Questions for the Gardener

[Mark]

I have this one flower bed where these ugly, fat mushrooms keep popping up overnight - I keep digging them out as then have a tendency to wrap around other plants (this variety) and I'm told can strangle them. Other than digging them out every few days, does anyone know of a way to eradicate and then prevent them?

[Mark]

How can you tell when jalapeno peppers are ready to pick?

[Maria]

admin said:

I have this one flower bed where these ugly, fat mushrooms keep popping up overnight - I keep digging them out as then have a tendency to wrap around other plants (this variety) and I'm told can strangle them. Other than digging them out every few days, does anyone know of a way to eradicate and then prevent them?

Mushrooms usually indicate decomposing organic matter that is plentiful and they can take off during wet periods. There are not many satisfactory controls with fungicides. I break them up and wait for the "season" to pass, and keep the area clear of debris.

Hope this helps.

[Maria]

admin said:

How can you tell when jalapeno peppers are ready to pick?

Hot peppers can be eaten at all stages of growth but are most flavorful when mature and fully ripe. Hot peppers are typically green in early maturity but quickly turn colors including yellow, orange, purple, red, or chocolate brown depending on the cultivar. The different cultivars vary drastically in size and shape. Although they can be picked when green, their heat and flavor increases as they are allowed to mature and ripen to colors.

Jalapenos are most crisp when still green, so are most often pickled when mature and darkened green, but not yet red. Size and color give you the best clues about when to harvest hot peppers

Make sure you wear gloves when harvesting the fruit, as the oil from the pepper can really burn.

[Dabbit]

Mark I can't really help on either of those questions. But usually things are 'ready' when they change colour as Maria says, although things some things can be picked and ripened off the plant. I also found out that tomato[rite] food is good for chillies if thats of any use...(Full of fascinating fact me)

[Mark]

That's a thought, I'm growing my own chili! (except for the beef that is) ;D

[sandy]

Just be careful when picking and preparing hot peppers.My mother burnt her face and eyes very badly when cleaning them once. I have found the best way is to freeze them and cut and clean while frozen. If you can't do that try to keep a steady flow of water running over them. Keeps the oils from getting airborn.Always wear gloves and DO NOT SCRATCH YOUR ITCHY ANYTHING!!!!! Pick peppers when they are the size you want or the color you want. Very accomadating fruits in that aspect. They just make you pay later for picking them.

[Dabbit]

Oh dear a senior moment there Mark I looked for Chillis instead of jalapeno peppers..

[Mark]

Yes, Dave, it's the capsaicin, you know - makes it hot to the touch and one could really burn ones self badly.

[Dabbit]

In previous years I have successfully grown onions (white) and am doing so this year along with red onions. However my red onions have just set flowers (as in garlic) and I wodner whether this is a known thing with red onions or whether there mightbe a problem with them? The white onions are OK and have no flowers

[Maria]

Dabbitt, pick the flowers immediately. Otherwise, all the energy of the plant will go to flower and seed production and not the root or developing that nice red onion.

[Juana Cookie]

That's also a "good to know" hint about growing any kind of fruit...although the temptation is to let them give fruit the first couple of years, that is the time that really needs to be devoted to establishing the plant and letting it grow. Pinching off the flowers before they are allowed to fruit, helps to promote growth.

[Dabbit]

Thanks Maria I'll do that now...

[Dabbit]

I have picked the flowers Maria and the plants still look good...