Vegetable Gradens - Tomato Problems - Blossom End Rot

5/23/2014

If you are growing tomatoes, you are either already enjoying yours or waiting for them to ripen, depending on the variety. Unfortunately, some of you may have had some tomatoes that have been affected by blossom end rot and are no longer edible.

Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot starts at the blossom end of the tomato, hence the name. It starts out as a small, sunken spot. It continues to spread and cause the fruit to ripen early. So look out for a discolored, sunken, dark spot near the bloom end of the plant. Also keep an eye out for blossom end rot in melons, squash, eggplants and peppers. Identify blossom end rot with these pictures.

What Type of Calcium to Use on Tomatoes?

A foliar sprays containing calcium chloride or calcium nitrate applied directly to the tomato and the leaves around it work great. You may also correct soil calcium deficiencies by applying lime or gypsum if you do it prior to planting. This does take some planning and you will have to have a soil test to see what your soil needs also.

Cultural Controls For Blossom End Rot

Plants need water to absorb calcium from the ground. Be sure to not let the soil stay excessively dry. An even moisture level in the soil will keep blossom end rot away as long as there is calcium to absorb. Also, a good layer of mulch will retain moisture longer.

GreenSeasons Homegrown Food
Vegetable Gardens, Chicken Coops, and Fruit Trees

GreenSeasons installs and maintains vegetable gardens, chicken coops and fruit trees in the greater Baton Rouge, greater New Orleans, Slidell, Prairieville, Walker, Denham Springs, Gonzales, Baker, Zachary, Hammond and Covington areas. If you want to eat what you grow, just click here for a free quote and we will give you a call.

If you would simply like some advice on homegrown food, please contact us and we will be more than happy to help.

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Baton Rouge Weed Control - Virginia Buttonweed

5/13/2014

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Virginia buttonweed grows to around 7 inches long. It usually grows horizontally with stems that grow upward to two inches. Virginia buttonweed produces deep roots and is difficult to remove. Virginia buttonweed usually blooms into a small, white, star-shaped flower during June in Louisiana. After blooming, there Virginia buttonweed produces seeds.

How Does Virginia Buttonweed Spread?

Virginia buttonweed can grow in wet, swamp-like areas as well as well manicured lawns. It prefers wet areas, but can withstand dry spots for a time. It produces above ground seeds which float and can be transferred easily. Virginia buttonweed also produces an extensive root system. Its root system can produce new roots and rhizomes which lead to new, independent plants. Virginia buttonweed can also grow from cut stems. This means it can spread every time you cut your grass!

How To Get Rid of Virginia Buttonweed?

Selective herbicide control is your best option, aside from killing your existing yard with Glyphosate and restarting from scratch with sod. (DO NOT use Glyphosate on your turf unless you want your turf to die also.) Selective herbicides with some of the following active ingredients work to an extent: 2,4-D, MCPP, Dicambia.

The herbicide Image works better the earlier in the year you use it. So will Weed Stop for Lawns. Both Image and Weed Stop for Lawns should not be used when it is hotter than the specified temperature on their product label or your lawn will suffer damage. A product we use is Celsius by Bayer. It works very well, even in warm temperatures. All of the Virginia buttonweed herbicides that we have seen require a second application around 4 weeks after the initial treatment. This is due to how easily Virginia buttonweed reproduces. Virginia buttonweed is a challenge so remain patient.

Professional Fertilization and Weed Control

GreenSeasons has partnered with Spring-Green to provide the best lawn care and weed control possible. Spring-Green is a professional lawn fertilization and weed control company servicing the greater Baton Rouge, greater New Orleans, Slidell, Prairieville, Walker, Denham Springs, Gonzales, Baker, Zachary, Hammond and Covington areas. If you think you have a weed problem or greener grass, just click here for a weed control free quote and we will give you a call or call them at (225) 757-5170.

If you would simply like some advice on DIY mosquito control, please click here for tips from Spring-Green.

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Baton Rouge Mosquito Control - Mosquito Disease Prevention

5/3/2014

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The weather is warming up and it is a great time to go outside and eat some good food. That is exactly what the mosquitoes are going to do. So before you head outside to cook with family, friends and pets, take the appropriate precautions against mosquitoes.

Mosquito Borne Diseases in People

Below is a list of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes that affect people with links to the Center for Disease Control:

Mosquito Borne Diseases in Pets

Below is a list of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes that will affect animals with links for more information:

Mosquito Prevention

Keep people and pets indoor during dusk and dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active.
Use mosquito repellents. Use mosquito repellents labeled for pets on animals.
Eliminate standing water areas around your home.
Mosquito treatments in your yard will greatly reduce the number of mosquitoes.
A mosquito misting system will virtually eliminate the mosquito presence at your home.
Long sleeves and pants help, but no one wears either when it is hot.

GreenSeasons Mosquito Control

Let GreenSeasons get rid of your mosquito problem. GreenSeasons is a professional mosquito control company servicing the greater Baton Rouge, greater New Orleans, Slidell, Prairieville, Walker, Denham Springs, Gonzales, Baker, Zachary, Hammond and Covington areas. If you think you have a a mosquito problem or just don't want to get bit anymore, just click here for a free quote and we will give you a call or call us at (888) 353-1971.

If you would simply like some advice on DIY mosquito control, please contact us and we will help.

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Vegetable Gradens - Tomato Problems - Blossom End Rot

Blossom End Rot

What Type of Calcium to Use on Tomatoes?

Cultural Controls For Blossom End Rot

GreenSeasons Homegrown Food
Vegetable Gardens, Chicken Coops, and Fruit Trees

Baton Rouge Weed Control - Virginia Buttonweed

How Does Virginia Buttonweed Spread?

How To Get Rid of Virginia Buttonweed?

Professional Fertilization and Weed Control

Baton Rouge Mosquito Control - Mosquito Disease Prevention

Mosquito Borne Diseases in People

Mosquito Borne Diseases in Pets

Mosquito Prevention

GreenSeasons Mosquito Control

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Vegetable Gradens - Tomato Problems - Blossom End Rot

Blossom End Rot

What Type of Calcium to Use on Tomatoes?

Cultural Controls For Blossom End Rot

GreenSeasons Homegrown FoodVegetable Gardens, Chicken Coops, and Fruit Trees

Baton Rouge Weed Control - Virginia Buttonweed

How Does Virginia Buttonweed Spread?

How To Get Rid of Virginia Buttonweed?

Professional Fertilization and Weed Control

Baton Rouge Mosquito Control - Mosquito Disease Prevention

Mosquito Borne Diseases in People

Mosquito Borne Diseases in Pets

Mosquito Prevention

GreenSeasons Mosquito Control

Author

Categories

Archives

Contact

Services

About

Locations

GreenSeasons Homegrown Food
Vegetable Gardens, Chicken Coops, and Fruit Trees