by bugs that ate thousands of holes in the leaves. How do I keep that from happening again?
A: Leaf miners and other insect pests come out as temperatures warm. They can be quite destructive. Try covering seedlings with row covers, which also warm the soil. In any case, monitor plants for damage, remove heavily affected leaves or plants, and dispose of them curbside rather than in your compost bin.
To help prevent pests throughout the growing season, grow plants in your yard that attract beneficial insects that eat pests. Top choices: cilantro and parsley (let them flower), buckwheat, calendula, mint family herbs like lavender and rosemary, and natives like Douglas spirea and aster.
For natural gardening advice call the OSU Extension Service Master Gardeners™.
- Clackamas County
503-655-8631
- Multnomah County
503-445-4608 - Washington County
503-821-1150
For program information and pesticide disposal, call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000 or visit www.oregonmetro.gov/garden.