Tis the season for blossom-end rot

– Garth Ruff, OSU Extension Henry County

Blossom end rot. Photo: University of WI fact sheet

This is the time of year when we hear about the bottom of tomatoes rotting, this is actually called blossom-end rot. This is not a disease but a disorder which affects tomato, pepper, squash, and eggplant, and occurs when soil moisture is uneven. It is easily recognized by the flat, leathery, discolored area on the blossom end of the fruit.

Blossom-end rot occurs when there is a calcium deficiency in the blossom-end of the fruit. If demand for calcium exceeds the supply during rapid fruit development, deprived tissues break down, leaving the leathery-looking blossom end to the fruit.  It may be due to lack of calcium in the soil; however, this is not usually the case. The real culprit is usually Continue reading

Millipede Migration

– Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County OSU Extension

Millipedes have “a million” legs, and short antennae. Photo by the author

The month of July often triggers a millipede migration in our part of Ohio. These small arthropods are of the order Diplopoda and are not worms, as they are commonly described by fearful homeowners that find them inside crawling on floors and walls.

The legs are the first distinguishing characteristic. Worms (and maggots) do not have legs. The second guess is often that they are a centipede, but they have shorter antenna, legs, and more segments of legs than centipedes. It really is good that the creature they find is a millipede, because they are Continue reading

Squash Vine Borer Management is Critical

Squash Vine Borer Management Strategies

This  insect overwinters as a pupa, typically emerging as adults in mid-to-late June. The black and orange to red moths will lay eggs throughout July and August. The eggs are oviposited individually or in small groups on the stem of the host plant just above the ground surface. The eggs can take up to a week to 10 days to hatch. After hatching, the larvae enter the stem of the host plant, leaving a small hole surrounded by frass – a telltale sign. The larvae will feed while tunneling through the plant stems for about one month. This injury will cause wilting or sudden collapse of the leaves where the feeding occurs. Once the feeding is complete and they are ready to pupate, the larvae will burrow into the soil and spin a cocoon. They will remain in the soil until the following June.

Squash vine borers are challenging to prevent or manage. Once the larvae invade the stem, it is difficult to Continue reading

It’s time to plant your ‘second’ garden

– Garth Ruff, OSU Extension Henry County

In the garden, now is the time to consider planting for fall harvested crops. Under grow lights we can be starting brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. These crops will be ready to transplant into the garden in 6-8 weeks.

Second planting of green beans, onions and potatoes can be direct seeded in the garden this week. Again, in a couple of weeks consider direct seeding of beets, carrots, short maturing summer squash and cucumbers.

And, if you’re unsure of the best way to start plants indoors for transplanting later, see this short video with Master Gardener Keith Eichhorn: