Time to Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs

Photo: Pam Bennett, OSU Extension

When the leaves on the trees start to change color and drop to the ground, it’s a sign that fall is here. It’s also a sign that it’s time to plant bulbs so you can have a bountiful splash of color to mark the start of spring.

The best time to plant bulbs is through October because the bulbs – especially daffodils — need time to root well before the ground freezes. During the summer, bulbs are in a dormant stage because the weather is warm. They need low temperatures to break them out of their dormancy and start growing.

If possible, Continue reading

Tomato and Pepper, Loaded with Green Fruit, but not Ripening?

Garth Ruff, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Henry County

Photo: eXtension.org

If you still have tomato and pepper plants, they may be loaded with green fruit, but not ripening at all. First and foremost, tomatoes and bell peppers are very sensitive to air temperatures. Tomato and bell pepper color, flavor, plant growth and fruit production are optimal when daily temperatures are 70-75F, with nighttime temperatures 60-65F. High temperatures, specifically anything above 85F during bloom and ripening periods, will result not only in reduced fruit set (bud abort), but fruit flavor, texture and color will also be directly affected.

As seasons change, tomatoes do not like cooler temperatures either. In fact, temperatures lower than Continue reading