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grow potatoes greenhouse easily grow potatoes greenhouse harvest favorite varieties year round plus growing potatoes greenhouse hoop house cold frame keeps potato plants safe frost also numerous pests grow potatoes raised beds grow bags pots even small spaces grow potatoes greenhouse youll want first find seed potatoes preferred variety decide location grow potatoes raised bed container thats least 24 inches tall 18 inches diameter done right get continuous harvests potatoes taste better anything find store ready get hands dirty learn grow potatoes greenhouse read quick overview growing potatoes greenhouse type coldseason crop time seed harvest 80-100 days germination temp 4c time first emergence 14-28 days best temp grow 18-21c height 18-36 spread 18-36 grow seed 7-8 deep 10-12 apart rows 36 apart companions cabbage corn chives cilantro leeks keep away tomatoes eggplants fennel pumpkins root vegetables benefits growing potatoes greenhouse garden potatoes typically planted weeks last frost date soil least 7-12c regions usually around april warmer climates potatoes often planted fall even winter spring harvest frosttender dont love extreme heat potatoes grown outside limited seasons greenhouse however control variables light temperature allowing extend growing season way easily several harvests potatoes single year grow potatoes winter theres nothing quite like freshlyharvested potato like tomatoes taste remarkably better fresh weeks months storage winter grocery stores typically stock handful potato varieties kept storage since previous season imported abroad greenhouse plant potatoes using method called succession planting planting potatoes intervals regular extended harvests depending climate grow potatoes way winter even unheated greenhouse even colder climates continue growing potatoes winter long supplement heat light pick right variety potato grow know thousands varieties potatoes historically theyve cultivated throughout andes particularly peru last two centuries theyve become one top food crops world grocery stores typically carry handful popular potatoes russets burbanks growing potatoes home greenhouse choose many different kinds potatoes exciting daunting opportunity make little easier well help understand three main kinds potatoes favorite varieties grow greenhouse first early potatoes first early potatoes also known new potatoes theyre typically first ones harvested varieties usually planted weeks average last frost date tolerate light frost reason first early potatoes particularly good option growing greenhouse winter especially unheated one favorite varieties first early potatoes grow greenhouse include yukon gold dark red norland purple viking second early potatoes suggested second early potatoes midseason potatoes take weeks mature first early potatoes taste best harvested theyre great option grow home yearround eating oftenoverlooked advantage growing first early second early potatoes tend less prone common potato diseases potatoes harvested disease chance take hold favorite varieties second early potatoes grow greenhouse include kennebec red chieftain gold rush maincrop potatoes maincrop potatoes lateseason potatoes take longest mature set goodsized potatoes due longer growing season varieties tend better longterm storage often found grocery stores maincrop potatoes good option greenhouse growing short growing season would still like grow good storage potatoes potatoes tend great options baking mashing frying favorite varieties maincrop potatoes grow greenhouse include burbank russet french fingerling german butterball plant potatoes greenhouse depending greenhouse setup several different options planting potatoes either choose grow potatoes pots raised beds distinct advantages planting pots vs raised beds planting potatoes pots planters makes growing potatoes easy placed greenhouse potatoes safe many animals pests diseases also give flexibility moving around pot least 24 inches deep 12-18 inches wide able accommodate 1-2 potato plants also find many specialized potato planters compared pots planters openings allow observing potatoes develop harvesting new potatoes without digging important container choose deep enough add soil plants grow process called hilling protects potatoes sunlight results better harvest growing potatoes container easy also plant potatoes raised beds issues make sure bed deep enough roots develop properly room hill potato plants several times growing season planting preparation planting potatoes raised bed plant would farming open field keep mind potatoes thrive loose welldrained soil beds compost high quality potting soil potatoes also high feeders good idea mix organic fertilizer time planting choosing plant containers might consider choosing planter bag made fabric sturdy plastic flexible bags great growing potatoes allow spuds grow relatively freely whichever method choose good chit potatoes first process simple set seed potatoes dark spot greenhouse allow start developing sprouts eyes lastly potatoes sensitive freezing temperatures important either heat greenhouse use frost covers indications temperature may fall freezing plant seed potatoes planting potatoes incredibly easy keep tips mind make sure use certified seed potatoes diseaseresistant havent treated sprout inhibitors examine seed potatoes thoroughly planting cut symptoms rot larger seed potatoes cut multiple pieces least 1-2 eyes seed potatoes smaller egg planted whole allow least 24 hours cut exteriors harden sowing seed potato may rot moist soil chance sprout gardeners allow seed potatoes grow sprouts planting leaving dark warm place 16-29c careful break sprouts handling planting raised bed plant seed potatoes 12 inches apart eye side space rows 3 feet apart cover potatoes approximately 3-4 inches soil water well care potatoes greenhouse ensure good crop potatoes cant leave alone forget 4 months luckily doesnt take lot effort care potato plants hilling potato plants unlike plants potato plants develop new roots tubers stem gets covered process called hilling reasons hilling important potatoes first potatoes exposed daylight start turn green chlorophyll isnt dangerous indicates presence solanine toxic compound cause headaches nausea consumed another purpose hilling potatoes improve harvest potatoes develop along submerged stem best time start hilling plants attain height 8-12 inches add soil compost along sides stem hill formation growing containers simply add soil pot proceed earth every time plants least 4 inches soil planting container continue hilling 2 inches top container hilling added benefit preventing weed problems cooling soil preserving moisture end season reuse soil garden add compost pile water requirements potatoes rot soil overwatered doesnt mean sit dry either make sure water potato plants regularly especially tuberformation begins remember soil containers dries faster raised beds prepared water often maintain moist soggy soil potato plants begin sprouting weeks blossoming avoid watering much first weeks planting avoid seed potatoes rotting developing disease best use rainwater water barrel instead tap water tap water usually neutral high ph alkaline potatoes grow best slightly acidic soil ph 55 develop scab alkaline soils soil requirements potatoes heavy feeders make sure plant rich soil organic fertilizer mixed potatoes grow best acidic soil 5 55 alkaline soils potatoes tend develop scab test soil ph easily home amend needed sulfur pine needle mulch another tip get nearperfect skins potatoes put compost shredder make fine blend common potato pests diseases one common issues homegrown potatoes development scab rough patches skins tough ugly potato scab usually caused high ph levels soil amended necessary every potato growers worst fear potato blight usually emerges period warm wet weather greenhouse particularly warm humid youll keep eye signs blight grow early potatoes reduce risk make sure always use fresh soil rotate crops raised beds aphids small pests may feed foliage spread viral diseases extract fluids leaves stems potato plants may cause serious damage insecticidal soaps effective controlling infestations manually remove bugs jet water colorado potato beetles handpicked eaten birds see apply organic pesticide dawn dusk prevent hurting beneficial insects harvest greenhousegrown potatoes potatoes especially earlier varieties take 80-100 days mature cut water supply week anticipated harvest date helps ensure soil greenhouse planter dry enough harvesting potato plants start flower collect early new potatoes plant heads die back eventually point whole crop harvested dig gently garden fork avoid puncturing tubers potatoes grown containers simply empty soil onto ground wheelbarrow separate potatoes hand ensure harvest tubers weeks vines die back tubers dont rot ground harvest potatoes dry day simplify job wet soil could mean wait potatoes airdried placing bags boxes storing potatoes greenhousegrown potatoes best eaten day theyre harvested stored needed store potatoes cool dry place preferably around 7-16c couple weeks let skins cure help last longer brush remaining soil curing dont wash potatoes unless ready cook washing may reduce shelf life place dark humid place temperature around 3-4c also dont put potatoes near apples prevent spoiling apples contain ethylene gas makes ripen faster dont refrigerate potatoes

get early potatoes greenhouse one time potato something would feed pigs today almost like gold fight valiantly get gold among first get easily join fight greenhouse easiest way cultivate potatoes greenhouse use container matter whether old rain boot way quite decorative large biscuit tin plastic bag bucket long drain water drain away choose early sort several hundred different varieties potatoes need get hold earliest crop recommend solist hamlet frieslander sofia seed potatoes potatoes use potatoes garden table potatoes bought choose use garden must make sure free diseases infect new potatoes also buy seed potatoes infected viruses may plant diseases check healthylooking buy seed potatoes medium size pregermination pregerminate means prepare potatoes sprouting sometimes potatoes already begun process buy two ways first method says place somewhere dark temperature 22 degrees 14 days shoots 5 cm long moved somewhere light temperature 15 degrees hereafter ready put outside couple days common method place somewhere light 16 degrees celsius 6 weeks makes shoots thick easily break methods work want try see works best transplant buckets potatoes pregermination process transplant buckets benefit take buckets case potatoes ready transplant tomatoes tomatoes potatoes together good match first thing fill buckets soil lump sheep wool must potato top wool soil wool good store water even decomposed fertiliser tips boe jørgensen experienced danish horticulturist shares method uses cultivating greenhouse first week march place pregerminated potatoes milk juice cartons without bottom topsoil first week march place plastic bucket filled 5 cm peat plant potato middle carton soil top soak soil carton place bucket somewhere inside house temperature 15-20 degrees peat bucket always fairly moist 25th 28th march potatoes transplanted greenhouse done 12 litres buckets compost remember irrigate boe automatic irrigation system especially potatoes forming tubers never need water potatoes frost resistant chance days nights frost must covered instance use bubble wrap one time boe use warming cable alternatively use greenhouse heater get damaged frost buds start coming delay project potatoes ready harvested 15th may duration pregermination transplantation 5-6 weeks planting harvesting 80-100 days potato sort determines usage potatoes us know potatoes called table potatoes previously mentioned many potato varieties sorts suitable mash backed potatoes compared use boiling roasted potatoes make backed potatoes best firm mashed potatoes must able become mushy boiled

ideal conditions greenhouse tomatoes tomatoes grow relatively warm temperatures making perfect greenhouse crop compared outdoor tomato cultivation growing controlled greenhouses increases yields quality reduces pests diseases increases growing season tomatoes one popular vegetables well fruit world surprise theyre one common crops commercial horticulture fact 2020 185 million kgs grown globally 5 million hectares tomato plants relatively short growing season contrasted high demand yearround one main reasons growers around world choose grow tomatoes greenhouse ability control temperature humidity level lighting allow growers provide ideal growing conditions throughout year world wouldnt possible without controlled environment optimal growing conditions tomato crops greenhouse cultivation many benefits without challenges cultivating tomatoes closed environment requires growers create optimal growing conditions rather rely weather guide help provide ideal tomato growing conditions important remember however specific conditions may differ different tomato varieties ideal temperature tomato greenhouse maintaining right temperature one basic functions greenhouse regardless technological advanced providing optimal temperatures allows plants take break nutrients efficiently possible leads faster growth fruit development conditions cold warm plants experience stress affects growth well quality temperaturecontrolled environment theres reason reach temperatures outside ideal range ideal temperature tomato cultivation 21-27c 21.11°C-27.78°C range also best pollination temperatures considered optimal day time night tomato crops may enjoy lower temperatures reaching 16-18c 16.67°C-17.78°C tomato plants grow best within range meaning exhibit quickest development largest yields highest fruit quality however depending variety may able grow well 15-32c 15.00°C-31.67°C ideal temperature germinate tomato seeds 18-29c 18.33°C-29.44°C ideal temperatures tomato cultivation day time 21-27c 21.11°C-27.78°C night time 16-18c 16.67°C-17.78°C seed germination 18-29c 18.33°C-29.44°C maintain optimal temperatures tomatoes maintaining right temperature tomatoes differs greenhouse greenhouse greenhouses located warmer climates others greenhouses require heating actually need cooling reach ideal range use ducts heat pumps boilers chillers hvac forms air conditioning depending local climate ideal humidity tomato greenhouse humidity like temperature major impact tomato plants growth development yield quality order reach full potential important maintain right relative humidity level vpd range outside ideal range plants struggle perform physiological tasks taking nutrients performing photosynthesis humidity high tomato plants wont able evaporate water stomata stops able take water nutrients soil inhibiting development low humidity hand lead water stress case stomata close order retain water similar effect plant shuts important processes slowing growth development also important note many common diseases mildews develop high humidity including botrytis powdery mildew maintaining ideal humidity levels also protects diseases reduces crop loss optimal relative humidity level tomatoes 6085% rh however improve growth dialing different relative humidity set points night day day tomato plants may enjoy higher humidity levels 8085% rh however night plants less active humidity levels 6575% ideal ideal relative humidity level pollination around 70% higher humidity pollen may stick together making harder disperse lower humidity plants stigma tends dry reducing ability collect pollen terms vpd ideal range tomatoes generally 05-08 kpa however higher vpd levels may better later developmental stages flowering stages optimal vpd levels reach 12 kpa ideal relative humidity vpd tomato cultivation day time 6085% rh night time 6575% rh pollination 70% rh vpd 05-12 kpa maintain optimal humidity tomatoes important note tomato crops like plants release water vapor fact increase humidity levels around closed environment inevitably lead high humidity humidity complex issue numerous factors impact may difficult predict relative humidity levels times throughout growing space factors directly affect humidity include temperatures grow lights irrigation systems airflow cases greenhouse growers need reduce humidity rather increase two main methods heating ventilation dehumidification heating venting traditional way greenhouse operators deal humidity involves opening windows vents order let humid air however releasing air inside introducing outdoor air affects conditions inside cases air outside cooler meaning lowers temperature inside greenhouse means need heating compensate heat loss heating venting may useful even efficient weather outside fair however method highly inefficient cold humid rainy conditions requiring lot additional heating maintain temperatures additionally method might work high humidity rain leaving growers solution climates way fully control humidity ensure ideal conditions use dedicated dehumidifiers dehumidification systems designed greenhouse use provide comprehensive energy efficient way control humidity fact using drygair found save average 50% total energy consumption compared ventilation use air circulation improve conditions another important part humidity control air flow maintaining overall ideal humidity level crucial conditions vary throughout greenhouse importantly humidity may higher densely placed plants inside foliage pockets humid air known microclimates detrimental tomato plants slowing growth leading disease outbreaks especially problematic grown tomato plants due high amounts foliage different types tomato crops may risk issue determinate tomatoes many side shoots however indeterminate varieties arent riskfree still require comprehensive humidity control maintaining constant air movement helps disperse microclimates airflow equally effective air circulation type airflow air circulated throughout entire space opposed simple horizontal vertical fans air circulation doesnt create multiple competing airflow directions rather creates cohesive air movement doesnt disperse humid microclimates also creates uniform conditions throughout entire space drygair units include patented air circulation module ensures ideal conditions points greenhouse critical part tomato cultivation significantly reducing common disease outbreaks botrytis additional tips greenhouse tomato cultivation creating ideal growing conditions key producing large yields highquality tomatoes however additional things improve growth prevent diseases save money reducing energy costs avoid wet surfaces common molds mildews require water order develop effective way avoid detrimental diseases avoiding presence water greenhouse two ways free water reaches greenhouse first irrigation plants watered water remains leaves fruit conditions disease development spreading likely prevent plants getting wet water add nutrient solution straight soil potting mix second way water appears greenhouse high humidity relative humidity reaches 100% water starts condense various surfaces including railings equipment even plants however proper humidity control air circulation prevent condensation occurring keep space plants high humidity wet plants become increasingly problematic crowded greenhouse plants overlap prevent air flowing leaves increase amount moisture within foliage makes incredibly difficult maintain ideal humidity levels leaves matters order able control conditions important enough space plants course work ways proper dehumidification reduces overall humidity level provides powerful air circulation allowing decrease space plants creating right balance growing facility

long take grow tomatoes sometimes asked long takes grow tomatoes good question thought wed take opportunity answer click grow smart garden produce mini tomato harvest starting 98 days planting article well look key things remember growing tomatoes indoors outdoors growing tomatoes smart indoor garden first time growing click grow mini tomatoes heres quick timeline expect growth stage click grow mini tomato plant pod contains pregardened tomato seeds optimum indoor room temperature growing mini tomatoes 20.00°C 35.00°C 7 21 days sprouts appear thin tomato seedlings one per pod help plant get space light nutrients needs 22 39 days stake tomato plants theyre young help grow upright bear weight fruit later 40 60 days youll start notice yellow flowers plant sure pollinate shaking plant mimic bee alternatively use index finger small brush transfer pollen one blossom another 61 72 days dont alarmed notice yellow petals falling every flower produces fruit youll rewarded delicious tomatoes later 73 89 days around time plant produce tomatoes look green wont turn red reach maturity 90 110 days plant start produce beautiful ripe tomatoes theyre red theyre ready eat although taste becomes even sweeter let continue grow another 1-2 weeks enjoy every bite knowing click grow mini tomatoes 25 times antioxidative activity 2 times lycopene type tomato plant tips sure download click grow mobile app simply register smart garden plant app well send tips guide stage plants life cycle growing tomatoes outdoors growing tomatoes outdoors little complicated things keep mind transplanting young plants final growing spot usually takes anywhere 60 days 100 days harvest tomatoes growing varieties tomatoes outside first thing make sure live tomatofriendly climate tomatoes grow best temperature 18.33°C 29.44°C day stop growing temperature reaches 35.00°C live somewhere short growing season may worth starting plants indoors transplanting weather warms click grow smart gardens particularly smart garden 9 suitable pregrowing tomato seedlings indoors plant outdoors theyre ready move offer experimental pods enable instance pregrow tomatoes indoor garden spring later plant greenhouse warm enough two popular tomatoes grow globe tomatoes cherry tomatoes globe tomatoes common type tomato deep red full sized cherry tomatoes miniature bitesized counterparts researching tomatoes plant also worth noting difference determinate tomatoes indeterminate tomatoes determinate tomato plants stop growing certain height whereas indeterminate varieties continue grow produce tomatoes throughout growing season tomato plants usually started indoors six eight weeks last frost date area transplant outdoors soil reaches 15.56°C tomatoes require soil thats well drained rich nutrients best tomatoes still grown traditional ways people understand theyre youre trying first time dont shy ask around see experienced vegetable gardeners mentor quick tips getting started choose spot tomatoes get least 8 hours sun every day prepare soil digging removing rocks weeds roots adding compost add organic fertilizer want increase yield tomato plants spread seeds top soil 1 inch apart corner corner water seeds every day sprout watch tomato seedlings grow ground nutrition know tomatoes made 95% water theyre undeniably low carbs bulk carbohydrates made simple sugars insoluble fibers tomatoes also great source dietary fiber average sized tomato provides 15 grams fiber addition tomatoes natural sources vitamin c vitamin k potassium folate studies suggest tomatoes may improve heart health example tomato products fight inflammation signs oxidative stress theres also research suggests tomatoes promote skin health instance tomatobased foods rich lycopene may protect sunburn

general advice potatoes always best full sun aggressively rooting plants find produce best crop planted light loose welldrained soil potatoes prefer slightly acid soil ph 50 70 fortunately potatoes adaptable almost always produce respectable crop even soil conditions growing seasons less perfect always keep potato patch weedfree best results potatoes rotated garden never grown spot 3-4 year absence potatoes plant potatoes potatoes may planted soon ground worked early spring keep soil temperatures mind potato plants begin grow soil temperature reached 45 degrees f soil moist waterlogged potatoes tolerate light frost provide frost protection plants know hard late season freeze coming want extend storage times long growing season plant second crop late june 15 harvest potatoes late possible cutting potatoes planting week two planting date set seed potatoes area exposed light temperatures 60-70 degrees f begin sprouting process day two planting use sharp clean knife slice larger seed potatoes smaller pieces piece approximately 2 inches square must contain least 1 2 eyes buds plant smaller potatoes whole good rule thumb plant potatoes whole smaller size golf ball day seed form thick callous cuts help prevent rotting planting potatoes garden find potatoes best grown rows begin dig trench 6-8 inches deep plant piece potato cut side eyes pointing every 12-15 inches rows spaced 3 feet apart space limited would like grow baby potatoes decrease spacing plants begin fill trench 4 inches soil let plants start grow continue fill trench even mound soil around plants continue grow prior planting always make sure cultivate soil one last time remove weeds loosen soil allow plants become established quickly water potatoes keep potato vines well watered throughout summer especially period plants flowering immediately following flowering stage flowering period plants creating tubers steady water supply crucial good crop outcome potatoes well 1-2 inches water rain per week foliage turns yellow begins die back discontinue watering help start curing potatoes harvest time harvesting potatoes baby potatoes typically harvested 2-3 weeks plants finished flowering gently dig around plants remove potatoes fresh eating careful intrusive try remove biggest new potatoes leave smaller ones place continue grow take need immediate eating homegrown new potatoes luxury used day dug potatoes going kept storage dug 2-3 weeks foliage dies back carefully dig potatoes sturdy fork weather dry allow potatoes lay field unwashed 2-3 days curing step allows skins mature essential good storage weather harvest wet rainy allow potatoes cure dry protected area like garage covered porch storage conditions seed savers exchange able store potatoes well spring underground root cellar try find storage area well ventilated dark cool ideal temperature 35 40 degrees f keep mind varieties better keepers others varieties like red gold rose gold best used fall others like carola russets exceptional keepers saving seed stock home gardeners save seed several generations save best potatoes planting may find several years size begins decrease typical potatoes susceptible viruses looking maximum yields best start fresh usda certified seed stock every year collaboration university wisconsinmadison researchers sse working eradicate viruses heritage potatoes order safely preserve potato genetic diversity offer high quality seed potatoes

long potatoes take grow safe say growers love watch crops grow wait patiently sprout mature produce perfectly ripe fruit vegetables comes root vegetables cant watch wait time harvest right pull produce early youre stuck unripe tiny veggies wait long take risk crop overripe even beginning rot underground long potatoes take grow many things influence long potatoes take grow variables potato variety climate seed preparation amount fertilizer play part taking things account average length growing season potatoes 90 120 days 3 4 months following factors part play takes potatoes grow choosing early midseason maincrop varieties climate country seed preparations chitting potato planting date desired size harvest choosing early midseason maincrop varieties three main types potato varieties ready 3 months take extra month mature early varieties new potatoes harvested earlier year maincrop early varieties necessarily mean grow faster ready earlier year goes midseason maincrop potatoes take roughly amount time grow planting dates determine time year ready harvest earlies early potatoes planted midfebruary may ready middle july around 112 days may possible harvest 100 days warmer climates grow really well start harvesting soon first large tubers appear tender young spuds tasty thin skin means potatoes need eaten within days spoil midseason usually midseason potatoes planted midmarch ready august around 120 days midseason potato deemed midseason optimum time year variety bred grow maincrop maincrop lateseason potatoes take 100 120 days grow mature usually highestyielding potato varieties designed grow full maturity thick skin longterm storage maincrop potatoes bred mature later year harvested colder weather enabling farmers use colder months store well climate country first thing youll need consider local climate potatoes dont like warm weather means begin planting soon danger frost passed youre able work soil northern regions gamble plant early potatoes earlier march cover young shoots plastic containers burlap sheeting mulch overnight protect late frosts temperature hand live hot climate may need plant earlier like december january may need avoid extreme heat summer wreak havoc crop closer equator potatoes even grown winter crop may planting november december really soil need right temperature humidity levels planting soil temperature least 10c 10.00°C also dry enough stick together clumpy soil hard plant seed potatoes rot soil wet sunlight potatoes grow best sunny location cool loose welldrained soil ideal temperature range 16 20 degrees celcius plant potatoes away high trees hedges prevent sunlight getting plants rainfall climate low rainfall likely need water potato crop growing potatoes require least inch rain week grow well potato varieties take time grow less potatoes harvested 90 110 days planting seed preparations chitting planting earlies prepare seed potatoes ahead planting chitting find warm frostfree place quite dark stand seed potatoes egg carton seedling tray rose end see eyes small dents pointing shoots 2 cm 1 long prepare planting bringing daylight buds go white brittle soft green perfect planting method also useful maincrop potatoes begin process indoors still frost garden lets get jumpstart growing season potato planting date planting time varies depending location type potato youre growing colder regions youll want plant slightly later warmer climates plant little earlier growing containers also plant anytime indoors general rule early potatoes planted march midseason varieties typically planted april maincrop lateseason potatoes end may healthy potato plants tolerate light frosts even mild freeze cant survive hard freezes potatoes planted cool weather danger freezing passed well hot weather sets summer potato size harvesting early potatoes harvested late june onwards maincrop potatoes harvested september onwards good rule thumb 100-120 days planting also watch potato plants signs crop ready harvest begin harvest earlier prefer smaller potatoes leave soil longer prefer larger potatoes check new potatoes weeks plants finished flowering thin skins baby potatoes wont cured stored pull enough 2-3 days sure store somewhere cool foliage begins yellow die back potatoes almost ready stop watering crop point plant tops completely died begin harvest potatoes growing optimum fertilizer rates potatoes may begin get big may need stop crop growing spraying crop desiccant cut tops soil level digging potatoes start digging test hill determine potatoes mature enough harvest skins mature potatoes thick firmly attached flesh skins thin rub easily potatoes left ground days intend store remember although potatoes tolerate light frost need dig first hard frost expected shouldnt wash newly dug potatoes freshly harvested tubers need time cure skins dry stored cure crop arranging potatoes good airflow allowing sit room temperature two weeks cured potatoes stored cool dark place 6 months factors affecting maturity mentioned earlier chitting presprouting potatoes help cut outdoor growing time least couple weeks covering young potatoes planting help become established well protect late frosts use plastic containers mulch even old blanket leaving potatoes vulnerable frost definitely lengthen maturation times also puts risk dying using fertilizer also help plants grow well increase yield add suitable potato fertiliser planting seed potatoes feel lacking size later year say flowering add feel need fertiliser homemade fertiliser bought note adding large amount fertiliser extend growing season potato although potatoes bigger take longer mature summary put potatoes ground season ahead planned planting harvest know type potatoes theyll chitted planted much fertilizer youll use ready harvest salad baby potatoes take shortest length time grow around 80 days early midseason varieties 90 100 days finally maincrop potatoes take 100 120 days average good luck

easy gardening joseph masabni assistant professor extension horticulturist texas university system irish potatoes irish potatoes irish pota 1 rish potatoes one americas popular vegetablesthe average american eats 125 pounds potatoes potato products year edible part plant underground stem called tuber root irish potatoes contain 2 percent protein 18 percent starch inexpensive source carbohydrates prepared properly provide good amounts vitamins minerals irish potatoes coolseason crop grow best early spring late fall days warm nights cool however tops plant withstand frost varieties common types irish potatoes red white red varieties store longer white varieties hand white varieties better cooking qualities red varieties many gardeners plant spring whites used first reds stored later use several varieties grow well texas red flesh dark red norland norland red lasoda viking white flesh atlantic gemchip kennebec superior yellow flesh yukon gold russet century russet norgold russet norkatah site selection best production potatoes need full sun best loose welldrained slightly acid soil poorly drained soils often cause poor stands low yields heavy soils cause tubers small rough soil preparation spading remove rocks trash large sticks soil spade eht068 6-14 fertilizerabout 2 cups 30 feet rowin trench seed pieces planted row two bands fertilizer fig 3 seed preparation unlike vegetables irish potatoes grown seed instead pieces potato start new plants buy good seed potatoes free disease chemicals buy potatoes grocery store planting seed potato contains buds eyes sprout grow plants seed piece provides food plant develops root system seed small produce weak plant one pound seed potatoes make 9 10 seed pieces spring crop cut large seed potatoes pieces weighing 1½ 2 ounces size medium hen egg seed piece must least one good eye fig 4 cut seeds 5 6 days planting hold cut seed wellventilated spot heal prevent rotting planted cold wet hot weather plants killed late spring frost come back seed piece rotten fallgrown potatoes plant small uncut potatoes resistant rotting hot weather cut potatoes select mature potatoes 1½ inches diameter soil 8 12 inches deep turning earth cover plant material work soil beds 10 12 inches high 36 inches apart fig 1 bedding vital drainage potatoes need adequate fertilizer early season apply fertilizer planting use 2 3 pounds complete fertilizer 10 20-10 30 feet row bands 2 inches side 1 inch seed piece allow fertilizer touch seed piece apply fertilizer flatten beds 6 8 inches high 10 12 inches wide fig 2 using corner hoe stick open trench 4 inches deep side bed apply half 2 figure 1 planting potatoes work soil beds 10 12 inches high 36 inches apart 36 1012 figure 2 flatten beds 6 8 inches high 10 12 inches wide 1012 1012 68 figure 3 plant seed pieces row two bands fertilizer seed piece fertilizer figure 4 cut large seed potatoes pieces least one good eye seed pieces inches apart trench fig 5 step seed piece dropping ensure good contact soil cover seed 3 inches deep covered deeply plants slow break soil subject disease seed decay fertilizing plant must adequate moisture fertilizer tubers forming usually occurs plants 6 8 inches tall apply 1 cup fertilizer 30 feet row beside plants 4 inches tall watering growth keep soil moisture supply constant water fertilizer soil especially sandy soils moisture stress followed irrigation rainfall cause growth cracks second growth fig 6 rainfall accompanied hot weather rest period developing tubers broken cause tubers sprout soil much water enlarges pores tubers makes rot easily storage care season tubers produced potato plant arise seed piece 3 potatoes rest period must broken sprout rest period easily broken small mature potatoes sure rest period broken store small seed potatoes warm damp conditions 2 weeks planting placing shady spot covering moist burlap bags mulch potatoes small sprouts planting time seed usually available spring fall many gardeners buy extra seeds spring hold fall planting best storage keep potatoes cool humid spot bottom refrigerator save potato seeds 1 year cause buildup virus diseases reduce yield planting plant potatoes soil temperature 4 inches deep reaches 50 degrees f 3 weeks last spring frost areas texas potatoes planted february early march planted early tops frozen spring frost fall crop plant 110 days first expected frost midaugust areas use hoe stick open trench 3 inches deep center bed drop seed pieces 10 12 figure 5 drop seed pieces 10 12 inches apart trench 3-4 12 figure 6 moisture stress followed watering cause growth cracks second growth much water causes enlarged pores tubers growth crack second growth enlarged pores potato plants cross tomato plants insects many insecticides available garden centers homeowner use sevin synthetic insecticide organic options include sulfur btbased insecticides sulfur also fungicidal properties helps controlling many diseases using pesticide read label always follow cautions warnings directions 4 seed piece planted 3 inches deep soil must pulled toward plant grows fig 7 gives tubers place form gardeners use thick mulch purpose potatoes formed soft mulch often smoother better shape grown soil especially true soil heavy potatoes enlarge must protected sunlight turn green apply thick layer mulch plants 8 10 inches tall block sunlight reduce soil temperature increase yield quality potato plants usually produce flowers sometimes produce fruits fig 8 fruits bear true seed potato plant look like small tomatoes eaten figure 8 potato plants usually produce flowers sometimes produce fruits name description control 1 16 inch long metallic bronze black blue green jumps quickly eats small round holes leaves sevin adult black yellow stripes 3 8 inch long larva red light orange two rows black dots side soft bodied 3 8 inch long feeds leaves sevin 1 8 inch long green pink red brown soft bodied usually found underside leaves sucks plant juices malathion yellowwhite dark head tail slender ½ 1½ inches long feeds tubers weed control sanitation hand removal green wedge shaped crawls sidewise disturbed 1 8 inch long sucks juices leaves leaves curl upward turn yellow brown sevin flea beetle colorado potato beetle wireworm aphid adult larva leafhopper figure 7 tubers produced potato plant come seed piece soil must pulled toward plant grows soil mulch tubers turn green covered seed piece roots harvest potatoes dig plants shovel spading fork keep pitchfork 8 10 inches away plant prevent cutting potatoes raise plants shake away soil potatoes dug soil moist wet soil stick potatoes dry dirt clods bruise potatoes pull potatoes vines handle carefully prevent damage damaged potatoes store well allow potatoes dry store cool spot plenty air movement potato varieties ready dig 95 110 days planting potatoes dug place tops compost pile spring potato crop often followed summer crop southern peas serving peel away green areas potatoes cooking suggestions prepare serve potatoes contact county extension agent 5 diseases potatoes troubled several diseases treating seed pieces fungicide planting helpful check plants daily treat approved fungicide diseases appear neem oil sulfur fungicides available use always follow label directions good rotation program effective way control potato diseases possible plant potatoes place 3 years follow precede potatoes eggplant okra pepper tomato seed piece treatment especially important garden small adequate rotation harvesting storing potatoes ready harvest tops begin die potato skin becomes firm skin set scrape easily rubbed thumb skin set speeded cutting back tops plants potatoes weigh 6 12 ounces harvest harvest small new potatoes growing season carefully digging beside plants fingers acknowledgments publication revised earlier versions written b dean mccraw former professor extension horticulturist information given herein educational purposes reference commercial products trade names made understanding discrimination intended endorsement texas agrilife extension service implied texas agrilife extension service agrilifeextensiontamuedu extension publications found agrilifebookstoreorg educational programs texas agrilife extension service open people without regard race color sex religion national origin age disability genetic information veteran status texas university system us department agriculture county commissioners courts texas cooperating

lfr icfic q l introduction potato production hp beukema de van der zaag pudoc wageningen 1990 sàz 3j cipdata koninklijke bibliotheek den haag beukema hp introduction potato production hp beukema de van der zaag wageningen pudoc 111 ref isbn 90-220-0963-7 bound siso 6324 udc 633491 nugi 835 subject heading potato production isbn 90-220-0963-7 nugi 835 student edition book distributed international agricultural centre wageningen sale cover fred helfrich deventer photograph cabo photografic service wageningen centre agricultural publishing documentation pudoc wageningen 1990 part publication apart bibliographic data brief quotations embodied critical reviews may reproduced rerecorded published form including print photocopy microfilm electronic electromagnetic record without written permission publisher pudoc po box 4 6700 aa wageningen netherlands printed netherlands contents 12 13 13 13 14 16 18 19 21 21 23 foreword w potato throughout world special reference tropics subtropics 11 distribution 12 recent developments production 3 utilization 14 production systems 5 production cost 6 farm consumer prices 7 potatoes comparison foodstuffs 8 possibilities increase potato consumption tropics subtropics 19 estimates potential yield temperate zones tropical subtropical zones 25 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 32 32 32 32 33 34 34 35 35 35 37 38 38 potato plant 21 haulm 22 roots 23 tubers 231 skin 232 cork woundperiderm formation 24 sprouts dormancy sprout growth 31 dormancy 32 length dormancy 321 variety 322 maturity tuber 323 field weather conditions growth 324 storage conditions 325 injuries 33 initiation sprout growth 34 sprout growth 341 physiological stage tuber 342 growth rate sprouts physiological age seed 343 growth rate desprouting 344 growth rate sprouts temperature 39 345 humidity sprout growth 39 346 light sprout growth 39 347 variety sprout growth 39 348 tuber size sprout growth 41 35 growth vigour 42 4 crop ecophysiology 42 41 introduction 42 42 production determining factors 42 421 photosynthesis 42 4211 introduction 43 4212 temperature 44 4213 light intensity light interception 46 4214 leafage 47 4215 carbon dioxide concentration 50 422 respiration 52 423 partitioning assimilates 53 43 factors determining growing pattern 53 431 introduction 53 432 preemergence emergence 53 433 haulm growth tuber growth 54 434 factors affecting haulm growth tuber growth 54 4341 day length temperature 56 4342 light intensity 56 4343 physiological age seed 56 4344 plant density 56 4345 nitrogen water 57 4346 varieties species 57 4347 growth regulators 57 435 interaction factors influencing growth pattern 57 436 flowering 58 44 tuber yield 58 441 introduction 58 442 tuber yield expressed daily production number days 58 4421 daily production 60 4422 number production days 60 443 tuber yield explained terms intercepted par utilization coefficient foliage harvest index tuber dry matter 61 5 method calculating tuber yield 61 51 methods simulating crop growth andor calculating tuber yield 62 52 explanation simple model calculating tuber yield 63 53 example calculate tuber yield cumulative light interception utilization efficiency foliage 65 54 application model 65 541 calculating potential yield 66 542 identifying production contrains region 67 543 explaining differences yield field experiments 69 6 marketable yield plant population 69 61 yield tuber size 70 62 plant density tuber size 71 63 plant density seed rate 71 631 number sprouts per seed tuber 72 632 potential number sprouts plant density 72 6321 number sprouts planted number main stems 73 6322 sprout damage number stems 73 6323 soil conditions number stems 73 64 distribution stems 73 641 seed size distribution stems 74 642 row distance distribution stems 74 65 optimum density seed rate 76 66 density multiplication rate 77 7 seed requirements seed treatment 77 71 standards health relation virus diseases 79 72 seed size sorting grading 80 73 physiological age storage seed 80 74 temporary storage seed 81 75 breaking dormancy 81 76 seed cutting 82 761 measures prevent seed piece decay 83 762 seed cutting practice 83 77 presprouting 85 8 soil requirements seed bed preparation planting ridging 85 81 impermeable layers 85 82 emergence seed bed 87 83 planting depth emergence 87 84 planting depth covering developing tubers soil 88 85 seed bed preparation 88 86 ridging time final earthing 88 861 soil moisture soil temperature 89 862 weed control 89 87 planting ridging systems netherlands 89 871 light soils 89 872 medium light soils 90 873 medium heavy soils 90 88 planting ridging regions 92 9 manuring 92 91 nutrients affecting yield quality 94 92 placing fertilizers 95 93 farmyard manure 97 10 water supply 97 101 effect growth yield tuber quality 97 1011 period planting emergence 97 1012 period emergence beginning tuber growth 98 1013 period beginning tuber growth bulking period 99 102 amount water needed 99 1021 evapotranspiration transpiration 102 1022 amount soil water available crop growth 103 1023 water supply replenish soil moisture used 106 103 irrigation systems 106 1031 furrow irrigation 106 1032 sprinkler irrigation 108 11 specific weather conditions affecting yield quality 108 111 hail night frost 108 112 high temperatures 108 1121 second growth 109 1122 internal brown spot 110 1123 black heart 111 12 tuber quality 111 121 dry matter content 113 1211 variation dry matter content tubers batch 114 122 reducing sugar content 114 1221 variety 114 1222 degree maturity tubers 115 1223 growing conditions 116 1224 storage temperature 118 1225 physiological development tubers 118 123 discolouration peeling black spot 120 124 discolouration cooking 120 1241 ph 120 1242 ratio citric acid chlorogenic acid 121 1243 factors influencing discolouration 121 125 glycoalkaloids 122 1251 variety 123 1252 conditions circumstances influencing sg content tubers 124 13 disease pest control systems 124 131 disease control 124 1311 integrated control diseases 124 1312 reduction crop losses 125 1313 preventing introduction diseases 125 132 general methods disease pest control 125 1321 cultural practices 126 13211 soil tillage planting ridging methods 126 13212 seed preparation 127 13213 water supply drainage irrigation 127 13214 roguing haulm destruction 128 13215 harvest handling storage methods 128 1322 use clean seed 128 1323 tuber disinfection 128 13231 prestorage treatment 129 13232 wet treatment tubers 129 13233 fumigation tubers 129 13234 dusting tubers time planting 130 1324 soil treatment 130 1325 foliar application fungicides 131 1326 rotation 131 1327 isolation 131 133 control virus diseases 133 134 insect control 134 14 carves 134 jai_jhme harvest 135 142 haulm destruction 136 1421 methods haulm destruction 137 1422 stem end vascular ring necrosis 137 143 harvesting operations transport storage 138 1431 time lifting collection 138 1432 damage transport grading 139 15 storage principles 139 151 methods duration storage 140 152 storage losses storage requirements 140 1521 evaporation losses 141 1522 respiration losses 142 1523 sprout growth losses 142 1524 losses caused fungi bacteria insects 143 1525 physiological stage 143 1526 chemical composition 144 153 aspects affecting keeping quality tubers 144 1531 tuber quality skin 144 1532 ventilation 148 1533 temperature 148 15331 storage soil 149 15332 naturally ventilated stores 150 15333 outside air cooling forced ventilation 151 15334 refrigeration 152 1534 moisture humidity 153 1535 light 154 1536 chemicals 154 154 storage methods storage capacity 155 16 seed potatoes quality use supply production 155 161 quality 155 1611 multiplication rate degeneration rate 157 1612 physiological age storage seed 159 1613 fungal bacterial diseases nematodes 160 162 seed use supply 160 1621 methods improving andor maintaining seed stocks farm level 161 16211 adjustment planting seasons 161 16212 selection 162 16213 disinfection seed 163 1622 seed sources 164 163 seed programmes 164 1631 completeseed programmes versusincompleteprogrammes 165 1632 organization seed programme objectives 168 1633 seed market seed quantity quality 168 1634 management production storage 169 1635 seed quality rational use 169 164 basic seed production 169 1641 clonal selection 170 1642 rapid multiplication 171 1643 multiplication test tubes invitro multiplication 171 j4644 true potato seed tps 172 165 seed potato production virus diseases 173 1651 infection sources isolated areas 173 1652 low vector population 174 16521 aphid population 175 1653 vector control 176 1654 mineral oils 176 1655 maturity resistance 176 1656 resistant varieties 176 166 seed quality inspection 178 1661 field inspection 178 1662 laboratory tests 179 1663 postharvest control 179 1664 bulk inspection 179 1665 verification plots check plots control plots 180 1666 seed inspection regulations 181 1667 seed certification netherlands 182 16671 plant quarantine regulations 182 16672 quality seed planted 183 16673 field inspection additional laboratory tests 184 16674 lifting dates haulm destruction dates 184 16675 postharvest control 184 16676 bulk inspection certification 185 16677 verification plots 185 1668 development seed tolerances 186 17 varieties breeding 186 171 developments potato breeding 187 172 vegetative reproduction 187 173 phenotype variation 187 1731 tetraploids 188 1732 diploids 189 1733 wild primitive potato species 190 1734 environmental variation 190 1735 expected progress breeding 191 174 breeding objectives choice parents 192 175 flowering pollen seed 192 176 selection procedures 193 177 breeding methods 194 11771 new methods techniques 195 î71t varieties properties 195 179 determination characteristics 195 1791 indirect evaluation 196 17911 yield characteristics 196 17912 tolerance weather conditions physiological disorders 196 1792 direct tests 196 17921 potato leaf roll virus 197 17922 field resistance viruses x 197 17923 immunity viruses x 197 17924 virus tolerance 198 17925 resistance common scab 198 17926 late blight resistance 199 1710 variety testing programme 200 17101 preliminary trials 200 17102 regional trials 200 17103 introductory trials 201 references 206 appendices 208 authors foreword contents book similar syllabi used international potato course mainly intended students tropical subtropical countries organized annually international agricultural centre wageningen soon start course 1972 wider interest expressed syllabi therefore decided bring together book revised edition 9 years first edition print second edition new chapters added chapters drastically revised various chapters minor alterations introduced however purpose book changed still intention authors book help reader discover important factors influence production development potato crop comprehend interaction adequate understanding insight crop reliable proposals crop improvement made review literature restricted much possible prevent reader unable see wood trees needs information literature specific topic existing potato handbooks consulted believe publication compete serve supplement handbooks existing practical guides potato production least intention although admit chapters closely resemble syllabus others consequence topics discussed one place nevertheless hope revised publication also find niche 1 potato throughout world special reference tropics subtropics 11 distribution maize potato widely distributed crop world grown 140 countries 100 located tropical subtropical zones however production still concentrated temperate regions industrialized countries almost third crop produced developing countries mainly countries asia table 1 potato originates mountains south america important food crop long time 16th century potato introduced europe curiosity gradually became food crop especially varieties selected adapted long day conditions 18th 19th centuries already important food crop especially poor various countries europe north america immigrants europe taken tubers along found place among food crops 19th century potato introduced several tropical subtropical countries mainly colonists europe recent years potato spread many countries warmer drier climates become important regions north africa plains india bangladesh pakistan central america chile argentina uruguay coastal plains peru 12 recent developments production last decade total area world cropped potatoes decreased slightly area decreased western europe remained fairly stable table potato production throughout world fao production yearbook 1986 world countries market economies industrialized countries developing countries countries centrally planned economies europe incl ussr asia 13 number countries 129 27 90 8 4 production 106 tonnes 309 74 38 150 47 14 introduction potato production 1 area asian cpe ____ ëe 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 76 77 78 79 81 82 83 84 85 86 7v76 7577 7678 7779 7 0 7%1 b2 8183 8284 83 8 5 8v6 6 fig 1 land area potatoes potato production countries northern hemisphere market economies centrally planned economies cpe 197476-198486 3year moving averages 197476 100 based data fao production yearbooks na north america western europe ee eastern europe cpe asian countries centrally planned economies cpe fig 1 increased considerably developing countries exception latin america fig 2 period total production europe north america change much fig 1 increased considerably developing countries figures 1 2 greatest increase production occurred asia africa total production almost doubled asian countries market economies increase production partly due increases yield area egin asia due increase yield eg europe north america latin america due increase area eg africa 13 utilization less half total potato production used human consumption table 2 1982 almost third still used stock feed mainly eastern europe poland ussr potatoes starch production concentrated netherlands eastern europe japan use potatoes alcohol production negligible large amount potatoes used fodder also demonstrated big potato thoughout world 15 ibu 150 140 130 110 100 qn area africa l l 79e 8%2 8e3 82 k 1öu 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 production fe africa la 7v76 n l n 7678 7779 7880 7%1 284 838 fig 2 land area potatoes potato production developing market economies 197476-198486 3year moving averages 197476 100 based data fao production yearbooks fe far east ne near east la latin america difference potato production consumption per head population eastern europe table 3 production per capita still low developing countries particularly africa far east consequently consumption per capita also low regions increasing developing countries western europe north america consumption per capita decreased remained fairly stable last decade eastern europe consumption per capita higher western europe seems decreased slightly 16 introduction potato production table 2 utilization world potato crop van der zaag horton 1983 based datafrom c1p 1982 use human consumption stock feed seed starch quantity 106 tonne 126 88 39 6 percentage total 45 31 14 2 table 3 potato production consumption kg per capita 198082 horton fano 1985 world developed market economies north america western europe oceania developing market economies africa latin america near east far east centrally planned economies asia eastern europe incl ussr production 66 89 69 129 62 15 9 31 29 10 126 54 331 consumption 28 55 54 73 52 11 7 23 22 7 38 28 94 14 production systems industrialized countries particularly north america countries western europe potato production almost completely mechanized one hectare ware potatoes 50 tonnes produced stored 20-40 man hours whereas 30 years ago one hectare 30 tonnes required 200 man hours reduction labour coupled heavy investment machines stores another consequence mechanization concentration specialization crop special farms certain regions western europe potato production greatly decreased eg west germany france increased netherlands approximately two thirds netherlands total production exported fresh processed form wide variation production systems developing countries depending local growing market conditions andes central africa himalaya region potato produced usually small subsistence farmers grow less 1-2 ha number small scattered fields areas typical rainfed crop often subject poor weather conditions drought heavy rains frost hail typhoons part crop harvested kept seed regions potato thoughout world 17 potatoes relatively cheap usually case high altitudes large proportion crop stored simple way used home consumption regions potatoes relatively expensive central america south east asia farmers sell large proportion purchase cheaper food earnings possibly means improve crop production certainly case regions crop irrigated eg north africa plains india bangladesh pakistan owing short growing season potato plays important role several vegetable production regions eg sri lanka crop rotations rice wheat eg punjab india intercropping beans maize sugar cane eg mauritius potato suitable crop hot humid lowlands temperature high whole year round upper slopes andes old varieties usually andigenum long vegetative period used varieties highly resistant phytophthora infestans able regenerate damaged extreme weather conditions frost hail moreover field crop used home consumption often planted mixture several varieties colombia proven crossing tuberosum varieties developed shorter growing period still suitable production mountains regions world varieties used rather short vegetative period particularly tropics subtropics short day conditions vegetative period imported varieties temperate zones becomes even shorter comparison food crops production potato expressed dry matter energy protein per hectare per day high table 4 regard energy efficiency potato may well best crop tropics subtropics probably one best crops protein production owing short vegetative period short day growing conditions usually less 100-120 days high efficiency producing energy valuable protein favoured crop rotations short growing period fits well table 4 top ranking food crops terms production dry matter edible energy protein developing market economies horton fano 1985 rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 dry matter cassava yams potatoes tha sweet potatoes rice carrots cabbages bananas wheat maize 30 24 22 21 19 17 16 15 13 13 energy mjha potatoes yams carrots maize cabbages sweet potatoes rice wheat cassava eggplants per day 216 182 162 159 156 152 151 135 121 120 protein kgha per day cabbages dry broad potatoes dry peas eggplants wheat lentils tomatoes chickpeas carrots beans 20 16 14 14 14 13 13 12 11 10 18 introduction potato production 15 production cost difficult make correct comparison production costs regions countries due wide variation production conditions production systems differences methods calculating costs nevertheless evident developing countries whole production cost per unit energy protein potatoes average two three times higher rice wheat bread whereas industrialized country netherlands costs slightly higher potatoes wheat sugar beet sugar table 5 information structure production costs may useful table 6 gives indication six developing countries mentioned table 5 production cost consumer price potatoes foods us 1981 partly van der zaag horton 1983 yield production cost consumer price tha ha energy protein energy protein 10 kj kg 10 kj kg developing countries potatoes wheat bread rice netherlands potatoes wheat bread sugar beet sug uf ar 105 14 21 45 65 50 1520 250 380 2500 1400 1900 47 14 18 18 17 14 7 2 4 3 2 114 47 52 95 116 52 18 5 11 15 13 1 edible part foods table 6 cost structure potato crop selected countries van der zaag horton 1983 structure labour equipment incl fuel seed fertilizers chemical organic pesticides peru 16 10 29 14 14 17 colombia 34 6 24 22 0 14 bangladesh 20 15 36 26 2 1 india 18 6 45 18 9 4 kenya 54 6 21 4 8 7 rwanda 62 0 38 0 0 0 netherlands 20 38 20 12 0 10 1 fixed costs included potato thoughout world 19 table labour seed potatoes form major costs 34 32 respectively whilst netherlands cost equipment predominates 16 farm consumer prices obviously crop liable wide variation yield easily stored well hot climate show wide variations farm consumer prices almost developing countries potato production importance prices drop sharply harvest time spite growing one crop per year fig 3 nevertheless farm price percentage retail price seems much larger developing countries industrialized countries table 7 consumer retail price vary greatly even one region difficult make correct comparison consumer price potatoes foods different parts world however table 8 gives reader least indication price ratio potatoes foods various parts world bread wheat flour often subsidized moreover developing countries potatoes must considered vegetable better compare potato prices vegetable prices table 9 potatoes appear much cheaper common vegetables h 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 harvest 2m 3m 4m 5m harvest 2m 3m 4m 5m 2 4 6 8 10 12 h 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 3 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 weeks fig 3 average constant weekly wholesale prices potatoes wakulina market nairobi 1973-77 twoweek moving average source ministry agriculture kenya published durr lorenzl 1980 table 7 farm price percentage retail price selected regions countries number countries brackets based fao unpublished ilo 1978 van der zaag horton 1983 africa 10 latin america 6 near east 2 52 69 54 far east 7 north america 2 netherlands 61 22 33 20 introduction potato production table 8 average cost us 106 kj food energy 1 kg protein potatoes bread rice 1977 number countries brackets van der zaag horton 1983 potatoes bread rice energy protein energy protein energy protein developed countries usa western europe 14 eastern europe 4 developing countries africa 20 latin america 13 near east 4 far east 9 129 87 126 171 129 142 90 20 14 20 27 20 22 24 90 03 83 61 77 34 61 10 12 9 7 9 4 7 56 79 85 50 40 61 24 11 16 17 10 8 12 5 fresh weight 100 193 157 119 139 energy 100 911 284 338 459 protein 100 186 314 238 139 table 9 relationship average consumer price potatoes selected vegetables capitals several developing countries number cities price based given brackets preise und preinsindizes im ausland reihe 11 1984 vegetables consumer price per unit potatoes 10 tomatoes 9 onions 9 carrots 6 cabbages 5 retail price ratio potatoes expressed terms energy protein staple foods much higher developing countries say netherlands tables 5 8 seems likely relatively high production cost potatoes developing countries main reason fairly high consumer price high price largely caused high marketing margin table 7 often supposed differences position potato crop various growing regions wide general description conclusion specific description would useful uplands tropics subtropics potato usually main food crop compete easily price foodstuffs irrigated regions harvest shortly thereafter potato competitive price nonsubsidized staple food eg rice bangladesh period potato considered vegetable several regions potato introduced recently potato still often luxury vegetable potential become cheap vegetable provided production conditions marginal potato thoughout world 21 17 potatoes comparison foodstuffs point view nutritive value potato competitive foodstuffs table 10 reader referred potato human diet jennifer woolfe information 18 possibilities increase potato consumption tropics subtropics industrialized countries potato consumption decreased increase income 51 developing countries low consumption per capita estimated potato consumption increase 2 price decreases 1 consumption increase percentage increase income van der zaag horton 1983 decrease retail price accomplished reducing production cost per unit weight done two ways reducing production cost per ha maintaining yield increasing yield holding cost per hectare steady reducing production cost per hectare achieved reducing major costs developing countries labour seed potatoes table 6 although receive great deal attention even may expected increase yield figure 4 shows last 15 years much achieved developing countries period 1965-1980 accumulated calculated increase yield expressed terms energy protein developing countries market economies even higher potatoes wheat rice van der zaag horton 1983 reason suppose increase yield continued although expected yield level attained tropics subtropics similar yield level temperate zones prove statement must introduce concept potential yield biological yield 7v76 7577 76 7 8 79 7%0 7981 8%2 u 8385 886 fig 4 potato yields developing market economies 197476-198486 3year moving averages 197476 100 based data fao production yearbooks fe far east ne near east la latin america 22 introduction potato production cj 60 j3 c ë u u 0 0 j 2 5 op 2 e f h iy1 l n r oc h ö ö cö j v c co ca 11 ca 00 i3 p ö tt f ö c r oo oo j n ca ih c l tto 00 00 ë ca u 3 i_ cj ça oo v cnl ci n ro oo r1 ö huttfooowittor tj 3 ï ndajniodmöonfncnid n ncfnin 1 e _ l ca 3 ij 2 u 2 2 g aö ö tim c n e n f ö n oo c w c l e cn oo oo n tino oo ö ö cn ö tu cu ou 0 c cd 0 c u ca j ë c c u u ë b _r j ë 3 c 00 io go e ca 0 0 cj c ca cq cu n cj go n ö v n c n tf ö ö n f tt ttë ë cj w u j2 c co fi t3 ï e j c u 3 ë c3 u _ l p

university california vegetable research information center vegetable gardening growing potatoes authors harwood hall farm advisor susan wada technician ronald e voss extension vegetable specialist points remember plant certified seed potatoes one potato vine yield 2 4 pounds potatoes potatoes cool season crop potatoes need light welldrained soil store potatoes cool dark place planting calendar north coast monterey countynorth march june south coast san luis obispo countysouth march may july august interior valleys december march july august imperial coachella valleys november january division agricultural sciences leaflet university california 2802 page 1 university california vegetable research information center varieties white rose long white early medium maturity 100 120 days planting store well good boiling potato salad red la soda round red early maturity 90 100 days planting store well good boiling potato salad norgold russet blocky russet early maturity 90 100 days store well good baking boiling kennebec blocky white early medium maturity 100 120 days stores moderately well good frying hash browns russet burbank long russet late maturity 120 140 days stores well good baking frying hash browns doesnt grow well hot areas soil preparation potatoes need welldrained sandytoloam soil grow well heavy soils cultivate seedbed well making sure loose friable condition planting mulching soil organic mulch planting good idea fertilize planting time following instructions given fertilization planting apply 3 pounds fertilizer labeled 5-10-5 10-10-5 equivalent 100 square feet soil numbers refer respective percentages nitrogen phosphorus potassium fertilizer law requires percentages listed commercial fertilizer labels fertilizer may mixed soil applied band apply band dig furrow alongside planting row 22 inches deeper youll plant seed pieces sprinkle fertilizer evenly along furrow cover least 2 inches soil planting planting methods potatoes started sections tubers buy certified seed potatoes california department food agriculture annually publishes list certified seed growers however supply small quantities contact local suppliers ahead planting insure able purchase necessary amount certified seed noncertified seed may treated sprout inhibitor probably potato virus disease reduce yield cut seed potatoes pieces weighing 1z 2 ounces one eyes store cut pieces room temperature preferably humid place 1 2 days planting allow cut surface form callus decreases rotting prepare planting furrow 3 inches deep drop seed pieces furrows fill furrows ground level rows 36 39 inches apart seed pieces planted 6 10 inches apart depending size potatoes want harvest leave furrow way 4 6 weeks add 3 inches soil seed pieces buried 6 inches deep irrigation potatoes shallowrooted need frequent light irrigation 1 2 times week constant soil moisture necessary soil dries tubers formed second growth start soil gets moist page 2 university california vegetable research information center cause knobby potatoes multiples alternate wet dry conditions also cause hollow heart cavities near center potato cultivation cultivate carefully remove weeds taking care injure roots tubers near ground surface pest control two insects likely cause problems aphids potato tubermoth standard garden procedures killing aphids may used potato tubermoth avoided seeing potato tubers always covered soil soil crack disease chemically controlled blight fungicide sprays powders may used harvesting small immature tubers robbed growing plants care taken disturb roots remaining tubers plant however crop harvested vines die andor skin tubers firm flaky remove vines digging potatoes mature fall frost andor heavy rains threat left ground needed tubers left ground take care expose light soil cracks digging potatoes held room temperature week ideally stored 40 50a f keep 6 15 weeks 40 50 f properly cured depending variety higher temperatures decrease storageability keep longest 36a 40 f may taste sweet fry dark potatoes good source vitamin c freshly cooked one medium potato provides onehalf adult recommendation rda vitamin c also provides small useful amounts vitamins minerals thiamin niacin iron potato relatively low calories doesnt include caloric content gravy sauce often served one medium potato contains 75 calories little caloric content apple potato exceptionally low sodium content making useful sodiumrestricted diets also essentially fatfree easy digest recommended daily dietary allowance national research council revised 1974 cooperative extension university california information provided cooperative extension educational agency university california united states department agriculture support cooperative extension supplied federal state county governments cooperative extension provides people california latest scientific information agriculture family consumer sciences also sponsors 4h youth program cooperative extension representatives serving 56 counties california known form home youth advisors offices usually located county seat happy provide information fields work university californias cooperative extension programs available without regard race color national origin issued furtherance cooperative extension work acts may 8 june 30 1914 cooperation united states department agriculture james b kendrick jr director cooperative extension university california page 3

organic potato production californias central coast guide beginning specialty crop growers introduction potatoes good addition smallscale mixed specialty crop system access proper tools mechanized weed management hilling harvest relatively easy grow multiple varieties offer array shapes sizes colors make potatoes excellent choice direct sales including community supported agriculture csa farmers markets specialty markets restaurants central coasts climate ideal potato production yields reach impressive 10 tons per acre guide describes steps involved growing potatoes organically reviews equipment needs provides information new creamer potato growth habits recommended varieties features potato production harvested new creamer fully cured storage potatoes grown production schedule easy store fully cured mechanization makes weed management harvest extremely efficient good rotation crop symphylan pressure high extremely tolerant symphylan feeding pressure shown reduce symphylan populations subsequent crops potatoes 2 center agroecology sustainable food systems potatoes production practices summary soil type ph potatoes grow best loose welldrained noncrusting sandy loam loam soils high organic matter content ph 55 65 site selection isolate successive potato plantings plant far possible susceptible crops tomatoes minimize risk impact late blight phytopthera infestans fertility requirements fallwinter cover crop bell beans triticale vetch compost needed 5 tonsacre soil temperature seed pieces germinate soil temperatures cool less 55ºf bed spacing bed spacing 48 allows balance workability yield potential 30 bed spacing possible using 4gang lilliston cultivators disc hillers shovels 60 beds provide ease field operations may reduce yield potential potatoes grow best planted single line per row allow hilling see page 5 ensure potatoes covered soil potatoes exposed sunlight turn green become unmarketable plant spacing within row 812 plants row closer spacing result smaller tubers see page 9 new creamer potatoes planting size depth use 153 ounce seed pieces least 2 eyes place seed pieces 24 deep irrigation preirrigate beds overhead sprinklers cultivate weed management use drip irrigation planting overhead irrigation increases risks fungal infection phytopthora infestans late blight days maturity varieties suitable central coast region reach full maturity 100 120 days harvest new potatoes growth stage following bloom canopy full typically 89 weeks planting depending variety weather harvest creamers 1012 weeks planting depending variety weather crop rotation rotate ground solanums strawberries minimum 4 years break disease cycles organic potato production californias central coast 3 potatoes production sequence overview growers use flame weeder stage ideally potato leaf emergence even emergence necessary crop day 25 spring mow cover crop facilitate breakdown crop day 25 incorporate cover crop residue crop day 11 form beds rolling cultivator listing shovels crop day 10 preirrigate beds overhead irrigation 115 wait dry weed emergence crop day 3 cut potato seed preparation planting crop day 1 work bed surface lightly cultivator terminate weeds reform beds crop day 0 create trench center bed using small furrowing shovel alabama shovel plant potatoes cover seed lightly 34 soil using rolling cultivator run slowly crop day 11 soon first weeds appear cultivate furrow bottoms bed sides sweeps knives pass run chisels furrow bottoms break tractor tire compaction crop day 11 set drip irrigation crop days 30 40 hill plants soil potato stems elongate usually twice prior bloom crop day 30 begin drip irrigation note drip irrigate maintain even moisture tubers main crop harvest 75% desired size cut irrigation let vines die potatoes continue size crop days 5595 check tuber size flowering harvest new potatoes 89 weeks planting creamers 1012 weeks crop day 60 spot weed large flowering weeds crop day 116 run overhead irrigation 02505 prior harvest main crop make harvest easier avoid scuffing crop days 120 140 harvest main potato crop crop days 160 pull drip lines crop day 180 disc plants prepare soil fall cover crop drill cover crop seed prior fallwinter rains numbers parentheses refer crop day crop day 0 planting day based typical season casfs uc santa cruz farm see appendix page 12 crop days related activities crop day 21 begin chitting potato seed 4 center agroecology sustainable food systems potatoes production practices additional details soil type potatoes grow best light textural soil classes sands silts organic matter om 3% potato tubers high respiration rate require ample oxygen soil lighter soils let air allow potatoes breathe lighter soil textures also offer less physical resistance tuber formation thus plant put caloric energy forming large cosmetically even tubers lighter sandier soils also make harvest easier heavier soils higher clay content tend provide better fertility water holding capacity cause tuber deformation make washing challenging although change texture soil enhance structure increasing organic matter content adding compost incorporating cover crops green manures fertility potatoes yield well planted following incorporation mixed legumecereal cover crop eg bell bean 3035% peas 2030% vetch 30% triticale 1015% incorporated well cover crop residue leaves soil loose friable microbial decomposition releases nutrients provide adequate fertility available nutrients applying compost use rate 5 tons per acre 100 lb n per acre avoid overapplication nitrogen n excess nitrogen make plants susceptible late blight phytopthora infestans delay tuber set maturation increase water content tubers leads shorter storage life postharvest physiological disorders bed spacing plant potatoes single line system facilitate hilling depending equipment available standard bed spacing used farm beds spaced 30 60 center center hilling potatoes challenging narrower beds 4gang lilliston cultivators disc hillers shovels potential options spacing wider bed spacing means loss yield potential consider tradeoffs ease hilling operations efficiencies land use labor required adjust equipment take account crops grow choose bed spacing works best farming system whole timing planting spring best time plant potatoes californias central coast potato seed pieces easily germinate cool soils less 55ºf plant following incorporation initial breakdown cover crop residue typically late april early may goal crop develop prior onset foggy conditions favor late blight infestations late summer august staggered plantings recommended areas fog may factor growers successfully plant late july growing fresh market crop fall holidays inland valleys potatoes usually planted february tuber maturation takes place prior high summer temperatures delay tuber formation preparing seed potatoes planting certified seed sold planting inspected meets tolerance pest disease disorder symptoms established agricultural certification program eg white rock specialties seed certified colorado board agriculture use word certified seed complementary distinct meaning seed certified organic national organic program nop requires organic growers purchase organic seed unless variety needed equivalent variety commercially available appropriate form quantity quality prepare seed planting also called greening chitting bring potatoes room temperature warm cooler 5055ºf two three weeks planting initiate sprouting expose bright shade let dry sprouting seed potatoes large enough cut smaller pieces extend planting stock volume cut tubers figure 1 preparing seed pieces planting photo elizabeth birnbaum organic potato production californias central coast 5 potatoes 153ounce pieces little larger hens egg least two eyes cut piece figure 1 cut center potato allow cut heal 3 days prior planting seed cut immediately planting may experience decay ground especially soil dry warm planting planting technique tubers form adjacent seed piece place seed deep possible deep planting leaves room figure 3 plant potato seed furrows created furrowing alabama shovels photo martha brown figure 4 potatoes developing hill illustration laura vollset figure 2 alabama shovels drop tubes placing seed pieces photo martha brown hill plant stems elongate see however plant deeper depth harvester reduce risk slicing potatoes harvest create depression middle planting bedto depth furrow possible using small furrowing shovel alabama shovel figure 2 drop seed pieces depression trough figure 3 cover 34 soil enough cover seed pieces keep drying reforming bed using rolling cultivator reverse disc hillers shovels hilling potatoes reform beds planting deep plants emerge building beds higher keep potatoes covered soil stems elongate figure 4 reforming bed hilling essential potato production blocks sunlight tubers form light contact causes greening presence chlorophyll potential accumulation toxins glycoalkaloids render green tuber unmarketable hilling also facilitates weed management boosts yields potatoes grow remarkably fast emerge usually 14 days planting first mechanical hilling plants reach height 810 within 3033 days planting use rolling cultivator time initial growth smother weeds germinating bed keep furrows clean annual weeds work furrows shallow chisels break tractor wheel compaction deepen furrows second hilling 57 days first figure 5 small plots hilling done hand shovel 6 center agroecology sustainable food systems potatoes irrigation sequence preirrigate minimum 115 using overhead irrigation available bring weeds provide adequate deep soil moisture support early growth stage potato seed pieces cultivate planting see tillage bed formation planting moisture grower guide series additional details plant seed pieces residual moisture lay drip line time planting plants emerged initiate drip irrigation plants emerged well established 2 4 weeks planting first hilling taken place depending weather soil conditions preirrigation moisture deep soil may adequate support 3 4 weeks growth schedule irrigations based regional evapotranspiration et data available cimis watercagov plants 25% canopy percentage beds soil covered crop foliage irrigate rate roughly equal 25% estimated daily et follow percent canopy rule determine irrigation rate plants 100% canopy irrigation match et period tuber enlargement usually days 6090 field capacity drop 6065% uneven irrigation phase leads uneven tuber formation jeopardizes marketability water cut dry cure crop plants start show signs senescence yellowing leaves tubers reached 3%0 marketable size wait another 1014 days harvest skins cure apply 255 water prior harvesting main crop make harvest easier avoid scuffing spuds compromise salability storage life irrigation drip irrigation best option potatoes allowing control irrigation rate timing apply water directly growing plants planting set drip lines center bed top seed pieces cover close furrow bury hill potatoes note also lay drip tape plants emerged see irrigation sequence right potatoes irrigated overhead method favors development late blight due prolonged periods leaf wetting overhead sprinklers used irrigate midday following drydown foliage morning dew shut sprinklers early enough leaves dry prior sunset figure 5 hilled potatoes uc santa cruz farm photo elizabeth birnbaum organic potato production californias central coast 7 potatoes growth phases phase 1 vegetative establishment 030 days vegetative growth occurs phase adequate preplant nitrogen nitrite form ensures large effective plant support tuber development sugar starch translocation phase 2 stolen tuber initiation 3060 days flowering begins approximately 4050 days figure 6 dig new potatoes phase see sidebar page 9 phase 3 tuber enlargement 6090 days critical provide adequate irrigation phase dry less pronounced phases 1 2 never let plants get less 603%1 field capacity dig creamer potatoes phase see sidebar page 10 phase 4 tuber enlargement skin set curing 90120 days tubers enlarge increase starch content individual varietal characteristics skins set thicken allowing longterm storage figure 6 potatoes begin flower approximately 4050 days post planting photo elizabeth birnbaum 8 center agroecology sustainable food systems potatoes harvest harvesting equipment new potatoes see next page must harvested hand push garden fork cluster potatoes gently lift plant leaves push fork handle raise tubers surface figures 7 8 new potatoes extremely delicate handle gently avoid damaging skin harvesting mature tubers hand process take extra care fork potatoes get tubers figure 7 harvest new potatoes using garden fork photo elizabeth birnbaum figure 8 handle new potatoes gently avoid damaging fragile skins photo elizabeth birnbaum use dedicated potato harvester undercutter pulled behind tractor mechanized harvest potato production areas much larger onequarter acre best harvest mature tubers dedicated potato harvester singlerow pto operated digger undercutter bar shaker cage harvester lifts spuds leaves soil surface pick figures 9 10 break furrow tire compaction chisels harvest ensure undercutter harvester get lowest tuber work effectively organic potato production californias central coast 9 potatoes creamer potatoes offer another niche market generate early season income due high demand relatively low supply creamer potatoes similar new potatoes small 24 diameter 24 ounces may dug early full maturation main distinction thicker skins thus easier dig pack new potatoes rival storage potatoes shelf life although moist light sweet new potatoes intense earthy taste texture makes distinctive fullsize storage potatoes offer nutritional value new potatoes creamer potatoes show display plate displayed loose pack small net bags mixing varieties shapes sizes colors new potatoes choose early varieties plants mature 90100 days addition listed new potatoes preferred varieties include austrian crescent fingerling early ohio viking purple fingerling varieties 23 long also adapted format tips growing creamer potatoes use close inrow spacing planting 56 grow 1012 weeks kill vines mechanically dry irrigation 710 days harvest set skin hand dig box refrigerate wash needed packing distribution new potatoes simply young small freshlydug potatoes must marketed quickly within days harvest last 710 days refrigerated possibility digging 100200 pounds per day 23 weeks offers early season income premium price also well done new potatoes create loyal following customers improve brand theory variety used new potatoes described early season maturing 90100 days work best tend set ample tubers early size evenly suggested varieties include red gold early red norland distinct dark red norland highyielding midseason variety mountain rose planting seed varieties easy source spectacularly early high yielding producing 253 poundsplant 60 days planting following also offer reasonable ratio pounds per plant days ground red varieties anoka cherry red purple viking early difficult desiree red lasoda source early purple rose gold caribe kerrs pink yukon gold tips growing new potatoes use small whole seed potatoes 12 ounces plant seed 89 apart using standard row spacing plant 24 deep 68 deep trenches hill plants 2030 days emergence dig size 610 tubers reaches 28 ounces usually 6075 days post planting dig soil dry box let sit 12 days wash pack note nicked skins inevitable new potatoes identifies truly new freshly dug new potatoes creamers new potatoes creamers offer good niche marketing possibilities including csa projects farmers markets roadside stands restaurants 10 center agroecology sustainable food systems potatoes figure 10 shaker cage deposits harvested potatoes soil surface photo martha brown figure 9 example ptodriven harvester shaker cage photo martha brown postharvest handling tubers going direct market usually washed immediately harvest especially soil prone sticking tubers harvested storage washed water spread disease especially fungal spores cause late blight increase potential higher incidence infection storage crop rotation potatoes host many diseases commonly found solanaceae family crops tomatoes peppers etc well strawberries rotate ground solanums strawberries minimum 4 years late blight phytophthora infestans primary disease potatoes central coast region fungal spores cause late blight move easily water wind best keep significant buffer blocks potatoes tomatoes since blight often start foliage potatoes early season spread tomatoes organic potato production californias central coast 11 potatoes organic potato production californias central coast guide beginning specialty crop growers jim leap darryl wong orin martin kirstin yoggcomerchero contributions ann baier doug obrien edited martha brown ann baier 2017 center agroecology sustainable food systems casfs university california santa cruz information developed beginning specialty crop growers based practices used ucsc farm casfs research education public service program university california santa cruz learn casfsucscedu contact 831 459-3240 additional grower guides related information available online casfsucsceduabout publications publication supported specialty crop block grant program us department agriculture usda grant 14scbgpca0006 contents solely responsibility authors necessarily represent official views usda photos p 1 left martha brown top right elizaeth birnbaum bottom right casfs p 2 elizabeth birnbaum icon illustrations p 3 laura vollset additional resources 1156 high street santa cruz ca 95064 casfsucscedu publicationsandpresentationsospudproject pest management strategic plan organic potato production west summary workshops held february 16 2006 buhl idaho january 9 2008 portland oregon jennifer miller ronda hirnyck lisa downeyblecker issue date december 19 2008 potatoes organic production marketing rex dufour tammy hinman jeff schahczenski ncat ip337 2009 attrancatorgattrapubsummaries summaryphppub96 selecting cutting handling potato seed bulletin 2412 2015 steven b johnson phd extension crops specialist university maine cooperative extension extensionumaineedu publications2412e introduction weed management small scale organic production system video produced center agroecology sustainable food systems knock weeds critical times mark schonbeck eorganic 2010 articlesextensionorgpages18882 knockweedsoutatcriticaltimes ospud participatory organic potato project oregon state university horticultureoregonstateeducontent pests diseases select varieties plant potato crop look common pests diseases affect crop area learn pest disease life cycles preventive practices possible treatments using resources uc ipm website ucipmedu county cooperative extension offices attras biorationals ecological pest management database neighboring farmers knowledgeable professionals main potato arthropod pests central coast region tuber moth phthorimaea operculella larvae cause economic damage tunnel potato tubers field storage aphids virusesgreen peach aphid myzus persicae potato aphid macrosiphum euphorbiae aphids act vectors transmit potato leaf roll virus plrv cucumber mosaic alfalfa mosaic calico viruses cucumber beetle western spotted cucumber beetle diabrotica undecimpunctata undecimpunctata western striped cucumber beetle acalymma trivittatum damage foliage tuber flea beetles epitrix tuberis beetle larvae feed tubers wireworms common local species wireworms include pacific coast wireworm limonius canus sugarbeet wireworm limonius californicus dryland wireworm ctenicera pruinina wireworms click beetle larvae live soil cause economic damage eating potato seed pieces roots young plants burrowing developing tubers main potato diseases central coast region late blight phytophthora infestans late blight develops rapidly defoliate crop within weeks verticillium wilt verticillium dahliae wilt appears yellowing chlorosis death necrosis lower leaves interferes plant water transport vascular system impact becomes visible quickly hot weather scab streptomyces spp causes potato tubers unmarketable see organic pest disease management selected crops californias central coast grower guide series additional information pests diseases listed suggestions control potatoes 12 center agroecology sustainable food systems potatoes appendix production schedule economic data $42,625.00 $3,470.48 $3,595.19 $35,559.33 per acre totals income labor machine cost expenses production profit item cost per unit cost per acre notes seed nonfingerling 45 $816.75 125row 1 rowbed 14520 rowac 1815ac seed fingerling $1.30 $2,359.50 125row 1 rowbed 14520 rowac 1815ac drip tape $1207500 $232.32 1 rowbed 14520 rowac 016row bags 19043bag $186.62 25bag 24500ac total expenses per acre $3,470.480 input costs potato block crop day sub cropvariety beds 1 bed 02ac action work rate hrac fixed rate hrs total labor cost $3,470.481hr total machine cost $3,470.482hr unit price harvest value 25 20 flail mowheavy 25 02 $3,470.483 25 20 spade 48 02 $3,470.484 21 20 begin chitting 05 $3,470.485 11 20 mark lines 2 02 $3,470.486 11 20 list 125 02 $3,470.487 11 20 overhead irrset 375 $3,470.488 10 20 overhead irrrun 05 $3,470.489 3 20 cut potatoes 242 $3,595.190 3 20 overhead irrbreak 375 $3,595.191 1 20 light cultivation 125 02 $3,595.192 0 20 plantdriver 484 04 $3,595.193 0 20 plantplanters 968 $3,595.194 11 20 cultivate 2 02 $3,595.195 11 20 dripset 10 025 $3,595.196 30 20 hill 125 02 30 20 driprun x 2wk 9 wks 27 $3,595.197 40 20 hill 125 02 60 20 hand weedspot weed 2 $3,595.198 80 yukon gold red gold 10 flail mowlight 125 02 $3,595.199 94 desiree austrian crescent 10 flail mowlight 115 20 overhead irrset 375 116 20 overhead irrrun 05 100 red gold 5 harvest 83 1 $35,559.330 $35,559.331 $35,559.332 $35,559.333 120 yukon gold 5 harvest 83 1 $35,559.334 $35,559.335 $35,559.336 $35,559.337 120 desiree 5 harvest 83 1 $35,559.338 $35,559.339 $816.750 $816.751 140 austrian crescent 5 harvest 83 1 $816.752 $816.753 $816.754 $816.755 160 20 dripbreak 2 $816.756 180 10 discx1 05 02 $816.757 10 drillcover crop 16 02 $816.758 subtotal $816.759 $1.300 $1.301 per block 4 acres 9800 $1.302 per acre 24500 harvest amt per acre labor machine cost per block 4 acres 1800 2900 2200 2900 $1.303 $1.304 yield harvest acre red gold 18000 yukon gold 29000 desire 22000 austrian crescent 29000 harvest rowhr 180 harvest rate hrac 80 price 15-2 harvest assumptions complete irrigation schedule available online casfsucsceduaboutpublicationsgrowerguides data reflect direct field production costs include potential overhead eg water electricity land rent

moalf shep plus smallholder horticulture empowerment promotion project local upscaling shep plus prepared shep plus changing farmers mindset grow sell grow sell japan international cooperation agency agriculture food authority horticultural crops directorate presented county afa hcd staff charge shep plus model farmer groups ftfadde tomato production ministry agriculture livestock fisheries state department crop development agricultural research moalf shep plus tomato nyanya 1-1 tomato member solanaceae family includes crops potato sweet pepper chili egg plant one produced consumed vegetables kenya important cash crop smallholder farmers mainly grown open field green house production also grown popularity rich vitamin c lycopene eaten fresh added salads cooked vegetable processed tomato paste jam sauce puree juice 1 introduction 11 background 2 photo shep plus moalf shep plus 12 common varieties 1-2 determinate varieties rio grande fresh market processing variety plant slightly bushy staked left unstaked tolerant verticillium fusarium wilt maturity period 75 85 days transplanting yield 18000kg per acre rio grande 3 photo flora fields product_id189 moalf shep plus 12 common varieties 1-3 cal j open pollinated determinate variety tolerant verticilium fusarium wilts plant produces red blocky shaped fruits fruits store transport well maturity period 75 85 days transplanting cal j yield 11000 13000kg per acre 4 photo farm fresh seeds moalf shep plus 12 common varieties cont 1-4 kilele f1 mediumearly maturing determinate type suitable drier humid areas disease tolerance tomato yellow leaf curl virus tomato mosaic virus verticillium fusarium wilt nematodes fruits firm elongated shelf life 21 days maturity period 75 days transplanting yield 30000 35000kg per acre kilele f1 5 photo syngenta kenya moalf shep plus 12 common varieties cont 1-5 assila f1 determinate early maturing 75 days variety tolerant tomato yellow leaf curl virus tylcv nematodes produces fruits attractive red colour oval shape heavy sweet fruits yield 23000kg per acre good keeping quality transportability assila f1 6 photo seminis moalf shep plus 12 common varieties cont 1-6 eden f1 determinate vigorous growing variety good tolerance alternaria canker verticillium wilt fusarium wilt nematodes bacterial speck deep red blocky fruits long shelf life maturity period 75 days transplanting yield 40000-50000kg per acre 9 10 kg per plant rambo f1 determinate vigorous plant uniformly set firm fruits tolerance bacterial wilt bacterial spot fusarium wilt verticilium wilt nematodes maturity 75 days transplanting yield 30000kg per acre goodshelflifetransportqualityeden f1 7 photo seminis photo kenya highlands seed co eden f1 rambo f1 1-7 moalf shep plus 12 common varieties cont 1-8 indeterminate varieties anna f1 hybrid indeterminate fresh market variety produces blocky oval red fruits long shelf life tolerance fusarium verticillium wilt alternaria stem canker nematodes ideal greenhouse tomato maturity period 75 days transplanting yield 64000kg per acre 18 kg per plant 8 months anna f1 8 photo shep plus moalf shep plus 12 common varieties cont 1-9 indeterminate varieties tylka f1 maturity period 75 days plant intermediate vigorous good cover high yielding fruit firm elongated nongreen back smooth firm oval fruits average frit weight 120-130g production yield 70000-78000kg per acre good agricultural practices shelf life 21 days disease tolerance tomato yellow leaf curl virus tylcv tomato mosaic virus tomv 0-2 verticillium fusarium wilt race 12 tylka f1 9 photo edtomatotylkaf1 moalf shep plus 12 common varieties cont 1-10 indeterminate varieties corazon f1 extended shelf life good resistant cracking suitable green house net house production high yielding staking growing system oval shape weight130-190g resistant verticillium wilt fusarium race 12 bacterial speck tobacco mosaic virus tomv nematode tomato spotted wilt virus tomato yellow leaf curl virus tylcv corazon f1 10 photo amiran complete farmers catalogue moalf shep plus 13 choice varieties 1-11 selection variety need based growth habit determinate bush indeterminate climbing semideterminate disease tolerance resistance indicated initials variety name eg f fusarium wilt n nematodes fruit type shape size color market requirement determine fruit type processingintense red color solids fresh market shape color size vary hybrid open pollinated varieties opv hybrid seeds give higher yields expensive tomato crop field 11 photo shep plus moalf shep plus 14 optimal ecological requirements altitude 0 2000 meters sea level rainfall 600 mm rainfall annually growing temperature 20 25 0c day 15 17 0c night soils well drained sandy loam clay loam soils ph range 60 75 12 moalf shep plus 13 2 g20 technologies make sure support farmers carry g20 techniques crop 1 market survey 2 crop planting calendar 3 soil testing 4 composting 5 use quality planting materials 6 recommended land preparation practices 7 incorporating crop residues 8 basal application compost manure 9 recommended practices seedling preparation seedlings registered nursery moalf shep plus 14 2 g20 technologies 10recommended spacing 11recommended fertilizer application rate 12supplementing water 13timely weeding 14topdressing 15ipm practices 16safe effective use pesticides 17use harvesting indices 18appropriate post harvest handling containers 19value addition techniques 20keeping farm records moalf shep plus 31 raising seedlings tomato nursery 3-4 50 cm 1 1 10 20 cm 15 photos shep plus 3-5 moalf shep plus 31 raising seedlings ghcpphht20 q9 tomato established nursery directly seeded normally raised nursery transplanting seed rate 40 75 gacre seed trays also used raise seedlings nursery site selection nursery sited plot planted member solanaceae family last 3 years choose site good drainage nursery establishment prepare seedbed 1 width convenient length make drills seedbed spacing 10 20 cm apart thinly sow seeds drills cover lightly soil 16 moalf shep plus 31 raising seedlings cont management nursery water nursery regularly harden seedlings 1 2 weeks transplanting reducing frequency watering gradually exposing seedlings direct sunlight insects whiteflies transmit viruses young tomato plants hence controlled using pesticides eg amitraz mitac 20ec buprofezin applaud 40%sc azadirachtin nimbecidine imidacloprid confidor 70 wg insects also blocked reaching seedlings use insect proof net agricultural type 17 moalf shep plus 32 transplanting recently transplanted tomato seedlings 3-5 18 photo shep plus moalf shep plus 32 transplanting 321 appropriate time seedlings transplanted 30 45 days seed sowing recommended transplanting done either early morning late evening 322 recommended spacing ghcpphht20 q10 spacing range 75 100 cm rows 40 60 cm seedlings depending variety plant population per acre range 6666 13333 appropriate spacing produces short stocky plants good root system reduces disease incidences 19 moalf shep plus 32 transplanting cont 323 fertilizer application rates ghcpphht20 q11 make holes add 2 3 handfuls manure per planting hole 8 tonsacre type quantity fertilizers depend soil analysis results general recommendations apply 2 bottle tops 10 g triple super phosphate tsp per planting hole 80 kgacre apply muriate potash mop enhance availability potassium 20 moalf shep plus 33 water requirement ghcpphht20 q12 tomato sensitive water deficit immediately transplanting flowering fruit development plants provided adequate water tomato plants sensitive water logging flooded fields drained within 1 3 days irrigation methods furrow drip irrigation effective methods furrow irrigation minimizes spread fungal diseases early blight drip irrigation hand efficient water utilization overhead irrigation encourages spread diseases early blight 3-6 drip irrigation tomato field 21 photo shep plus moalf shep plus 34 topdressing ghcpphht20 q14 tomato crop fertilized organic inorganic fertilizers produce high yields topdressing fertilizer applied 2 splits 40 kg 80 kgacre 4 8 weeks transplanting general recommendation soil analysis results provides specific information farm application method circular band around stem inadequate topdressing result physiological disorders hollow cavities poor taste fruits due potassium deficiency blossomend rot due imbalance nitrogen calcium soil moisture 22 moalf shep plus indeterminate varieties need stakingtraining facilitate pruning harvesting cultural practices determinate varieties dont require staking may staked wet season prevent fruit contact soil hand mulch may used instead staking staking materials wooden stakes bamboo sturdy material strings plastic strips material used train plant stake 35 crop management 351 staking training 3-9 well staked tomato field 23 photo shep plus moalf shep plus practice necessary indeterminate varieties involves removal side shoots extra flowers fruits diseased leaves leads early maturity fruits encourages fruits increase size uniformity sterilize pruning blades use chlorine bleach water ratio 11 use unsterilized blades smoking lead spread diseases eg tmv bacterial wilt 352 pruning 3-10 training tomato plants field side shoot pinched 24 photo shep plus moalf shep plus 353 major pests following major pests tomato kenya aafrican bollworm bred spider mites ctobacco whitefly drootknot nematode e thrips f tuta absoluta 25 moalf shep plus 353a african bollworm 3-12 fruit damaged african bollworm 26 photo shep plus moalf shep plus 353a african bollworm identification adult moth dull yellow brown female moth lays tiny round brownish eggs near flowers small fruits larvae alternating light dark colored stripes either side body pupa shiny brown damage caterpillars feed flowers green fruits causing flower abortion sunken necrotic spots respectively feeding holes made caterpillar serve entry point bacteria fungi may lead rotting fruits 27 moalf shep plus 353a african bollworm control tilling ploughing old tomato field exposes pupa desiccation natural enemies planting trap crops eg cucumber maize african marigold attract pest attacks tomatoes need synchronize planting maize tomatoes flower time use selective pesticides microbial control agents like helicoverpa armigera snpv virus helitecsc indoxacarb avaunt 150ec etofenprox 30%trebon 30 ec 28 moalf shep plus 3103b red spider mites 3-13 underside tomato leaf infested red spider mites 29 photo shep plus moalf shep plus 3103b red spider mites identification adult red spider mites oval shape appear reddish eight 8 legs eggs tiny spherical whitish laid singly underside leaves red spider mites spin silk threads web protect anchor pest eggs plant damage leaves infected show white yellow speckling later turn pale bronzed high population causes serious drying dropping leaves defoliation leads smaller lighter fruits 30 moalf shep plus 3103b red spider mites control scouting gap use pesticides miticides spiromesifen oberon sc 240 hexythiazox arsur 100 ec abamectin avirmec 18ec almectin 1.8%ec agrimec 18ec amitraz mitac 20ec amblyseius californicus amblytechpredatory mite spider mites rapidly develop resistance pesticides especially used continuously several seasons avoid development resistance farmers need use miticides different chemical compositionmodes action avoid routine spraying use recommended dosage 31 moalf shep plus 3103c tobacco whitefly whiteflies leaf 3-14 32 photo clemson university usda cooperative extension slide series bugwoodorg cc 30 us moalf shep plus 3103c tobacco whitefly identification adult whitefly resembles small white moth like insect cluster underside upper leaves suck sap eggs laid arc circle underside young leaves eggs hatch produce greenish white nymphs resemble scales damage suck plant sap remove nutrients cause yellowing infested leaves larvae secrete honey dew supports growth black sooty mould transmit viral diseases especially tomato yellow leaf curl virus tylcv 33 moalf shep plus 3103c tobacco whitefly control keep tomato fields weed free use yellow sticky traps monitor population levels covering tomato seedling nurseries nylon nets insect proof nets protect seedlings whitefly infestations use insecticides morning ring spray amitraz mitac 20ec buprofezin applaud 40%sc azadirachtin nimbecidine imidacloprid confidor 70 wg lambda cyhalothrin karate 25wg lambda cyhalothrin thiamethoxam lexus 247 sc 34 moalf shep plus 3103d rootknot nematode 3-15 root galls characteristic rootknot nematode infestation 35 photo david l clement university maryland bugwoodorg cc 30 us moalf shep plus 3103d rootknot nematode description nematodes soil inhabitants easily spread infested seedlings soil washed slopes farm implements rootknot nematodes serious light sandy soils furrow irrigation damages plants stunted yellow tend wilt without yellowing hot weather roots affected plants severely distorted swollen bear galls knots heavy infestation results severe loss yield 36 moalf shep plus 3103d rootknot nematode control burn top soil using waste plant material seedbed preparation solarize seedbeds possible covering soil clear polythene sheet 2 3 months manuring soil reduce nematode population fields ploughed deep harrowed followed dry fallow use trap repellent crops marigold use nematicides azadirachtin nimbecidine achook ec paecilomyces lilacinus bionematon 1.15% wp mytech wp metham sodium metham sodium abamectin adventure 5g ethoprophos mocap gr 10 37 moalf shep plus 3103e thrips 3-16a thrips damage tomato photo varela icipe cc byncsa 30 38 moalf shep plus 3103e thrips identification adult thrips small 05 20 mm slender winged wings long narrow fringed long hairs nymphs white yellow adults nymphs feed lower leaf surface buds flowers fruits transmits tomato spotted wilt virus tospovirus kijeshi 39 kijeshi symptoms photo shep plus 3-16b moalf shep plus 3103e thrips damages attack leaves causes speckling small necrotic patches heavy infection causes premature wilting delay leaf development distortion young shoots attack buds flowers leads abortion control ploughing harrowing transplanting kill pupae soil use insecticides lambdacyhalothrin karate 25 wg abamectin acetamiprid amazing top 100wdg 40 moalf shep plus 3-17a tuta absoluta adult left larva right photo marja van der straten nvwa plant protection service bugwoodorg cc 30 us 3103f tuta absoluta 41 3-17b moalf shep plus 42 photo n3v3rl4nd work public domain goldlocki work cc bysa 30 3103f tuta absoluta tomato leafminer left tuta absoluta right 3-17c 3-17d moalf shep plus 3103f tuta absoluta identification moth graybrown size posture diamond back moth dbm long antenna lays 260 eggs newly hatched caterpillars small 05 mm yellowish mature caterpillars 9 mm fully grown yellowgreen pinkish color back black band behind head pupae light brown size 6 mm larva caterpillar damaging stage distribution seedlings containers fruits soil green houses damages caterpillar burrows mines middle leaf tissue unlike leafminers feeds indiscriminately distance seems like leaves burning distinctive symptoms blotchshaped mines leaves bores n fruits leaving symptomatic tiny holes also burrows stems causing breakages serious pest cause 100% loss controlled time 43 moalf shep plus 3103f tuta absoluta control early control important pest pressure builds carry cultural practices like field hygiene crop rotation carry regular scoutingmonitoring pest population use pheromone traps attract male insects monitoringsurveillance pest control eg mating disruption mass trapping lure kill method tutrak tutalure 1m ground 4-6 traps acre use insecticides like chlorantraniliprole coragen indoxacarb avaunt 150ec merit 150sc spirotetramat flubendiamide tihan od thiocyclam 50% ww thiocyclamhydrogenoxalate evisect imidacloprid grizly 17530 sc flubendiamide belt 480sc note pest control tactics combined ipm strategy 44 moalf shep plus 3104 major diseases physiological disorders following major diseases physiological disorders tomato kenya dampingoff b late blight c early blight bacterial wilt e tomato mosaic f blossomend rot g fusarium wilt 45 moalf shep plus 3104a dampingoff 3-18 general description disease soil borne symptoms decay germinating seed girdling stem young seedling ground level control use certified seed avoid locating seedbed infected fields avoid excessive fertilizer application watering young seedlings still nursery bed apply chemicals metalaxyl mancozeb amidil 68wg dampingoff symptoms seedlings 46 photo infonet biovision cc byncsa 30 moalf shep plus 3104b late blight late blight foliage fruits 3-19 3-20 photo gerald holmes california polytechnic state university san luis obispo bugwoodorg cc 30 us photo edward sikora auburn university bugwoodorg cc 30 us 47 moalf shep plus 3104b late blight general descriptions fungal disease affects foliage fruits development disease favoured cool wet conditions symptoms irregular greenishblack water soaked blotchespatches leaves spots leaves later turn brown attacked leaves wither remain attached stem giving frostdamaged appearance water soaked brown streaks stem grey water soaked spots fruits upper half fruit foul smell control crop rotation removal volunteer crops susceptible disease pruning staking order improve air circulation reduce humidity use fungicides metalaxyl mancozeb ridomil gold mz68 propineb cymoxanil milraz wp76 mancozeb dithane m45 dimethomorph mancozeb acrobat mz 48 moalf shep plus 3104c early blight early blight foliage 3-21 photo shep plus 49 moalf shep plus 3104c early blight general descriptions fungal disease affects foliage fruits fungus seed borne well adapted semiarid areas warm wet weather disease favoured warm rainy weather symptoms premature loss lower leaves main symptom leaves brown circular spots dark concentric rings leaves turn yellow dry spots appear fruits large sunken areas dark concentric rings appearing velvety 50 moalf shep plus 3104c early blight control use certified seeds appropriate spacing avoid overhead irrigation water morning keep plants healthy stressfree use fungicides chlorothalonil odeon 825wdg manconzeb oshothane propineb antracol wp70 mancozeb cymoxanil agromax propineb iprovalicarb melody duo 51 moalf shep plus 3104d bacterial wilt symptom bacterial wilt infection 3-23 photo ferrin louisiana state university agricultural center bugwoodorg cc 30 us 52 moalf shep plus 3104d bacterial wilt general descriptions bacterial disease soilborne easily spread run water infected soil symptoms rapid wilting death entire plant without yellowing spotting leaves stem wilted plant cut across pith darkened water soaked appearance stem wilted plant squeezed greyish slimy ooze produced distinguish wilt others thin slice taken brown stem tissue placed inside glass water milky ooze produced cut surface 53 moalf shep plus 3104d bacterial wilt control practice crop rotation crops cereals remove wilted plants soil around roots field destroy solarize planting beds spot treatment sodium hypochlorite 10 dilution jik lime ash sterilize pruning tools use metam sodium metham sodium 51 liquid soluble bronopol enrich bm wettable powder 54 moalf shep plus 3104e tomato mosaic virus symptoms tomato mosaic virus infection foliage fruit 3-24 3-25 photo university georgia plant pathology university georgia bugwoodorg cc 30 us 55 photo seif varela icipe etableofcontents4 cc byncsa 30 moalf shep plus 3104e tomato mosaic virus general descriptions viral disease easily transmitted infected seed plant debris soil mechanically transmitted transplanting seedlings pruning tools symptoms mottling leaves raised dark green areas shape young leaves distorted internal browning fruits especially fruits affected mature green stage control use certified disease free seeds remove crop debris roots field smoke touch cigarettes virus transmitted tobacco leaves even processed 56 moalf shep plus 3104f blossomend rot 3-26 general descriptions physiological condition caused calciumnitrogen imbalance soil especially moisture level soil low symptoms rot blossomend fruit surface becomes dark brown sunken control maintain adequate soil moisture especially fruit development stages soil liming calcium deficient soils reduce n mulch field topdress cn mavuno planting ensure adequate soil moisture spray crop calcium chloride foliar application easygro calcium tomato fruits affected blossomend rot 57 photo bartolo bugwoodorg cc 30 us moalf shep plus 3104g fusarium wilt symptoms fusarium wilt 3-27 photo scot nelson public domain 58 moalf shep plus 3104g fusarium wilt general descriptions fungus seed soilborne causes damage light sandy soils active temperatures 25 32o c fungus survive soil indefinitely even tomatoes grown also survive fibrous roots weeds eg amaranthus digitaria malva species acidic soils ph 50 56 excessive nitrogen fertilisation promote disease development symptoms lower leaves plant usually turn yellow die leaflets one side may affected side asymptomatic diseased leaves readily break away stem affected stems ground level petioles cut diagonally reddishbrown discolouration water conducting tissues observed 59 moalf shep plus 3104g fusarium wilt control use resistant tomato varieties eg fortune maker rio grande tengeru 97 roma vfn eden f1 rambo f1 anna f1 use certified diseasefree seeds locate seedbeds land fusarium wilt known occurred soil acidic raise ph applying lime farmyard manure avoid excessive nitrogen fertilisation control rootknot nematodes 60 moalf shep plus 4 harvest harvesting tomatoes 4-1 61 photo shep plus moalf shep plus 4 harvest 41 harvesting indices ghcpphht20 q17 maturity period range 3 4 months transplanting depending variety environmental conditions tomato harvested different stages depending market requirement distance market four 4 main harvesting stages maturegreen stage fruit green internal gel well developed breakerturning stage 30% fruit surface definite color break green yellow pinklight red stage 30 90% fruit surface pinkred color redripe stage 90% fruit surface changed red color 62 moalf shep plus 4 harvest fruits harvested early morning cool since fruit temperature low harvested fruits kept cool shaded ventilated area order minimize heat gain necessary wipe fruits remove dirt yields vary 12000 40000kg per acre depending variety crop husbandry 63 moalf shep plus 5 postharvest handling 5-1 graded tomatoes packed crates 64 photo shep plus moalf shep plus 51 containers packaging materials ghcpphht20 q18 pack tomatoes clean well ventilated containers transport normally packed wooden plastic crates 52 value addition techniques cleaning sorting grading processing ghcpphht20 q19 sorting sorting done remove damaged diseased fruits grading tomatoes graded depending uniformity ripening fruit size three 3 main tomato grades grade 1 big size fruits uniform color shape grade 2 medium size fruits uniform color shape grade 3 small size fruits slight variation color shape 5 postharvest handling 65 moalf shep plus 52 value addition techniques cleaning sorting grading processing cont ghcpphht20 q19 processing processing tomatoes high value products jam sauce pickles enables farmers earn income 5 postharvest handling cont 66 photo shep plus 5-2 tomatoes crates ready transported market moalf shep plus reference proposed agrochemicals accordance products registered use crops version 1_2018 registered agrochemicals subject change please refer latest registered agrochemicals pest control product board infonet biovision accessed 7 dec 2016 eden f1 leaflet monsantoafrica plantwise factsheets farmers fusarium wilt tomato moalf shep plus contact shep plus office 4th floor nhif building upper hill nairobi tel 0737-2938670712-504095 email thank asante sana domo arigato gozaimasu smallholder horticulture empowerment promotion project local upscalingshep plus 2016 68

tomatoes vegetable crops production guide atlantic provinces prepared advisory committee vegetable crops published authority atlantic provinces agriculture services coordinating committee introduction tomatoes belong solanaceae nightshade family along potatoes peppers eggplants lycopersicon esculentum perennial plant tropics northern climates grown annual botanically vegetable fruit berry flowers generally borne clusters 4 8 small fruited types may 30 50 flowers per cluster flowers mainly self pollinated wind fruit 2 18 locules chambers sections tomato native peru bolivia ecuador area andes mountains antiquity uncertain regard cultivation cultivated america discovered europeans 1835 tomato considered suitable food crop northeastern united states tomatoes respond well high temperatures minimum temperature seed germination 10 c maximum temperature 35 c optimum range 17 20 c field transplants set danger frost past optimum growth rate obtained 22 c reductions occurring 30 c 12 c fruit setting inhibited 30 c 16 c rough fruit cat faced results growing temperatures 16 c root growth occur 16 c tomatoes require adequate even moisture particularly flowering fruit set tomatoes grow best well drained soils well supplied organic matter sandy soils suited early production loam clay loam soils suited later production shelter wind important especially early production crop also benefits use plastics ground mulches row covers tunnel houses tunnel house tomato harvest begins midjuly field harvest august 1st production continues long economically viable late october marketable yields ripe tomatoes vary dramatically weather range 10000 30000 kg per hectare tomatoes green chow may yield much 40000 kg per hectare large market red tomatoes atlantic area within growing season especially wholesale market still price competition areas north america good growing seasons local market gluts also interest extending season use tunnel houses july august production limited market fresh green tomatoes limited processing market sun dried tomatoes processed small scale warmest areas atlantic provinces grow red processing tomatoes crop establishment seedingplanting since tomatoes require relatively long growing season started greenhouse hotbed approximately 75 150 grams seed required produce enough plants one hectare sow seeds eight weeks plants set field tunnel temperature 27 c 1 2 weeks required good seed emergence plants early crops pricked first true leaves appear 5 10 cm pots plants late production pricked module transplant tray peat block paper pots peat pots 4 5 weeks transplanting plants grown firm stocky good light moderate temperatures appropriate fertilization plants developed budding stage time transplanting tomato plants also raised sowing raw seed directly peat pots module trays 72 128 200 cell trays peat blocks planting system superior plant raised shorter time system less labor intensive reduces transplant shock tomato plants hardened one week transplanting field accomplished reducing soil moisture supply reducing air temperature 13 16 c improve survival ability plants adverse weather conditions field set tomatoes normally field set 11000 18000 plants per hectare depending type tomato field spacing 1determinate smallvined cultivars plants 45 60 cm apart rows 1 15 apart 2indeterminate largevined cultivars plants 50 90 cm apart rows 15 2 apart 3staked tomatoes plants 45 cm apart rows 1 15 apart tomatoes processing specific requirements nutrient content excellent source vitamin c also source many minerals including potassium calcium folate one medium raw tomato provides 35 kilocalories crop management transplanting set field danger frost past set relatively young firm blossom free plants severe hardening reduces yields obtain good yields fruit size plants become established field first fruits set important early determinate cultivars use starter fertilizer solution mulching black plastic mulch used weed control higher yields marketable fruit clear plastic mulch effective early growth yields however weeds must controlled use herbicides apply mulches soil moisture high well planting soil heat hot caps row covers tunnels used growers foster early growth production ventilation critical warm sunny days allow temperatures around plants exceed 35 c grow cultivars suited method culture air blasting necessary pollinization early fruit clusters flowers must vibrated staking tomatoes advantages staking otherwise training tomato plants ground include frequent increase percentage marketable fruit easier harvesting reduced injury plants fruit harvesting doubtful staked yields differ unstaked plant yields fruits staked plants firmer staking procedures many systems possible require little pruning seem best pruning costly removing laterals means removing potential flower clusters early total yields per plant often reduced practices staking pruning likely profitable long harvest season possible fairly uniform production season desired staking greenhouse cultivars used tunnel houses limited number trusses allowed set depending intended market season irrigation soil moisture kept reasonable level reduce incidence cracking blossom end rot wide fluctuations soil moisture fixed irrigation system may used frost control planting time late fall trickle irrigation may used field tunnel houses without soil mulches nutrition additions lime fertilizer manures based recommendations soil test manures often used tomato production one careful excessive nitrogen since delayed maturity excessive vegetative growth may result lime lime applied maintain soil ph range 65 68 high ph usually ensure high calcium level necessary crop nitrogen nitrogen best applied time planting broadcast appropriate level since excess delay maturity ripe tomatoes soil organic matter rotations carefully considered n contribution foliar sprays calcium nitrate urea may used apply additional nitrogen plastic mulches used nitrogen application low since nitrogen leach approximately 50 kg per hectare less nitrogen may enough fresh market vigorous cultivars planted plastic mulch maturity may delayed two three weeks excessive application nitrogen total yields green plus ripe fruit usually larger early ripe yields drastically reduced green chow tomatoes heavier rates nitrogen used trickle irrigation used fertilization processing tomatoes nitrogen rate vary greatly depending variety soil type crop rotation organic matter soil management phosphorus effectively used banded time transplanting especially small quantities fertilizer applied band least 50 kg phosphorus per hectare use transplant solution possible especially low phosphorus soils potash broadcast potash requirements planting incorporate soil along nitrogen banded potash hurt yields 60 kg per hectare magnesium sandy soils low organic matter magnesium content foliar applications epsom salts considered calcium sandy soils low calcium apply foliar sprays calcium nitrate prevent blossom end rot adjust nitrogen accordingly micronutrients boron tomatoes high boron requirement apply boronated fertilizer apply least one foliar spray soluble boron application method nitrogen potash broadcast prior planting incorporated soil banded nitrogen potash detrimental early total yields phosphorus would best banded starter solutions always used fertilizer may needed staked cultivars pests pest control weeds control perennial weeds prior planting many growers use black plastic mulch weed control especially crop grown plastic row tunnels herbicides recommended use tomatoes provide complete control annual weeds supplemental cultivation usually necessary often contact herbicides used burn weeds rows plastic mulch use shields prevent drift onto crop diseases damping fungi characteristics seed may decay fail emerge emerged develop water soaked discolored areas stem withers causes plant fall disease incidence severity increased cold temperatures watering high humidity crowding control hot water treat seed apply fungicide seed protectant plant seeds recommended rate sterilized seeding mix flats supply adequate moisture overwater maintain night temperatures 16 c drench immediately seeding fungicide damping occurs continue apply fungicides weekly intervals sclerotinia white mold characteristics disease affects stems tomato plants especially grown ground fields selected production free possible disease survive many years soil means hard sclerotia resting fungal nuggets control rotate corn grass species rotate vegetable crops soybeans field beans canola allow weeds grow control using head irrigation apply plastic mulches ground help combination trickle irrigation prevent disease development septoria leaf spot fungus characteristics causes numerous small grayish circular leaf spots dark borders survives crop residue seed wet weather favours disease development control hot water treat seed apply protective fungicide sprays regular basis plow crop residue immediately following harvest early blight fungus characteristics leaf spots dark brown black concentric rings zones within spot fruit large dark sunken areas develop particularly calyx end growth cracks control apply fungicide sprays required healthy plants stressed tolerate leaf spotting late blight fungus characteristics irregular greenish black water soaked areas appear older leaves infected fruit remains firm becomes rough greasy greenishbrown patches disease common cool moist conditions fungus causes late blight potatoes new strain blight well established region extremely aggressive tomatoes control apply fungicide sprays plant near potato fields control cull potatoes previous season see atlantic provinces potato guide detail anthracnose fungus characteristics common rot ripe fruit causing circular sunken spots develop dark centres infection secondary organisms may cause complete rotting fruit fruit becomes susceptible ripens control apply fungicide sprays follow 3 year rotation botrytis rot fungus characteristics gray mold rot foliage stem fruit occurs pale green silvery ring marks brownish puncture center known ghost spot occurs green fruit rings generally yellow ripe fruit disease associated wet humid weather serious disease tomatoes every year major cause fruit rot control use fungicides control tunnel house field bacterial speck spot bacterium characteristics two bacterial diseases spread seed transplants overwinter previous years diseased crop spread takes place transplant production increased high humidity symptoms include black spots leaves yellow border small dark spots fruit control hot water treat seed apply fungicide seed protectant use sterilized soil greenhouse disinfect flats diseases appear greenhouse field apply appropriate fungicide plus copper sprays premixing spray 90 minutes longer overnight increases efficacy tomatoes staked use disinfectant used stakes follow least two year rotation bacterial canker bacterium characteristics bacterial disease seed borne overwinter one year infected plant debris leaves wilt die brown cankers develop stem white spots develop fruit dark corky centers control hot water treat seed apply fungicide seed protectant use sterilized seeding mix disinfect flats tools plant fields infested least two years virus diseases tomato mosaic leaves occasionally green fruit mottled light dark green patches fruit may ripen unevenly internal brown streaks highly infectious virus spread simply touching infected plants cucumber mosaic infected plants stunted distorted shoestring leaves disease spread aphids feeding first diseased plants healthy double virus streak disease caused infection plant tomato mosaic pvx virus infected plants mottled leaves brown streaks stems petioles brown greasy blotches fruit control keep young plants virusfree sanitation measures aphid control avoid unnecessary handling plants infections older well developed plants affect yield appreciably grow seedlings away mature tomato plants eradicate weed hosts near greenhouse keep ornamentals greenhouse tomato seedlings smoke chew tobacco handling plants wash hands soap trisodium phosphate detergent best water handling tomato plants harden transplants leaving headlands weedy places use cultivators infected crop healthy one nonparasitic disorders blossomend rot physiological disorder lack adequate soil moisture insufficient calcium uptake soil fruits dry weather shown cause disorder excessive magnesium potassium sodium ammonium salts deficiency soluble calcium salts tend decrease calcium uptake control timely irrigation reduce prevent disorder drought occurs irrigation possible cultivation shallow reduce water loss hoeing cultivating done closer 30 cm plants avoid root pruning maintain high organic matter content soil high soil ph spray applications calcium nitrate preplant application gypsum help control disorder blotchy ripening characteristics blotchy ripening disorder involves irregular fruit ripening slow growth due plant stress seems cause control eliminate heat moisture stress wherever possible yellow shoulder characteristics climatic conditions prevent red pigment developing wall tissue near stem shoulders tomato became deep yellow color cultivars green shoulders susceptible high temperatures growing season aggravate problem fruits exposed direct sunlight appear susceptible control avoid susceptible cultivars protect crops high temperatures possible insects cutworm characteristics sometimes serious problem especially near grassy margins fields occasionally widespread problem control control couch grass perennial weeds year prior planting apply chemical sprays necessary flea beetles characteristics adults 15 3 mm long black bronze beetles hind legs well developed jumping white larvae soil therefore seldom seen depending species one two generations year adults overwinter soil eggs laid near roots larvae feed mature larvae pupate soil near host plant adults emerge early august singlegeneration species lastgeneration adults feed foliage fall return soil overwinter control transplanting lightly spray plants flats field spray insecticide watch closely field damage may occur suddenly insecticide may needed tomato fruit worm corn earworm characteristics pest usually serious problem larvae feed fruit see corn guide description years high populations insect damage severe pesticides used preventative manner control insecticides applied flea beetles control pest colorado potato beetle characteristics colorado potato beetle occasional pest larvae feed leaves control insecticides applied flea beetle control pest insecticide resistance problem wireworm characteristics early spring adult wireworms click beetles lay eggs around grass roots larvae hatch week depending species live 1 5 years ground feeding roots seeds wireworms require 3 years complete life cycle wireworms sizes ages present soil throughout year always overlapping generations wireworms larvae yellow white darker shades brown fully developed larvae may 12 4 cm long hard smooth surface larva mature pupates fall becomes adult beetle waits spring emerge wireworms often numerous land sod several years also abundant heavy poorly drained soil wireworms sometimes confused millipedes millipedes numerous pairs legs coil disturbed wireworms three pairs legs near front body coil monitor fields prior planting control monitor fields prior planting avoid planting crops highly susceptible wireworms field recently sod see appendix iii guide pest management vegetable crops specific chemical controls various crop pests discussed may found guide pest management vegetable crops harvesting handling pick fruit ripe pink maturegreen stage depending use distance market 21 c pink fruits ripen 1 2 days maturegreen fruits 4 5 days exposure green fruit ethylene supplied gas harvested fruit field spray ethephon accelerates ripening prolonged exposure temperatures 30 c inhibit red pigment formation ethephon used field ripening processing tomatoes harvesting storage conditioning maturegreen tomatoes stored 13 c 21 c optimum temperatures ripening 18 c 21 c 14 c 16 c desirable slowing ripening without increasing decay firm ripe fruit held low 7 c 10 c pink fruit stored intermediate temperatures 10 15 c relative humidity cases 90 95% mature green fruit held 2 6 weeks ripe fruit held 1 week conventional storage controlled atmosphere storage may used delay ripening extend storage life botrytis alternaria rots may problem especially fruit chilled field storage bibliography see also general references mckeen c 1984 tomato diseases agriculture canada pub 1479e 58 pp stephens ct g helsel h c price 1983 tomato disorders msu cooperative extension bulletin e1679 15 pp tomato diseases control 1972 usda agricultural handbook 203 109 pp diseases pests vegetable crops canada 1994 canadian phytopathological society entomological society canada pp 269 289 pp 489 501 peppers tomatoes research profile 1995 vegetable potato producers association nova scotia 196 pp commercial production staked tomatoes north carolina 1990 north carolina state university ag extension services 23 pp

grow tomatoes seed suzanne dejohn crop tomato seedlings growing biodegradable cowpots youve never bitten fragrant vineripened sunwarmed tomato harvested fresh garden havent tasted real tomato youll never satisfied mealy supermarket impostors fortunately tomato plants easy grow remarkably productive tomatoes longseason heatloving plants wont tolerate frost best set garden transplants young plants weather warmed spring purchase tomato transplants theres something especially rewarding starting plants indoors plus growing transplants choose among hundreds tomato varieties available seed rarely sold transplants quick germinate grow tomato seeds best sown indoors six weeks average last frost date determine last frost date ask gardening neighbor call cooperative extension office heres youll need start tomato seeds indoors tomato seeds sterile seed starting mix containers warm place sufficient light fertilizer seeds hundreds tomato varieties available seed choosing home garden daunting task things consider decide type tomatoes want example cherry tomatoes slicers tomatoes making sauce paste consider size mature plants determinate tomatoes grow 3 feet tall best choice containers indeterminate tomatoes get large 6 feet tall tomatoes benefit support cages ladders look diseaseresistance tomatoes susceptible number diseases may may problem region safe side always grow least one variety resistance verticillium fusarium designated v f variety name detailed information read select right tomato variety seedstarting mix always use sterile soilless mix start seeds avoid garden soil often drains poorly may harbor disease organisms look mixes labeled seedstarting germinating mix fine texture thats perfect delicate seedlings learn choosing right soil seed starting containers start seeds anything holds soil drainage holes ive used small yogurt containers even egg cartons holes poked bottoms waterproof saucers underneath however ive found convenient use purchased pots biodegradable cowpots seed starting systems aps seed starters warmth light seeds germinate best warm room temperature 21.11°C-23.89°C speed germination providing bottom heat heat mat theyre growing seedlings grow best cool room temperature 18.33°C although start tomatoes sunny windowsill youll get better results growing type grow light winter early spring sunlight isnt nearly intense summer sunlight fewer hours daylight insufficient light lead weak spindly plants light garden adjustable fluorescent lights ideal seed starting learn gardening lights stepbystep seed starting steps successfully starting tomato seeds thoroughly moisten seed starting mix fill containers within 12 top firm mix dont compact place two three seeds small container cell aps cover seed 14 soil gently firm seeds tomato seedlings selfwatering aps seedstarter water ensure good seedtomix contact use plant mister dribble stream water top dont need soak soil moisten top layer place pots warm spot top heat mat point seeds dont need light keep mix moist soaking wet seedstarting system greenhouse top use help hold moisture lay plastic kitchen wrap tops pots check pots daily soon see sprouts remove covering place pots sunny window grow lights keeping lights inch two growing continue keep soil moist saturated dry seedstarting mix lighter color moist mix good indication needs watering gardeners run fan room growing seedlings good air circulation reduces chances disease problems damping youre growing plants windowsill rotate pots daily plants grow upright instead leaning toward light youre growing lights raise lights plants grow keeping inches plants thinning strongest healthiest plants youll want one seedling per pot cell thinning removing extra seedlings tough task many gardeners hesitate dispatch seedlings theyve nurturing done select strongest healthiest seedling use pair scissors snip others soil line try transplant extras different pots risk disturbing roots remaining plant realistically many tomato plants garden accommodate fertilizing second set true leaves appears time begin fertilizing first two leaves called seed leaves subsequent leaves called true leaves use soluble fertilizer phc seedlings diluted half recommended rate apply twice week repotting tomatoes may need transplanted larger containers outgrow pots time set outdoors dont allow plant get potbound roots filling container growth may stunted stepbystep instructions read repot tomato seedling transplanting garden wait transplant tomato seedlings garden average last spring frost date prepared protect seedlings garden fabric row cover late frost threatens goes well youll harvesting ripe tomatoes eight weeks less use scissors thin crowded seedlings select right tomato variety gardeners old tomato wont kathy laliberte bowl several kinds small tomatoes cherry plum pearshaped north south coast coast tomatoes consistently popular vegetable american gardens gardeners old tomato wont like red like yellow orange even purple prefer tomatoes tiny dime want big melon like juicy like dense pulpy fortunately almost 700 different tomato varieties cultivation today plenty choices everyone youve gardening many years probably already favorite tomato varieties plant every year garden ive tried least two dozen different varieties years spring comes time decide tomato varieties grow heres think fruit characteristics time maturity growth habit disease resistance disease resistance important tomatoes vulnerable number diseases weaken plant reduce yields look catalog description seed packet plant label see variety resistance verticillium fusarium wilt two common soilborne diseases affect tomatoes resistance diseases designated v f variety name tomatoes region suffer rootknot nematode n tobacco mosaic virus alternaria look resistance diseases well late blight problem recent years understand disease prevent two varieties unusual striping growth habit important consider get bumper tomato crop need provide enough room plant adequate support tomato plants one two growth habits determinate bush varieties grow certain height usually 2-3 ft set fruit concentrate ripening fruit indeterminate vine varieties keep growing taller taller setting ripening fruit theyre killed frost limited amount growing space growing tomatoes container probably select determinate bush variety determinate varieties also good cold climate gardeners need harvest whole crop within couple weeks plenty space prefer pick tomatoes several months prepared provide sturdy support stakes cages ladders select indeterminate variety heirloom openpollinated hybrid want save seeds one year next plant heirloom openpollinated varieties seeds collected plants come true meaning grow identical plant following year heirloom tomatoes brandywine red calabash mortgage lifter arkansas traveler openpollinated varieties passed one generation next hybrids cross two genetically different varieties selected certain desirable traits hybrid varieties often offer better disease resistance higher yields come true seed varieties paste tomatoes determinate fruit ripens within two three weeks spend couple weekends canning making sauce freezer running dehydrator determinate plants get 2 ft high fine without support use plastic straw mulch keep fruit ground cherry beefsteak tomatoes indeterminate means plants get huge also means produce fruit continuously early july right frost time maturity important short growing season live need harvest tomatoes early september light fades frost comes look tomato varieties start ripening fruit less 75 days many really big beefsteak varieties require full 90 days mature fruit characteristics care use tomatoes salads sandwiches eat hand dry also use fresh frozen sauces select tomato varieties based well theyre suited uses three varieties ive planting lately sun gold 65day indeterminate goldenorange cherry tomato plants big rangy need well staked surrounded strong cage tomato tower support well theyll produce incredible abundance 1 diameter ultrasweet fruit full 3 months live summers hot probably dont much trouble growing sweet flavorful tomatoes areas summer short nights cool tomatoes never get sweet spoiled sun golds dependable supersweet flavor add tomato sauces slice onto sandwiches even dry toss winter salads pasta dishes big beef another indeterminate tomato produces big 4 6 diameter fruit great tomato sandwiches 80 days variety early beefsteaktype usually get couple weeks worth ripe fruit frost tomato ladders work well variety juliet 60day indeterminate produces huge crop fruit oval 2 long firm glossy quite dense like miniature paste tomato juliet ripens fast furious use soups sauces salsas cold salads also get stewed whole canning get halved drying

tomatoes among popular rewarding crops summer gardens fruit vegetables taste better picked fresh garden tomatoes class flavor ripe homegrown tomato picked warm summer day hard beat homegrown tomatoes packed goodness tomatoes provide lycopene antioxidant found red fruit along vitamins c carotene dietary fibre consist approximately 94.5% water tomatoes originated south central america part solanaceae nightshade family also includes potato tobacco chilli first domesticated aztecs 500bc believed 10000 tomato cultivars growing tomatoes info toll free 1800 335 508 plant tomatoes grown part australia check garden centres hardware stores varieties available local area 1 subtropical tropical climates tomatoes planted grown yearround 2 cool temperate regions climates grow tomatoes warmest parts year planting around october november seeds sown late winter onwards seedlings planted soil begun warm chance frost passed weather turn cold cover plants overnight protect frost 3 warm temperate areas tomatoes planted august onwards make several plantings spring early summer keep fruit coming well autumn location grow best full sun light afternoon shade hotter climates protect young seedlings shade cloth smaller spaces containers select patio tomatoes small sturdy plants dont need large stakes grow without support cascading tumbling varieties grown spill edge pot raised garden bed cherrystyle tomatoes small fruit form large plants plant tomatoes location last season expose tomatoes soilborne diseases companion plant basil parsley garlic marigolds nasturtiums soil tomatoes prefer slightly acidic neutral light welldrained soil also grow well slightly alkaline soil dig compost wellrotted manure planting apply seasol liquid compost areas heavy poorly drained soils grow tomatoes raised garden beds soil rich nutrients helps build strong plants add seasol plant soil booster 100g per square metre fertiliser powerfeed controlled release tomatoes vegetables check application rates product labels go seasol website life cycle tomatoes 1 seed germination baby tomato seedlings planting tomato seedlings tomato plant growth tomato flower fruit growth tomato harvest 2 3 4 5 6 7 4 planting tomato seedlings growing tomatoes info toll free 1800 335 508 check application rates product labels go seasol website 1 sowing seeds 2 germination 3 baby tomato seedlings grow seed sown individual seed cells punnets transplant around six weeks press two three seeds 1-2cm moist seed raising mix cover lightly cover mix vermiculite plant seeds deep germinate water well seasol gold seasol help increase seed germination rates soil moist wet check soil moisture daily ensure tomato seeds right conditions germinate tomatoes grown individual 10-15cm pots large containers continue shelter conditions warm threat frost passed moving seedlings outside tomatoes need warm conditions germinate 16c expect germination 6-14 days slower rates colder conditions faster seed germination rates seed trays put inside heating pad tomatoes sprout two leaves seedlings leaves look like two narrow leaves either side stem water gently apply seasol gold seasol weekly 30ml concentrate per 9 litres water help stimulate strong root development healthy growth two weeks seed leaves opened true leaves appear first tomato leaves overcrowding occurs select strongest seedling thin transplant rest use scissors tweezers thin seedlings avoid disturbing young roots tomato seedlings need lot nutrients grow produce tasty bumper crop liquid feed powerfeed pro series tomatoes vegetables every 2 weeks increase application rates 20ml 50ml concentrate per 9 litres water plants mature check soil moisture daily water needed transplant homegrown seedlings form two three true leaves large enough handle space 50-60cm apart depending variety rows least 60cm apart greater spacing makes easier manage train vines tomatoes tallgrowing vines indeterminate need plenty space support 2-3m high stakes tripod trellis grow strong healthy seedlings purchased plant according directions plant tag seedlings grafted plants planted deeply burying bottom centimetres stem soil encourage extra root formation gives plant extra support also source extra nutrients water check moisture level soil daily water needed 5 tomato plant growth tie growth supports using soft tie damage stem tie leaf stalk flower cluster control bushiness plant pruning laterals shoots leaf axils also allows sunlight reach developing fruit plant reaches top stake tip pruned control size every 6-8 weeks apply another application powerfeed controlled release tomatoes vegetables produce bumper crop tasty tomatoes revitalise depleted soils remember water thoroughly application growing tomatoes fruit fly zones begin protect fruit soon fully sized well ripens green fruit ripen indoors flavour best tomatoes vine ripened healthy tomato plants continue fruit grow cold conditions halt growth keep tomato plants healthy removing dead diseased leaves stems also opens air circulation around plant info toll free 1800 335 508 check application rates product labels go seasol website remove weeds appear compete space nutrients mulch around plant suppresses weeds helps retain soil moisture prevent spread mites leaves fruiting quickly follows flowering form 12-20 weeks sowing seed flowers begin apply powerfeed pro series tomatoes vegetables seasol gold seasol weekly 7 tomato harvest 6 tomato flower fruit growth things watch fruit fly pests queensland fruit fly medfly found parts australia except south australia tasmania victoria ruin tomato crops protect tomatoes ripen regularly apply baits containing spinosad eco naturalure follow instructions container bag fruit pick fruit ripen indoors tomato russet mite tiny mite hard see damage obvious particularly hot weather leaves start brown die base plant moving upwards also cause corky damage fruit control regular applications tomato dust also control pests caterpillars thrips removing lower leaves also slow attack blossom end rot waterstressed tomatoes fail take enough calcium soil fruit affected blossom end rot causes brown leathery patches form base fruit increase frequency watering target spot brown spots yellowing leaves indicate fungal disease known target spot also spread stems fruit control registered fungicides crop rotation important control disease also attacks potatoes weeds solanaceae family tomato viruses range viruses cause tomato plants wilt die back also found solanaceae plants including potatoes weeds sapsucking insects thrips spread viral diseases manage following crop rotation growing solanaceae crops beds successive seasons controlling weeds controlling pests remove affected plants chemical controls tomato ripening tomatoes may stop flowering fruiting temperatures rise 35c however temperatures drop level theyll return productivity

tomato production introduction tomato popular garden vegetable used salads vegetable processed tomato paste sauce puree tomato rich vitamins belongs nightshade family along potatoes peppers eggplants types tomato 2 types tomatoes determinate indeterminate types determinate types determinate tomatoes bush tomatoes grow height 3 4 stop growing fruit sets top bud tomatoes plant ripen approximately time usually period 1 2 weeks mainly grown canning require limited amount staking support examples determinate tomato include oxyl rambo f1 sandokan f1 indeterminate types indeterminate tomatoes grow well 6 flower set new fruit ripen fruits many months require substantial staking support examples indeterminate tomatoes include chonto f1 bravo f1 mavuno f1 image wikihowcom indeterminate variety keeps growing determinate stops growing first harvest ecological requirements temperature tomato warmseason crop sensitive frost average temperature 20 24 c needed good growth yield high fruit quality fruit set quality poor temperatures 12 c temperatures 35 c hot dry winds cause excessive flower drop continuous moist rainy weather conditions result occurrence spread foliar diseases soil requirements tomato grows best deep welldrained loams soil rich organic matter plant nutrients ph value 6 7 tomato well following conditions medium rainfall range 760 1300 mm though done irrigation optimum temperature 20-25 day 15-17 night welldrained light loamfertile soils ph 5-7 use certified tomato seeds disease free give higher yield varieties preference may depend grow greenhouse open field target market ie canning fresh market growing tomatoes tomatoes first started nursery 3-4 weeks transferring field nursery establishment tomato first started nursery nursery area flood make level ground avoid erosion soil seed nutrients need 100g seedacre follow steps make good nursery 1 select site field crop tomato family eg potato eggplant pepper tobacco previously grown since pests diseases attack seedlings easily affected 2 make raised nursery beds 15 cm ground 1 metre wide easily reach plants 3 put 1 debe manure every square metre nursery bed mix well soil 4 plant make shallow furrow 1cm 15-20 cm apart across bed place seeds 5 cover lightly soil put dried grass mulch nursery bed 6 spray soil insecticides like pearl 50sc fungicide like control 70df stop early pests diseases nursery 7 seeds sprout within 8 days 8 seedling sprout remove mulch make shade bed 9 water seedlings 2-3 times week image shamba shape make raised bed 15cm high shade image shamba shape drench nursery transplanting transplanting transplant tomato seedlings nursery developed strong root top growth 3-4 weeks planting nursery seedlings 6-10 inches tall image shamba shape transplanting select healthy seedlings 6-10 inches tall least 3-4 leaves procedure transplanting 1 6-9 days transplanting reduce amount watering remove shade harden prepare seedlings outdoor conditions 2 reduce transplant shock seedlings transplant seedlings evening cloudy cool day avoid transplanting hot sunny windy day 3 transplanting seedlings nursery pull lump soil stop roots drying seedling establish faster planting 1 recommended make soil test 3-5 months crop planted enable make appropriate fertilizer management programme good growth high yield without wasting fertilizer also detect soil serious diseases like bacterial wilt 2 soil testing done make holes 15cm deep put handful manure 1 bottletop mavuno planting fertilizer plant 1 seedlinghole leaves 5-10cm soil firm soil around plant 3 water tomato plants regularly putting water stem leaves water early morning later day night reduce fungal diseases 4 mulch seedlings 3-5 weeks planting earlier placing dry grass base plants grass keep weeds stop soil drying also stop pests image shamba shape right spacing transplanting tomatoes 45cm plant another rows 60cm apart fertilization topdressing foliar feed 1 topdress plants mavuno topdress 2600 10gplant 3-4 weeks transplanting leaf establishment plant uses nitrogen fertilizer 2 topdress mavuno npk 151022 10gplant plants flower compound fertilizer necessary supply nitrogen phosphorus potassium needed flowering 3 npk compound fertilizer npk topdress repeated first harvest 4 addition npk tomato require nutrients known micronutrients small quantities provide foliar feeds applied regularly 5 flowering fruit setting avoid excessive nitrogen leads excess vegetative growth poor fruit set smaller fruits hollow fruits poor keeping quality 6 inadequate calcium lead blossomend rot disease disease corrected applying calcium fertilizers foliar spray easygro calcium weeding 1 weeds use food soil space water tomato crop needs pests stay weeds jump across cause harm crop take weeds often 2 weeds left uncontrolled severe infestations reduce yield least 50% 3 use mulch acts barrier growth many weeds time conserving moisture soil 4 hand weeding recommended greenhouse outdoor tomatoes image shamba shape take weeds using jembe keep field weedfree mulching stop weeds growing supporting plant tomato plant supported allow free air movement reduces moisture accumulation thus reducing disease incidences 1 tying plant poles wires support usually done early 3-4 weeks transplanting avoid plant damage 2 tie string lightly tomato gently twine string around plant avoid snapping stem alternatively peg inserted soil adjacent tomato string tied tied barbed wire tomato made wind string staking staking required support plants fruiting starts especially indeterminate types keeps vines leaves ground fruit cleaner less rotting makes harvesting easier makes easier working around plants image shamba shape support tomato stems staking clean quality fruit stake 1 use stakes wooden metal bamboo cane push soil 1-2 inches away main stem 2 loosely tie main stem stake soft thick cord cut stem time image wikihowcom fix stakes close plants tie loosely around plant pruning regular removal side shoots remain two healthy stems 1 weekly scout side shoots develop big shoots 2 remove side shoots laterals old leaves diseased leaves branches overshadowed lower leaves hand 3 remove flowers 5-6 per cluster get medium large sized fruits 4 avoid spread diseases plant plant use secateurs knife pinch instead using thumb forefinger 5 formation first fruit cluster mature green tomatoes remove lower older leaves allow ventilation disperse food fruits image wikihowcom pruning remove old leaves excess flower clusters side shoots pests diseases regularly look pests diseases tomato crop control soon possible pests scouting two three times per week however allowing early detection infestations timely application pest specific control measures costeffective management strategy best time look pests morning plant leaving feed common pests include aphids thrips whiteflies cutworms bollworms leaf miners spider mites nematodes disease diseases cause tomato poor yield poor quality serious hot humid weather common diseases include wilts blight leaf spots mildews 1 control pests cultural methods best eg clean weeding use certified seed destroying alternate hosts etc 2 wait till pest disease symptoms begin show carry preventive spraying observe product label recommendations case diseases eg mildews blight copperbased sulphurbased fungicides used 3 viral diseases controlled controlling vectors key vectors include aphids thrips whiteflies nematodes

tomatoes nep224 growing beginners guide gardening tomatoes popular summer crop many consider basic part home garden growing tomatoes require labor compared vegetables results rewarding varieties two different kinds tomato plants indeterminate tomatoes keep growing taller season determinate tomatoes grow certain height stop early girl photo johnnys selected seeds johnnyseedscom terenzo photo allamerican selections determinate tomato plants shorter indeterminate plants staked caged trellised need pruned harvest period shorter compared indeterminate types harvest tomatoes shorter period time compared indeterminate types varieties determinate tomatoes celebrity mountain fresh carolina gold golden yellow plum dandy paste terenzo cherry institution equal opportunity provider material partially funded usdas supplemental nutrition assistance programsnap work supported expanded food nutrition education program usda national institute food agriculture indeterminate tomato plants must trellised order stay upright pruning lower suckers side branches plants grow taller recommended tomato harvest continues throughout summer season plant grows varieties indeterminate tomatoes better boy beefsteak large fruit early girl juliet grape jolly pear shaped supersweet 100 cherry sungold golden yellow cherry cherokee purple heirloom dark purple brandywine heirloom red pink yellow types 2 much plant plan two three plants person family provide enough fresh tomatoes everyone summer family five would 10 15 plants set five plants person family enough eat summer early fall plus enough able tomatoes meals next winter spring would 25 plants family five wire cage one easiest ways keep plant ground results better quality fruit photo matt barton uk ces agriculture communications tomatoes supported stake need loosely tie plant around stake grows taller photo matt barton uk ces agriculture communications several tomatoes row supported trellis many different options create trellis even using wire fence option plants need loosely tied trellis plant tomatoes warmweather crop planted danger frosty weather past safe days planting kentucky may 1st western may 15th central eastern try plant tomatoes evening cloudy day dry best buy tomato plants ready set garden early may try starting tomato seeds indoors midmarch need bright window plants well plant tomatoes rows four feet apart put plants 18 24 inches apart row dig hole six inches deep tomato plant stake plants put sixfoot stake four inches plant drive stake 8 10 inches deep soil prune tie plants plant grows new shoots start leaves join stem let first shoot grow second main stem week pinch shoots cherokee purple photo johnnys selected seeds johnnyseedscom 3 pests diseases tomatoes susceptible pests diseases throughout season protect young plants cutworms placing cardboard tube around base plant hornworms eat leaves fruit taken hand cutting away foliage feeding squashed foot disposed trash corn earwoms feed fruit may burrow inside pull worms use pesticide tomato plants mature portions plant need removed improves fruit quality yield arrow photo pointing called sucker side shoot needs removed otherwise plants produce leaves less fruit photo matt barton uk ces agriculture communications cutworm eating stem plant photo rj reynolds tobacco company slide set rj reynolds tobacco company bugwoodorg tomato hornworms eat leaves stems tomato plants reduces amount tomato fruit produced photo fox hen farm llc beneficial wasp lays eggs body tomato hornworms worms affected white cocoonlike structures back good hornworm management remove hornworms show signs wasp photo fox hen farm llc growing two main stems careful remove flower clusters close plant reaches 12 15 inches high tie stake use heavy twine tie twine tightly stake loop around plant time plant grows another 12 inches add tie fertilize summer tomato fruit reached large size two weeks first harvest scatter urea fertilizer along sides row use four five tablespoons full per 10 feet row add amount fertilizer two three weeks first harvest may switch urea fertilizer watersoluble fertilizer dissolved water poured around plants follow advice label preparing applying watersoluble fertilizer 4 corn earworms feed surface tomato fruit may also tunnel fruit photo alton n sparks jr university georgia bugwoodorg tomato blossom end rot often caused high temperatures low soil moisture sure water plants regularly may also put light layer straw around base plants help keep soil moist photo brenda kennedy university kentucky bugwoodorg blossom end rot may prevented keeping even soil moisture growing season mulch straw leaves may help move tomatoes new part garden every years lessen soilbased disease problems tomato plants may attractive bees pollinators apply pesticides pollinators present information managing pests diseases contact county extension agent consult uk cooperative extension publication growing vegetables home kentucky id128 www2caukyedu agcommpubsidid128id128pdf harvesting tomatoes picked vine first start ripen fully ripen indoors waiting tomatoes fully colored vine make taste better birds rodents may drawn bright color first frost pick tomatoes even green ones right size wrap newspaper place box store cool place indoors check tomatoes every days move ripened ones warmer lit area method may result fresh tomatoes four six weeks flavor may lessen time lastly green tomatoes edible wish eat green tomatoes harvest tomatoes full size red color present clean pull plants ground frost kills throw away place compost pile many people think tomatoes one best things growing home garden pick first start ripen let ripen fully inside photo fox hen farm llc 5 serving tomatoes rich nutrients promote good health including fiber vitamins c medium tomato contains 25 calories 20 mg sodium good source potassium tomatoes eaten raw cooked storing store ripe tomatoes room temperature use within three days keep direct sunlight place green tomatoes paper bag ripen tomatoes store longer refrigerated may lose quality preserve gardens harvest home canning tomatoes tomato products help save money gain control food canning use tomatoes serve tomatoes raw cooked photo fox hen farm llc overripe beginning spoil ensure safe highquality homecanned products always follow researchbased recommendations canning information home canning tomatoes please refer university kentucky cooperative extension publication home canning tomatoes tomato products fcs3-580 fcs3580fcs3580pdf contact county extension agent canning good way preserve tomatoes future use photo fox hen farm llc educational programs kentucky cooperative extension serve people regardless economic social status discriminate basis race color ethnic origin national origin creed religion political belief sex sexual orientation gender identity gender expression pregnancy marital status genetic information age veteran status physical mental disability issued furtherance cooperative extension work acts may 8 june 30 1914 cooperation us department agriculture nancy cox director cooperative extension programs university kentucky college agriculture food environment lexington kentucky state university frankfort copyright 2020 materials developed university kentucky cooperative extension publication may reproduced portions entirety educational non profit purposes permitted users shall give credit authors include copyright notice publications also available world wide web 8-2020 cooperative extension services agriculture natural resources family consumer sciences 4h youth development community economic development authors rachel rudolph extension vegetable specialist rick durham extension consumer horticulture specialist contributions matt barton agriculture communication specialist jann knappage food system specialist katie shoultz marketing media specialist

pack notes 7 16122020 1 10 growing food home series growing tomatoes pack notes 7 types tomatoes many different types tomatoes choose great variety fruits produce better cooking others best straight bush salad sandwich home gardeners grow varieties commonly available grocery stores limited storage ability even though flavor maybe excellent select varieties use prefer four broad shape classifications tomatoes globe tomatoes heavily commerciallycultivated fruit large round good eating raw cooking eg mande beefsteak tomatoes biggest fruit used sandwiches eg brandywine mortgage lifter grosse lisse plumpaste tomatoes small oval thickwalled fruit used make sauces eg romas amish paste cherry tomatoes smallest fruit good snacks salads eg tommy toe black cherry growing habit shapes plants grow different shapes heights require staking let ramble whilst others smaller bushier taller types eg grosse lisse need supported stake unless want ramble climb make difficult keep pests away trim diseased leaves also called indeterminate plants tend produce fruits season long fruits produced intervals along stems space 80 100 cm apart smaller bushier types eg roma called determinate dont require staking produce fruits end branches tend bear fruits couple weeks production fades thats eventually forms flower cluster terminal growing point causes stop growing height space 50 60 cm apart images growing tomatoes pack notes 7 16122020 2 10 tomatoes may take 4-5 months harvest consideration varieties suit interests capacity needs taken plant interval extended crops site selection need least 6 hours sunlight preferably morning sun shelter strong winds western sun 3pm orient beds maximise sunlight extreme heat periods 35 40 need shaded potential diseases stay soil plant section vegetable patch tomatoes grown 2-3 years preparing soil tomatoes prefer ph range 55 7 clays soils feature suburbs city salisbury alkaline test soil ph testing kit readily available garden stores soil ph alkaline add agricultural sulphur recommended rates acid use lime per instructions packet tomatoes heavy feeders need rich welldraining soil deal drainage first clay soils add 60% course builders make crumbly gypsum rate 9 litre bucket per 1 metre square build nutrients garden beds found preparing soil early least 6-8 weeks planting maybe end july late september planting advantageous much nitrogen give big plants little fruit make sure manures add well rotted check nitrogen component fertiliser relatively low build soil feeding plant larger mixing bed organic matter including compost gypsum calcium pelletised chicken manure yates dynamic lifter neutrogs gygantic sudden impact roses well rotted manure sheep cowblood bone sulphate potash water let sit weather better soil warmer planting check moisture levels rain may need water keep soil moist microorganism soil active lyns preferred soil preparation start winter 6-8 weeks planting lightly turn soil make sure moist pelletised chicken manure 2 good handful per square metre blood bone 1 good handful per square metre seamungus 2 good handful per square metre sulphate potash1 small handful per square metre egg shells pulverised scatter ½ handful per square metre turn lightly water repeat 2 week intervals dont add manure later 4 weeks planting planting add small amount sulphate potash throughout growing season flower help set fruit growing tomatoes pack notes 7 16122020 3 10 selecting healthy seedling select healthy young seedlings planting healthy seedling upright strong stem spindly lush green leaves yellow leaves ones spots new growth roots coming holes bottom pot means roots established many roots coming come may mean pot bound worth purchasing mildly pot bound roots occupying container fine help plants establish flowers early add pinch potash seedlings help flower helps get producing fruit early foliage planting remove side shoots suckers lower part stem plant deep 75-10cm last two leaves ground encourage strong root growth roots develop along buried stem remove side shoots plant deep encourage strong root development staking supports plan going grow tomatoes put supports planting images staking done planting consideration going prune determine staking requirements staking important weight fruit cause stems strain possibly split allow access diseases use 1 stake per plant one side three triangle trellis made fence wire anything provide support plant although metal heat sun burn tomato leaves tree tomatoes vigorous varieties eg grosse lisse sweet bite need staking growing tomatoes pack notes 7 16122020 4 10 note reduce disease using clean sterlised materials clean sterilize stakes soaking diluted bleach end season prevent transferring soil borne diseases use soft material ties stocking old tee shirts ripped strips plant tie ribbon anything give string quickly cut stem windy day avoid planting adelaide planting soil temperature warm spring best time overnight temperatures still low late spring may better harden seedling plant leaving conditions growing hours days prior planting plant tomatoes soil temperature 15-20c range preferred growing temperature around late october mid november best plant night time temperatures 15c planting ensure temperatures following days going hot space plants still containers raised mound trenches spacing depends growing habit need reasonable distance apart allow space grow access soil nutrition plenty air around position stakes planting prevent root damage taller growers easier harvest take less space grown wire frames teepee like sticks stakes trellis place 1tsp blood bone either side plant water seedlings diluted seaweed extract 110 ratio tip growing tomatoes trenches useful channel water fertiliser plant roots also beneficial prevent fungal infections easily spread watering leaves dig trench fertilise would growing normal beds plastic tube attached stakes ground around plant roots left night cold nights keep soil temperature warmer keep plant growth consistent spring growing tomatoes pack notes 7 16122020 5 10 watering tomato plants require regular establish good growth fruit set stress due lack water reduce quality yield ultimately shorten life plant soil type rainfall determine frequently need water clay soils hold water need watered less frequently sandy soils soil around roots needs always moist growing period rain regular need water train roots go deep slow deep soak week extreme heat period may need water every 2 3 days depending conditions check first check soil determine whether water sticking finger soil damp water moisture water creating trenches water help channel water reach roots overhead water encourage fungal bacterial diseases feeding good soil preparation plants fine grow applying first lot fertiliser hold back fertilising first flowers appear sprinkle sulphate potash 3 tablespoon water repeat month growing season around base plant encourage flowers set fruit add 1 teaspoon granule sulphate potash water 1st flowers 1st fruiting continue new flowers fruit develop nitrogen good initial leaf growth much used prevent good fruit set fertiliser higher potash commonly called fruiting flowering neutrogs gyganic sudden impact roses better encourages flowering fruiting use pelletised chicken manure compost sulphate potash described life plant fed least 2 3 times ensure adequate growth development look leaves plant yellowing fading tips black purple plant needs fertilising place fertiliser trench plants overfed lush green soft susceptible wind insect damage plants lacking calcium often due inadequate watering much nitrogen susceptible getting blossom end rot many liquid tomato foods like phostragen contain added calcium calcium needs added planting late problem occurs consider liquid fertilising approximately every three weeks fish emulsionseaweed extracts gives good boost feed early morning 7 heat day growing tomatoes pack notes 7 16122020 6 10 img discussions1887577containertomatoes pruning reasons prune based reducing fungal infections directing growth plant easy harvest manage reduce fungal infections increase airflow clearing away leaves base plant heavy pruning usually unnecessary reduce growth yields aware much pruning lead scalded fruit hot spells may need provide shade hot weather pruning soil 12 25 cm leaves touching ground avoid disease transmitting soil plant taller growing indeterminate types influenced grow pruning pinching think going grow varieties place stakes trellising supports early eventual shape pinch soft shoots apart tip shoots grow leaf junctions wanted grow tall plant pergola pole may want one main leader main leader top plant second strongest leader next one first flower truss less leaders slightly bigger fruit may get side shoots sideshoot suckers new growths stem shade leaf dont remove shade leaves protect plant pinch sideshoot couple cms size bigger cut scalpel type knife open messy wound could become disease entry point prune side shooting laterals lower shooting stems plants grow need done nearly daily plants take determinate varieties often busher shorter growing varieties dont need pinching ever growth structure already determined growing tomatoes pack notes 7 16122020 7 10 shelter extreme heat tomatoes become sunburnt exposed extreme heat ruins fruit burnt section appears white greyish sunken area skin fruits prevent train plant manage pests diseases ensure good foliage cover shade hot weather late afternoon sun damaging extreme heat 38 c use 5050 shade cloth make sure shade cloth touch plant blown windy days damage leaves also ensure enough air flow access mulching weather becomes hotter increasing apply mulch straw pea straw around according peter cundall spread thick mulch straw enriched rotted sheep cow manure around plant pressing lower stems watered keep soils moist temperature lower also stimulate new root growth decomposing straw mix result bigger yields harvesting best flavour ripe fruit best leave bush ready use possible semiripe fruit harvested ripen refrigerator tomatoes better stored fridge selecting different varieties grow extend harvest season leave fruit bush dont water enough heavy rain cause fruit split pest disease control tomatoes prone suffering vast array pest disease early intervention important prevent spreading continually check pest diseases treat accordingly good gardening hygiene measures help prevent spread diseases apply regular dusting tomato dust leaves control caterpillars careful dust flowers kill bees also sprinkle light dusting soil around stem prune lower leaves none contact soil prevent fungal infections soil maintaining good airflow plants never overhead water also prevent fungal infections diseased plant still keep producing cut dispose diseased leaves put green bin home compost remove diseased leaves weekly dont compost infected plants fruit insects controlled sticky traps list pest diseases long internet search consulting books library informative common diseases pest include growing tomatoes pack notes 7 16122020 8 10 pest disease control continued tomato russet mite usually first period hot weather wipe previously healthy plants leaves become dull brown papery dying bottom exposes fruit sunburn live back leaves 25mm cream toredo shaped love dry dusty conditions apply mulch soil squirt water morning severe early morning spray wettable sulphur rate 1teaspoon spray per litre onto front back leaves miticide horticultural oil cant use hot weather insecticide soap spray natrasoap nematode root nematode cause plants wilt control drench soil 1lt molasses mixed 4l water 3 square look swelling roots dead plant confirm bacterial wilt plants wilt cure test slice stem lengthwise centre white ok brown infected fungal problems prevent practicing crop rotation pruning reduce air flow water base plant foliage water plant needs watering increases fungal problems blossom end rot fruit goes rotten bottom flower caused lack calcium irregular watering also cause water plants need prevent water stress fruit split caused excessive water heavy rainfall forecast may wish pick crop early sunburn white patches upper surfaces use shades careful prune leaves aphids tomato dust spray growing tomatoes pack notes 7 16122020 9 10 growing tomatoes pots pots choose pots good drainage holes side bottom many terracotta pots one hole flush ground pots least raised slightly raising hole ground size pot depends variety tall growers need large tubs smaller sized tomatoes eg florianas san marzano go much smaller pots small 25cm diameter go small plant forever dry deep saucers extremely handy particularly go away days also save water trick let plant use water rather continually topping give plants wet feet lack oxygen roots often resulting poor growth soils garden soil pots also cause wet feet fine granules garden soil small compact pot causing poor drainage good potting mix large small chunks pinebark allowing air around roots like things life pay get expect poor performance $3.00 potting mix $10.00 plus top line extras fertilisers manures need added initially staking staking something think support better bush types like tumbler san marzano simply left cascade pot taller growers appreciate wire frames teepee like sticks stakes growing pot near fence verandah pole plants pots may need fed often look leaves plant yellowing fading tips black purple plants hungry hard look lacking nutrients gradually become weaker overfed plant lush green soft plant would susceptible wind insect damage watering check soil regularly dont let dry dont water small amount instead soil dry water enough water drains bottom holes repeat saturate soil tomatoes dont like wet feet dont recommend placing saucers bottom pots lack oxygen roots often resulting poor growth growing tomatoes pack notes 7 16122020 10 10 growing tomatoes seed collecting seed makes sure using nonhybrid seeds sow late july keep seedlings warm spot window sill good move away cold nights ideal soil temperature 25c containers jiffy pots plastic punnets paper cups milk cartons cut half containers must drainage holes fill containers seed raising mix good potting soil cover seeds coir leaving 1cm top watering use regular potting mix garden soil plant 1-3 seeds pot water fine spray cover cutoff plastic bottles water young seedling emerge make sure bright light spot otherwise leggy seedlings 3-5 cm high developed second pair leaves transplant pot add pinch sulphate potash plants need hardened putting pots similar position growing day taken back previous situation night planting beds mulch bed well keeping mulch away stem tomato plants like cigarette smoke smokers need clean hands touching plants basil good companion plant tomatoes overwatering may cause weak seedling complied david clayton shannan davis lyn hancock leslie wightman grow food workshops august 2015 updated shannan davis october 2020 omatoesseedsand

tomato planting guide kenya highland seed company ltd outstanding portfolio selected determinate open pollinated varieties hybrid tomato varieties segmented perform well across different regions indeterminate varieties ability perform well open field greenhouse units nursery establishment plot well prepared digging mixing soil well decomposed farmyard manure poultry manure advisable used nursery level due high nitrogen levels inhibit proper seedling establishment drench nursery bed insecticide fungicide prevent early attacks soil borne pests fungal disease ease nursery management practices weeding irrigation ensure nursery bed 1m wide conventional length make shallow drills 2cm 3cm depth spacing 10cm 20cm apart thinly sow seeds cover lightly using soil well decomposed fine farmyard manure irrigate nursery bed frequently morning hours maintaining damp wet conditions seedlings ready transplanting 3-4weeks time allow extra days seedlings harden ensures reduced transplanting shock alternatively seeds sowed using seeding trays appropriate propagation media peat moss cocopeat land preparation tomatoes require well drained deep fertile soils ph 60 70 optimal growth however soils kenya nutrient poor turn makes difficult farmers achieve good yields advisable farmers implement good soil management practices crop rotation fertilizer application per recommendations soil test analysis transplanting tomato seedlings ready transplanting 3-4weeks sowing nursery bed watered ease uprooting seedlings transplanting evening hours minimize risk transplanting shock arises excessive evapotranspiration leading permanent wilting turn makes young seedlings dry spacing depends variety grown irrigation system used determinate bush varieties 60cm 60cm 75cm 75cm recommended indeterminate varieties 60cm 45cm furrow irrigation effective way minimizing risks brought fungal diseases early blight hand drip irrigation efficient water utilization overhead irrigation recommended solanaceous crops encourages spread fungal diseases due leaf wetness pathogen spores landing host plant irrigation event allows infection process begin disease progresses overhead irrigation splash pathogens spores infected plants healthy plants leading disease spread nutritional requirement transplanting important planting holes mixed well decomposed manure basal fertilizer rich phosphorous proper root development dap npk top dressing carried 3weeks transplanting basal fertilizer rich nitrogen second application carried 2-3weeks first topdress onset flowering top dress using balanced npk repeat harvesting replenish nutrients lost harvesting process foliar fertilizers applied substitute basal fertilizers applied especially periods high stress hot periods hinder nutrient uptake calcium tomato support system staking tomatoes done plants still young avoid stem damage breaking turn act secondary entry point pathogens advisable prune determinate bush varieties side shoots contribute overall yield holding fruits indeterminate varieties pruned involves removal extra flowers side shoots diseased leaves good agronomic practices determinate varieties harvested period 3months indeterminate varieties harvested period 6months

comprehensive tomato farming guide 2 p g e introduction recent past demand tomatoes region increased tremendously demand met increasing production area yield better production methods highyielding diseaseresistant varieties play key role keeping market demand growing requirements tomatoes thrive welldrained deep uniform clay silty loams sensitive water logged soils prefer soil ph 60 75 best temperatures 20c 27c tomato production adversely affected temperatures get 10c exceed 30c fruit setting affected choosing field ensure tomatoes related crop solanaceous family planted field least 2 years avoid high diseases presence soil choosing variety various tomato varieties available possess different benefits include high yields resistance diseases long shelflife growers choose meet needs also suited climate grown single variety combine best features common tomato varieties kenya variety company opendoorgreenhouse assila f1 monsanto hybrid opendoor eden f1 monsanto hybrid opendoor milele f1 freshco hybrid opendoor africa revolution f1 george holland hybrid opendoor rambo f1 royal seeds hybrid opendoor kilele f1 syngenta hybrid opendoor shanty improved amiran hybrid opendoor star 9065 stark ayres hybrid opendoor commando f1 continental seeds hybrid opendoor eva f1 amiran greenhouse steve f1 continental seeds greenhouse tylka f1 syngenta greenhouse anna f1 monsanto greenhouse corazon f1 amiran greenhouse bravo f1 royal seeds greenhouse chonto f1 royal seeds greenhouse prostar f1 simlaw seeds greenhouse consider following choosing variety resistance diseases farmers need select varieties resistant diseases varieties resistant verticillium wilt vd fusarium wilt fol fusarium crown root rot fol nematodes n alternaria solani tomato yellow leaf curl virus tylcv 3 p g e shelf life variety must guarantee fruit remain fresh chain especially transportation hybrids compared open pollinated varieties opvs hybrids produce higher yields uniform fruits possess preferred quality attributes disease resistance pest tolerance better farmer spend little money hybrid f1 seeds assured optimal production nursery establishment small nature tomato seeds seedlings first raised nursery transplanted main field though farmers carry direct planting usually difficult maintain planting depth well moisture levels leading poor germination nurseries proper care seedling made possible avoiding harsh environmental conditions seedlings might face directly seeded seed beds also help farmer ensure healthy strong seedlings transplanted translating better uniform plants high production another plus nursery beds less seeds used 80-100gmsacre nursery compared 250-500gmsacre direct seeding location nursery located flat area secure accessible allow close monitoring established near source clean usable water welldrained soils area exposed sun wellaerated protected strong winds strategically located avoid exposure pests sowing lines seeds sown 1cm depth marked finger 10-15 cm spacing sowing lines keep nursery well irrigated free weeds loosen soil allow water percolation transplanting proper field preparation essential optimum performance recommended spacing transplanting 60cm 60cm seedlings hardened transplanting reducing water application directly exposing sunlight 6-9 days transplanting done prepare harsh environment face main field good seedling ready transplanting usually fourth sixth leaf stage 4 weeks old vigorous stocky thoroughly water seedlings 12 hours transplanting field transplanting late evening recommended allow seedling longer cooler hours increase chances survival irrigation tomatoes must regularly watered especially critical periods like flowersetting growth fruits watering reduced towards end crop excess moisture leaves lead diseases especially early blight weed management depending type weeds growth stage weeds crop appropriate control measures adopted manual weeding done small fields use herbicides considered extensive farming 4 p g e plant nutrition optimize performance soil nutrition amendment necessary requirement farmers soil analysis serve base coming fertilizer program apply farmyard manure rate 8 tonnes per acre land preparation improve soil structure guideline fertilizer application include basal application phosphorus early stages root shoot development applied transplanting top dressing nitrogen based fertilizers urea vegetative growth flowering fruit formation use compound fertilizers npk recommended plants require three primary nutrients nitrogen phosphorous potassium various levels fertilizer high k potassium formulation give best results weekly application foliar feeds mixed pesticide sprays also foster better plant development magnesium calcium fertilizers applied ensure better fruit development also symptoms blossom end rot manifest staking pruning done reduce excess canopy well get rid old leaves contribute high moisture accumulation leading increased disease incidences done using sticks strings give plant upright growth advantages staking increase percentage marketable fruit easier harvesting reduced injury plants fruit harvesting farmer may opt stake highly recommended management pest diseases major tomato pests include white flies aphids thrips bollworm whiteflies known transmit tomato yellow leaf curl virustylcv major tomato diseases comprise blights wilts rots pest diseases remain greatest challenge tomato production general principles pest disease management include disease prevention preventing problems usually easier curing ten strategies help prevent diseases problems 1 although many heirloom varieties better flavor newer varieties lack disease resistance purchasing disease resistant cultivars help keep mind disease resistance mean immunity preventive strategies still important 2 disinfect tools tomato cages stakes solution one part bleach nine parts water 5 p g e 3 rotate planting location every three five years 4 plant cold soils weakens plants making susceptible diseases may stunt permanently 5 crowd tomatoes good air circulation around plants vital keeping foliage dry preventing diseases 6 remove lower branches leaving stem bare first set flowers mulch straw good choice many fungal diseases soil bits plant material left previous years rains fungal spores splash onto lower leaves infecting next time rains spores infected leaves splash onto next set leaves unchecked infection spread way top plant 7 water morning give foliage time dry nightfall 8 remove diseased looking leaves soon possible 9 spray program becomes necessary use fungicide chlorothalonil alternated copper based fungicide help bacterial diseases even expert difficulty distinguishing fungal diseases bacterial diseases 10 end every growing season remove much plant possible garden compost diseases late blight late blight destructive infectious disease affects tomato potato sweet potato disease led irish potato famine 1840s caused fungallike pathogen phytophthora infestans prevalent rainy season excess moisture humidity symptoms lesions develop leaves stems dark watersoaked spots spots enlarge entire leaf stem turns brown dies dead leaves typically remain attached stems undersides lesions may covered white fuzzy growth contains spores pathogen stems late blight lesions appear brown almost black infected tomato fruits develop shiny 6 p g e dark olivecolored lesions may cover large areas particular upper half fruit different diseases almost similar symptoms diagnosing late blight examine parts affected plants thoroughly late blight pathogen produces spores night result visible morning calls scouting early day disease generally late blight affect parts plant whereas imitators diseases portray symptoms similar lb differ latter 1 gray mold disease commonly confused late blight pathogen causes large leaf spots stem lesions affects fruits symptoms often associated dead plant tissue flowers leaves pathogen typically needs become established dead tissues attack living plant tissue affected fruit soft brown pathogen growth fuzzier gray brownish white late blight 2 early blight leaf stem fruit spots smaller late blight often characteristic concentric ring pattern targetshape appearance 3 septoria leaf spot leaf stem spots much smaller comparison late blight often characteristic tan center fruits affected 7 p g e 4 buckeye fruit rot fruit turns brown white spores forming moist unlike late blight buckeye fruit rot likely fruit near soil pathogen survive crops fruit stays firm smooth rough leaves stems affected causal pathogens closely related late blight dont travel far fast spores move splashing water soil rather air 5 drought stress plants roots deliver enough water leaves large sections leaf tissue die contrast late blight lesions symptoms drought stress always extend leaf edge lack border wilted tissue fuzzy pathogen growth also symptoms develop stems fruit start diseasefree tomato seedlings scout daily morning hours symptoms crop rotate tomato fields nonsolanaceous crops crop rotation early blight septoria leaf spot diseases annual problem late blight late blight organism requires living tissue survive survive soil carry tomato seed control tomato volunteer plants well solanaceous weeds hairy nightshade late blight found small localized areas promptly destroy symptomatic plants plus border healthy appearing plants prevent disease spread apply late blight specific fungicides affected fields nearby fields regular basis tomato harvest complete shorten spray interval disease pressure high environmental conditions remain favourable late blight pathogen cool wet alternate fungicide applications among different chemical classes include contact protectant fungicide application chlorothalonil mancozeb copper addition protectant fungicide enhances resistance management fungicide effectiveness eg copper oxychloride mancozebcymoxanil propinebcymoxanil metalaxylmancozeb 8 p g e good fungicide coverage necessary work affected field last clean equipment fields disk field kill herbicide harvest complete tomato yellow leaf curl tomato yellow leaf curl virus tylcv viral disease transmitted whiteflies one damaging diseases tomatoes tylcv significant tomato virus areas whitefly big problem disease incidence higher particularly temperatures high locally known gathuri ngumi symptoms plants severely stunted shoots becoming erect leaf symptoms include small leaves cupped thick rubbery tops infected plants may look like head broccoli leaflets reduced size puckered leaflets develop soon infection curl downwards margins leaves produced later curl upwards become distorted prominent yellowing along margins andor intervenal regions flowers wither plants set fruit infection occurs older tomato plants infected produce abnormal growth point infection fruit already plant ripens almost normally flowers often drop fail set fruit appearance fruit unaffected conditions disease development virus seedborne transmitted whitefly bemisia tabaci whitefly vector wide host range usually cause symptoms hosts solanaceous plants tomato eggplant potato tobacco pepper infected tylcv remain healthy appearance common bean also host sometimes display leaf curl symptoms infected many common weeds also host virus may may develop symptoms infected hot dry conditions favor whitefly therefore aid spread tylcv whitefly populations decrease heavy rain showers 9 p g e management 1 use resistant varieties hybrid tomato assila monsanto resistant tomato yellow leaf curl virus tylcv 2 stress however resistant varieties lose protection develop symptoms tomato yellow leaf curl important keep plants healthy proper irrigation fertilizer regimes keep free pests diseases 3 grow seedlings insectproof net house greenhouse maintain good control whiteflies structures order prevent early infection seedlings whitefly feeding non insectproof nets used seedling nurseries sprayed insecticides control entry whitefly structures 4 whitefly vector favors younger plants reduce effect tomato plants 30 days old time transplanting 5 timing transplanting also effective avoiding high populations whitefly therefore reducing high populations whitefly therefore reducing preventing tylcv infection separate plantings tomatoes time space plantings crop hosts good sources whiteflies ie cabbage cucurbits potato 6 avoid overlapping tomato crops allow vector subsist develop new populations pulling volunteer tomato tobacco plants weed control also important reducing sources virus inoculums 7 plant new tomato crops isolated fields possible plant tall border crop maize around tomato crop 8 chemical control methods include application systemic insecticides soil drenches regular sprays seedling stage reduce population whitefly vector second application may necessary control adults emerged egg nymph stage since application first spray rotation insecticides may necessary prevent development resistance vector however chemical control may effective areas disease incidence high 9 symptomatic plants immediately carefully removed bagged discarded prevent spread whiteflies may carrying virus cover plant plastic bag tie stem soil line cut plant bag allow bag plant whiteflies desiccate death soil surface 1-2 days prior placing plant trash cut plant pull garden toss compost goal remove plant reservoir virus garden trap existing virusbearing whiteflies disperse onto tomatoes buckeye fruit root rot symptoms fruit brown spots appear green ripe fruit often blossom end spots bands dark light brown rings white cottony fungal growth appears moist conditions young green 10 p g e fruit infected usually become mummified fruit touching near soil likely become infected root phytophthora cause root crown rot tomato plants ages dampingoff symptoms occur seedlings infections roots crowns young plants cause rapid wilt established plants brown watersoaked lesions appear roots extending lower part stem severely affected roots become necrotic decayed leaves become bronze later dieback tip stem canker develops pale green brown may extend 15 cm canker girdles stem causes wilting death doses 1 thiophanate methyl 2 carbendazim alternaria stem canker appears stems leaves fruit dark brown black cankers concentric zonation occur stems near soil line ground canker enlarge girdle stem kills plant dark brown black areas dead tissues leaf veins caused toxin produced fungus dark brown sunken lesions characteristic concentric rings develop green fruit 11 p g e doses 1 copper fungicides 2 carbendazim gray mold foliage plants seedlings mature plant stage affected brown black specks appear young older leaves lesions expand slowly 1 2mmdiameter round spots remain brown develop gray center surrounded yellow area early blight alternaria solani tomatoes causes stem cankers seedlings small irregular dark brown spots older leaves leading partial defoliation crop fungus survives crop debris infections begin small brown spots older leaves quickly enlarge lesions develop bullseye pattern concentric rings seen fusarium verticillum wilt 12 p g e fungal diseases soilborn fusarium often causes yellowing one side plant leaf yellowing begins older bottom leaves followed wilting browning defoliation growth typically stunted little fruit develops brown vascular tissue found infected stem cut base infected plants often die maturing verticillium less common usually occurring late season soils cooler begins vshaped blotch lower leaves followed browning veins dead chocolate brown blotches spreads plant discoloration vascular tissue limited bottom 12 inches stem look tomatoes resistance letters vf plant tag seed packet indicating resistance verticillium fusarium wilt lookalikes leaf spot diseases bottomup diseases bacterial cankers clavibacter michiganensis symptoms bacterial canker brown leaf margins yellow border next inner green leaf tissue spreading veins top image often affects one side plant plants wilt yellowing leaves usually remain attached plant unlike leaves petioles remain green vascular system shows yellowish brown discoloration bottom image serious infectious disease cure resistant varieties available kill plant highly infectious easily spreading plants infected plants removed garden immediately extensive measures implemented disinfection lookalikes foliar diseases particularly fusarium wilt viruses bacterial wilt pseudomonas solanacearum 13 p g e disease causes wilting tomatoes potatoes tomatoes mainly seed borne control control mainly cultural strict crop rotation removal burning infected plant debris planting certified seed damping affected plants usually occur patches nursery beds low parts sloped fields preemergence damping seeds fail emerge sowing become soft mushy turn brown decompose consequence seed infection postemergence dampingoff seedling emerges soil dies shortly afterwards septoria leaf spots septoria leaf spot usually appears lower leaves first fruit sets spots circular onesixteenth onefourth inch diameter dark brown margins tan gray centers small black fruiting structures characteristically many spots per leaf 14 p g e look targetlike disease spreads upwards oldest youngest growth leaf lesions numerous leaves turn slightly yellow brown wither fruit infection rare lookalikes bacterial leaf spot speck tan centers diseases progress bottom powdery mildew leaf symptoms consist yellow blotches spots upper leaf surface white powdery growth occurs underside leaves fungus penetrates within leaf tissue older colonies fungus may turn dirty white color age severely affected leaves turn yellow brown later become shriveled generally lower leaves affected first disease gradually moves plant vines may become defoliated severe infections leading lower yields possible sunburn damage fruit bacterial spot speck two separate similar diseases symptoms bacterial spot small dark brown black circular spots initially watersoaked coalescing becoming angular sometimes yellow halo symptoms bacterial speck tiny dark brown black spots surrounding yellow halo severity diseases increased wetness fruit foliage sprinklers rain heavy dew tomato varieties resistance bacterial speck resistance bacterial spot 15 p g e lookalikes septoria leaf spot tan centers anthracnose disorders blossom end rot pathological disease mainly physiological caused calcium deficiency early sign disease water soaked spot near blossom end fruit surface spot becomes dark leathery soft rot develops unless bacteria fungi invade spot causes fast growth early stages followed sudden drought excessive nitrogen infrequent irrigation gray wall sunscald concentric cracking concentric crack catfacing 16 p g e catface radial cracking fruit rots gray mold rot rhizoctonia rot rhizophus rot sour rot pythium fruit rot 17 p g e pests root knot nematodes galls swellings roots causing stunting plants eventual death control good agricultural practices chemical controls used planting nematode free seedling application nematicides tobacco whitefly whiteflies tiny softbodied insects true flies secrete white waxy substance special glands abdomen adults coat bodies particularly wings wax hence name whiteflies immature stages nymphs also secrete wax various forms damage caused whiteflies like aphids whiteflies piercingsucking mouthparts damage caused similar aphids damage crop usually caused larvae adult insects suck leaftissue young fruit secreting sticky undigested sap honeydew feeding documented 2000 nymphs found single leaf nymph capable producing 20 drops honey dew hour sooty moulds grow sugary secretions cladosporium spp hence reducing photosynthesis area leaves resulting stunted growth poor quality produce heavy infestations cause decline plant vigor stunting yellowing foliage premature leaf drop among symptoms injury feeding whiteflies also cause deformed fruit discoloration tomatoes 18 p g e whitefly adults also transmit several viruses diseased healthy plants including destructive tomato yellow leaf curl virus tylcv plant gets infected virus pull monitoring check undersides leaves regularly hand lens monitor adults nymphs look flying whiteflies regularly knocking tomato leaves easy way monitor adult activity abundance easily disturbed flutter away monitoring populations especially hot dry weather help decide manage whitefly problems generally tomatoes plants tolerate whiteflies 10-25 nymphs per leaf population explosions 50 nymphs per leaf quickly rob tomatoes whitefly control large number eggs laid adult whitefly population multiply quickly within short period time adults mate within 10 20 hours hatching live two three weeks control complicated nature eggs pupae killed contact insecticides covered waxy substance control whiteflies use varieties tolerant resistant viruses remove solanaceous plants weeds vicinity tomato crop rogue diseased plants destroy burning ploughing infested crop night weed management help bring population threshold levels use oil sprays dctron helps discourage spread whiteflies practice good crop rotation program maize crop guard row planted around tomato field reduce ability whiteflies reach crop adult whiteflies controlled overhead irrigation soapy water sodium based soaps larval stages system growth regulators applaud buprofezin used biological control options perhaps common use whiteflies natural predator encarsia formosa parasitic wasp attacks whitefly depositing egg within host body 10 days parasitized host turn brown wasp pupation occurs another 10 days emerging adult wasp appear turn parasitize whitefliesand entomopathogenic fungi beuaveria bassiana verticillium lecanii effective insecticides control whiteflies include pyrethroids contact insecticidesimidacloprid azadirachtin dimethoate lambda cyhalothrin deltamethrin acephate 19 p g e pyrethrin thiacloprid among others farmers must adhere recommendations product label observe preharvest intervals advised product label red spider mites minute spider like animals visible naked eye feed sap underside leaves cause speckling tarnishing leaves turning yellowish whitish pest wide host range including wild eg sodom apple cultivated plants cassava maize american boll worm heliothes armigera caterpillars bore fruit feed inner fruit releasing plenty excreta noticeable tuta absoluta 20 p g e hornworm hornworms larval stage caterpillars sphinx moths called hornworms telltale horn spike tail end top image caterpillars voracious appetites consume entire leaves small stems short time hornworm damage obvious infestation moderate heavy large amount defoliation search large caterpillars large black droppings leaves ground beneath plant hornworms feeding left tomato plant may infected bt organic pesticide attacks caterpillars may parasitized bottom image tiny white cocoons sprouting hornworm pupal cases tiny wasps eaten hornworm inside left alone adults emerge fly search caterpillars parasitize kill common pest disease tomatoes 21 p g e table common pests diseases management pestdisease pest stage affected part products use whiteflies adults leaves synthetic pyrethroidschlorpyrifosdimethoatethiocyclam hydrogen oxalate larvae leaves abamectinthiacloprid leafminer adults leaves imidachlopridacephatedimethoatethiaclopridazadiracht larvae leaves abamectinspinosadcyromazine tuta absoluta adults leaves dimethoatethiocyclam hydrogen oxalate larvae leavesfruits chlorantraniliprolabamectinemamectin benzoateflubendiamide spidermites stages leavesstems synthetic pyrethroidsabamectin aphids adults stemsleavesflowers lambdacyhalothrindimethoate thrips pupaadults flowersleaves spinosadlambdacyhalothrin caterpillars larvae leavesfruits synthetic pyrethroids nematodes stages roots azadirachtinothoprophosmetamsodium late blight leavesstems azoxystrobinmancozebpropinebchlorothanonilmetalax ylcopper oxychloride early blight chlorothalonilazoxystrobinmancozebmetalaxyl bacterial wilt copper oxychloride copper oxide rootrot fusarium chlorothalonilmetalaxyl pythium chlorothalonilmetalaxyl rhizoctonia chlorothalonilmetalaxyl powdery mildew tebuconazoleazoxystrobinmancozebchlorothanonilmet alaxyl downey mildew propineb chlorothalonilmetalaxylazoxystrobinmancozeb bacterial speck copper oxychloride copper oxide viral infections uproot control vector 22 p g e harvesting handling tomatoes since tomatoes perishable proper afterharvest handling crucial maintaining quality increasing shelf life cleaning tomatoes washed clean water sufficiently remove dust foreign material wiped dry clean soft cloth eliminate problems disease buildup normally occur wash water reused washing ensure wash water several degrees warmer pulp temperature tomatoes avoid drawing water disease organisms fruit grading grading fruits damaged rotten cracked fruits removed

tomato lycopersicon esculentum grown throughout year start harvesting tomato fruits 8 9 weeks transplanting one tomato plant yield 4 6 kg 10 15 lbs fruits tomato belongs solanaceae family crops belonging family include pepper melongene tomatoes high vitamins c lycopene varieties recommended varieties royal pearl royal gold chandini dianne hybrid 61 akash preparation growing medium tomatoes planted ground containers require welldrained fertile growing medium land preparation planting ground loosen soil using garden fork encourage drainage aeration remove stumps large stones make drains remove excess water garden needed much water soil kill plants encourages disease container preparation planting containers use container least 45 cm 18 inches 40 cm 16 inches 30 cm 12 inches deep mixed cropping tomato interplanted crops home garden allow 05 m2 5 feet2 per tomato plant transplanting transplant healthy seedlings late afternoon 330 430 pm 3 4 weeks old make hole 10 cm 4 inches diameter 10 cm 4 inches deep prepare container growing medium transplant seedlings described home gardening factsheet container planting spacing planting tomato seedlings ground space seedlings 30 cm 12 inches within rows 60 90 cm 2 3 feet rows grow tomato hgtt ag ext 9708 figure 1 aerial view tomato plot showing plant spacing watering water tomato seedlings immediately transplanting twice daily absence rain water plants morning early afternoon prevent fungal problems mature tomato plant needs 2 3 litres water daily insufficient water cause flower drop blossom end rot fertilising plants need nutrients correct proportions healthy growth production nutrients usually provided growing medium use fertilisers provide additional nutrients needed use granular foliar fertilisers method application using granular fertiliser apply drip circle plant using foliar fertiliser dissolve water apply plants leaves timing fertiliser application one week transplanting use complete npk fertilizer high phosphorus eg 104010 manufacturers recommended rate place one seedling planting hole pull mixture around press lightly hold plant upright firmly position agricultural limestone required since soils trinidad acidic tomato mix 12 cup limestone two handfuls cured wellrotted pen manure compost soil removed refill hole mixture make hole big enough hold seedlings root ball figure 3 planting hole figure 2 dimensions figure 5 planted seedling planting hole figure 4 transplanting repeat 3rd week transplanting new leaves appear 2 3 weeks transplanting use complete npk fertiliser high nitrogen eg 201010 manufacturers recommended rate flowers form 4 6 weeks transplanting use complete npk fertiliser high potassium eg 1212172 according manufacturers recommendation promote flowering fruit development tomato plant continue flower fruit 3 4 months pest disease control pests diseases left unchecked affect health plant yield problems managed using combination recommended cultural practices biological control use safe pesticides known integrated pest management use information provided factsheet integrated pest management home gardeners guide controlling pests diseases garden cultural practices prepare growing medium recommended put enough drains remove excess water garden far possible plant varieties resistant diseases practice crop rotation dont plant tomato member solanaceous family spot continuously members family include tomato melongene pepper crop tomato plant crop another family lettuce cabbage figure 7 tying plants stake figure 6 individually staked tomato plants practice mixed cropping plant different crops within plot example intercrop tomatoes lettuce remember leave adequate root room plants control weeds soon see throughout life crop grow pungent plants marigold basil garden keep away pests stake tomato plants tomato stems weak grow along ground staking keeps plant upright prevents soft fruits lying dirt stakes least 2 metres 6 feet tall plants individually staked many planted together staked rows stakes put preparing growing medium transplanting biological control many beneficial insects help control pests diseases affect tomato encouraging helpful insects ladybird beetles spiders dragonflies help reduce pest problems garden pest control using natural pesticides natural pesticides recommended use home garden use information provided factsheet making natural pesticides using local materials guide staking rows insert stakes next every fourth plant tie twine stake stake side enclosing plants continue tying plant grows published printed extension training information services division ministry food production trinidad tobago july 2005 revised july 2009 revised december 2012 rights reserved part publication may reproduced stored retrieval system transmitted form means reproduced without permission writing ministry food production technical content edited roshni sita ramsingh figure 9 harvesting fruit harvesting harvest fruits mature ripe tomato fruits ready harvest changed colour green streaks red grooves filled lost shine harvest fruits wet raining lead rotting harvest fruit stem attached encourage continued flowering hold fruit snap upwards mature tomatoes easily separate main stem plant figure 8 staking plants row twine stake

crop production guide asparagus asparagus perennial vegetable crop adapted temperate climates newfoundland labrador plant requires rest period satisfied canada winter dormancy dioecious meaning produces male female sexual parts within flowers way plants described male female growth requirements asparagus responds well deep welldraining soil light texture profile sandy loam ideally soil contain least three per cent organic matter ph 60-68 asparagus tolerate standing water root system soil needs drain properly free hardpans soil also free stone gravel injure growing stems making unmarketable asparagus develop large proficient root system reach 15 metres deep maturity new plantings placed fields previously used asparagus cultivation two soil born fusarium diseases cause serious production problems perennial crop opportunity crop rotation established asparagus stand cultivars cultivar recommendations asparagus newfoundland labrador university guelph cultivar millennium us developed introduction 1 jersey giant widely grown cultivars ontario given superior yields cultivars tested parts canada cultivars malehybrid millennium jersey giant malehybrid genotypes commercial settings allmale hybrid seed preferred mixed seed male plants known produce 20 25 per cent greater yields females nutritional value asparagus stems good source vitamins c potassium asparagus also low calories 90g spear providing 18 kcals crop establishment seed germination asparagus seed requires minimum 10c germinate however germination success seedling development enhanced temperatures 15-30c optimum temperature asparagus seed germination 24c germination may also enhanced soaking seedlings water 32c three four days prior sowing soil least 15c sowing asparagus seed due newfoundland labradors short growing season may advantageous plant greenhouse grown seedlings nursery grown asparagus crowns opposed direct seeding asparagus asparagus transplants started greenhouse middle late february transplanted field eight 12 weeks soil reached adequate temperature 15c asparagus crowns started nursery beds left ground one year plants dug spring replanted soon possible selection best crowns essential damaged diseased sized less 25g crowns discarded selection best asparagus crowns essential damaged diseased sized less 25g crowns discarded may 40 per cent crowns nursery beds crowns planted depth 15-20 cm crop production guide asparagus 2 seedingplanting permanent field spacing plants distance 125-175 metres rows spacing 30-45 cm plants within row asparagus seed planted depth 25-4 cm crowns placed 15 20 cm deep furrow covered 5 cm soil soil continue added season usually cultivation control weeds crop management first two three years establishment critical productivity yield mature asparagus stand first couple years young asparagus plantings suffer weed competition inadequate soil moisture andor soil fertility also highly detrimental harvest plants first years establishment last harvest season asparagus bed shallowly cultivated control weeds incorporate nitrogen fertilizer care must taken damage root system asparagus activities remaining stems begin unfurl frondlike leaves photosynthesize capture energy recover harvest period store reserves winter dormancy regrowth spring stems still green still connected root system plant removed stems turn yellow removed however stems tend catch snow help insulate plant winter stems cut incorporated spring plant breaks dormancy incorporation dead stem tissue add 10 tonnes organic matter per hectare nutrition soil fertility recommendation begin soil analysis test soil agricultural activities recommendations given refer results soil test using mehlich3 extraction solution nitrogen yearly nitrogen requirement mature asparagus stand approximately 110 kgha generally mature stands half applied prior harvest remainder applied last harvest new plantings nitrogen applied planting asparagus responds well manure application production asparagus crowns require approximately one half nitrogen needed regular production phosphorus mature asparagus stand unlikely respond increases phosphorus soil levels 125 mgl greater phosphorus difficult incorporate established stands optimum time apply nutrient planting 135 kgha phosphorus applied within trench planting crowns transplants potassium although asparagus relatively high potassium requirement plant unlikely respond applications potassium soil levels 250 mgl greater micronutrients asparagus high boron requirement soils newfoundland labrador naturally suboptimum levels asparagus unlikely respond boron application soil test levels 15 mgl soil nutrient analysis consulted application micronutrients application mature asparagus stands fertilizer applications usually broadcast incorporated using light disking new plantings fertilizer especially phosphorous banded within row climatic limitations late spring frost damaging asparagus plants generally frost damage first flush stems produced plant spring unfortunate first flush stems tend largest terms size stem number stems losses early period cause major reductions overall yield growing season addition stems damaged frost must removed field asparagus beds protected frost covering beds black plastic however practicality activity depend large asparagus field early fall frost also cause damage however generally minor comparison spring frost issues crop production guide asparagus 3 wind damage cause hooking stem counter intuitively wind caused reduced growth wind exposed tissues hooking stem change flavor quality asparagus hooked stems still sold although sometimes lower grade pest disease disease asparagus rust puccinia asparagi characteristics redorange lesion develops leaves stems disease cause premature defoliation leaves results reduced yields subsequent years control monitor appearance disease fungicides applied significant buildup infection spore production infected material removed field incorporated soil trifloxystrobin based fungicide registered rust control asparagus production canada disease fusarium crown root rot fusarium oxysporum fsp asparagi fusarium moniliforme characteristics rotted hollow root system feeder storage roots accompanied red brown discoloration ground parts appear stunted andor wilted f oxysporum wide spread canada found soils f moniliforme capable infecting asparagus corn control imperative new asparagus planting placed fields used asparagus corn production within last five years avoid damage asparagus roots cultivation fungicides generally ineffective disease however soil fumigation prior planting may reduce population fusarium soil disease botrytis blight botrytis cinerea characteristics causes tan lesions brownish borders advanced cases fuzzy gray spores visible disease completely kill newly emerging stems problematic high moisture present either wet weather air unable move canopy control botrytis common invader wounded weakened plant tissues also prevalent storage reducing injuries plants reduce infection point remove destroy infected tissues reduce spread trifloxystrobin registered asparagus rust control provide control botrytis insects common asparagus beetle crioceris asparagi spotted asparagus beetle crioceris duodecimpunctata characteristics significant damage caused two beetles feeding damage stems leaves asparagus defoliation stems occur serious cases cause impacts following years yield larvae spotted asparagus beetle feed within berries decrease seed yield crop production guide asparagus 4 govnlca control beetles trapped allowing row small group asparagus produce leaves early spring attract mobile adult beetles significant population infested plants sprayed currently seven different products registered control beetles asparagus production canada harvest handling asparagus harvested first two years gives plant establishment period develop adequate root system enough storage reserves tolerate harvested subsequent years stems asparagus harvested plants two three years establishment depending planting material data available asparagus yields province newfoundland labrador ontario yield threeyearold plants reach 1000kgha fouryearold plants yield 2000kg ha yields high 3000kgha produced mature plants years five 15 first harvest year year three stems harvested one two weeks year four stems harvested three four weeks year five maturity asparagus stand stems harvested seven weeks harvest stop sizediameter stem starts diminish sign plant harvested could adverse effect following years crop rule thumb harvest stop ¾ stems diameters smaller one cm storage asparagus stems moved cold storage soon possible harvest quality stems decline rapidly store stems 2c 95 per cent relative humidity asparagus held storage two four weeks however quality decline rapidly temperature increase humidity decreases crop production guide asparagus info please contact crop development officer west james dawson phd crop development officer east jane white bsc 5

easy gardening joseph masabni assistant professor extension horticulturist texas university system asparagus asparagus asparagus aspar 1 asparagus asparagus officinalis highly desirable earlyspring vegetable best suited cooler areas north west texas also grown areas dallas houston produces poorly areas mild winters extremely long hot summers proper care suitable climate asparagus crown last 15 25 years asparagus good source vitamin c minerals tastes better homegrown shipped texas areas asparagus dioecious meaning separate male female plants grown stems spears asparagus yields 8 10 pounds per 100 square feet bed tended well home gardeners 20foot row 100 square feet bed adequate family four thats equivalent 20 planted crowns 10 pounds harvested asparagus per season site selection asparagus remains place several years important select right spot prepare seedbed well asparagus best full sunlight deep welldrained sandy lighttextured soils asparagus plants make good border around edge garden along fence soil preparation planting make sure soil free trash soil insects perennial weeds johnsongrass bermudagrass avoid sites yellow nutsedge grows indicates poor drainage unsuitable asparagus production late fall spread 3inch layer organic matter manure rotted sawdust compost beds till spade depth 10 12 inches eht066 514 nursery garden center seed catalog asparagus beds tilled mark rows 5 feet apart dig furrow 4 inches wide 4 12 inches deep separate crowns size plant similar size together best uniformity spear size harvest spread super phosphate fertilizer 0 46-0 band furrow rate 20 pounds per 1000 square feet 075 ounce per 20foot row place crowns 12 14 inches apart furrow planting closely cause small spears wider planting results larger spears lower total yield loose soils plant crowns 6 12 inches deep heavier soils plant 4 6 inches deep fig 1 cover furrow 1 inch compost topped 2 3 inches soil firm soil around roots season fill furrows gradually shoots grow covers small weeds die lack light end first season furrow reach normal level fig 1 control weeds injure crowns crowns planted deeply cultivate bed garden tools tiller till deep without damaging crowns alternative planting method plant crowns suggested depth turn soil cover organic matter asparagus grows well highph soils poorly soil ph 60 test soil planting beds add lime needed adjust ph 65 75 varieties hybrid asparagus cultivars martha washington uc 157 jersey giant mary washington produce better standard cultivars male asparagus cultivars jersey types jersey giant jersey knight jersey supreme productive resist disease better female cultivars washington types also female cultivars less vigorous produce many red berrylike fruits become volunteer weeds garden purple asparagus cultivar purple passion green flesh large spears available home gardens planting asparagus grown 1 2yearold crowns planted january february soon ground worked crowns also grown seeds planted flats peat cups takes least year grow good crown shorten period planting harvest buy plant healthy vigorous 1 2yearold crowns figure 1 planting crown b immediately planting c several weeks planting end season 2 b c 4-12 2-3 care season asparagus competes poorly weeds asparagus grow vigorously weeds must controlled first 1 2 years establishment suppress weeds spread 4 6inchthick layer organic mulch hay stray compost wood chips grass clippings asparagus beds require little care first 2 years establishment keep weeds pulled hoed beds avoid damaging spears control weeds early spears emerge till soil fertilizer applied early season spears begin growing fig 2 end harvest season control weeds raking lightly mulching apply fertilizer till lightly 1 2 inches deep kill weeds cover bed 3inch layer clean straw compost mulch material water thoroughly allow asparagus grow rest year helps ensure good harvest next year fig 3 first hard frost freeze fall cut fern tops ground level mulch bed manure burn compost fern tops eliminate sources insect eggs disease reinfestation southern areas fern may killed 3 immediately fill furrow soil original level using method need gradually cover crowns soil long soil compacted newly planted crowns takes 2 3 years time crown planted bed full production conditions favorable buds arise crown develop edible spears harvested spears develop fernlike stalks stalks mature plant manufactures food stores underground crown reserve supplies energy necessary produce spears following year fertilizing planting new asparagus bed broadcast spade incorporate ¼ pound nitrogen phosphate potassium per 20 feet row directed soil test report established beds scatter 2 pounds 10-20-10 fertilizer equivalent per 20 feet row growth begins spring late january early february areas texas last harvest apply additional 1 2 pounds per 20 feet row available use nitrogen fertilizer 21-0-0 time always water fertilizer soil watering asparagus plants need frequent deep watering water beds thoroughly allow top 1 inch soil dry watering time varies 3 5 days depending soil type temperature sandy soils asparagus roots reach 10 feet deep adequate soil moisture available figure 2 till soil early season spears emerge growing developing buds crown never cut spear deep however method recommended knife may spread diseases crown crown stop harvesting spear diameter becomes less 3 8 inch spear heads open rising temperatures gardeners prefer white asparagus grown using mounds soil mulch deprive spears light white asparagus milder flavor preferred gourmet cuisine asparagus head barely emerges mulch mound use knife cut spears desired height 4 freeze removed late november ferns turn yellow spears sprout may removed eaten post emergent herbicide glyphosate could used weeds asparagus growth begins early spring harvesting harvest asparagus spears established beds 8 weeks depending area harvest first 2 years planting waiting period enables underground crown grow store enough reserves strong harvest many years come harvest spears 4 10 inches long prevent spears becoming fibrous harvest least every day fibrous condition caused overmaturity inadequate fertility spears loose opened heads mature harvest snap spears hand ground level never snap asparagus spears ground allow stub remain alternative method use knife cut spears 1 2 inches soil level fig 4 avoid damage figure 4 asparagus gardeners harvest cutting spears 1 2 inches ground level ground level figure 3 remove mulch fertilize till b harvest c last harvest fertilize mulch remove tops mulch manure late janearly mar late febearly may aprilmay first freeze b c 10-20-10 21-0-0 cut tops ground level prevent establishment many asparagus diseases common diseases attack asparagus crown rot rusts controlled organic chemicals sulfur potassium phosphite serving harvest asparagus loses quality rapidlythe sugar content declines amount fibrous material increases use spears compact heads loose heads fibrous keep well asparagus stored 3 weeks plastic bags refrigerator longer storage blanch asparagus spears 3 5 minutes package freeze information preserving serving asparagus contact county extension agent 5 white asparagus grown covering asparagus row black plastic supported wire hoops covering opened one side harvest placed position immediately harvest plastic tunnel structure removed harvest season culture pest control white asparagus similar green asparagus insects significant pest asparagus asparagus beetle left unchecked beetle greatly damage asparagus short period beetle overwinters spends winter crop residue trash garden border see beetles feeding asparagus remove hand spray surround organic insecticide sevin diseases select good site proper drainage ph reduce texas agrilife extension service agrilifeextensiontamuedu extension publications found agrilifebookstoreorg educational programs texas agrilife extension service open people without regard race color sex religion national origin age disability genetic information veteran status texas university system us department agriculture county commissioners courts texas cooperating revision acknowledgments publication revised earlier versions written jerry parsons professor extension horticulturist sam cotner professor emeritus extension horticulturist

agriculture natural resources fsa6002 craig r andersen associate professor arkansas campus visit web site asparagus home gardening series environment light sunny soil welldrained deep fertility mediumrich ph 60 70 temperature cool moisture average culture planting oneyearold crowns spring spacing 18 x 60 inches hardiness hardy perennial fertilizer mediumrich summer asparagus asparagus officinalis altilis asparagus native temperate europe western asia still grows wild state saline areas known prized epicures since roman times widely grown used throughout europe introduced early united states asparagus perennial vegetable produces spears year without replanting wellplanned row bed last 20 30 years therefore plant asparagus side end garden disturbed daytoday gardening activities asparagus one earliest vegetables harvested spring cultural practices planting time asparagus crowns planted early ground worked spring late june 1 use oneyearold crowns plants takes one two years longer produce asparagus seed purchase plants garden store nursery seed catalog young plants compact buds center crown dangling pencilsized storage university arkansas united states department agriculture county governments cooperating cultivars cultivar days maturity plants 100 ft row disease resistance tolerance remarks mary washington perennial 50 crowns rust good quality uc157f2 perennial 50 crowns rust fusarium rot good quality yield jersey knight perennial 50 crowns rust fusarium rot male hybrids large uniform spears jersey gem perennial 50 crowns fusarium cercospora male hybrids large spears purple bracts jersey giant perennial 50 crowns rust fusarium rot male hybrid purple passion perennial 50 crowns large purple spears turn green cooked roots thick firm storage roots indicate healthy crown spacing depth planting place plants trench 12 18 inches wide 9 12 inches deep space crowns 18 24 inches apart spread roots uniformly crowns upright centered position cover crowns 2 inches soil gradually fill remaining portion trench first summer asparagus tends rise plants mature winter many gardeners apply additional 1 2 inches soil rows later years care asparagus plants grow produce mat roots horizontally rather vertically first year top growth spindly plants become older stems get larger diameter asparagus plants dioecious either male female male plant develops spears stems female plant stems smaller diameter gardeners plant male female plants approximate ratio 11 yields appreciably different sexes first year small red berries form female plants late summer fertilize asparagus way rest garden first three years spring apply complete fertilizer 13-13-13 rate 3 4 pounds per 100 feet row incorporate cultivation starting fourth year apply amount fertilizer delay application harvest june july weeds major problem asparagus compete developing spears decrease yield quality start frequent light cultivation spring young plantings patches harvested harvesting harvest asparagus second year planting crowns harvest one month first time diameter spears less size pencil cease harvesting plant still expanding feeder roots storage root system excessive removal spears weakens plant starting fourth year spears may harvested april june harvest spears 5 8 inches length cutting snapping cut spear run knife ground spear emerging since spear cut point fiber development snapping stem necessary cutting may damage spear tips yet emerged ground snap spear bend top toward ground spear breaks point free fiber asparagus deteriorates rapidly harvest eaten immediately processed refrigerated common problems asparagus beetles common home plantings may controlled using suggested insecticide hand picking disease rust fusarium crown rot insects asparagus beetles cutworms cultural weak spindly plants andor spears caused harvesting first year planting heavy harvest later years crown rot poor production inadequately prepared heavy soil harvesting storage days maturity 2 3 years harvest thirdyear spears snap soil surface 6 8 inches tall tips begin separate use refrigerate immediately approximate yields per 10 feet row 3 4 pounds per year amount raise per person 6 pounds storage process refrigerate immediately plastic bags preservation freeze frequently asked questions q causes asparagus loose heads weather turns hot growing point expands rapidly bracts green modified leaves spread early development stems ferns q early spring freezes caused asparagus spears garden turn brown wither safe eat frozen tips harvested thrown away spears although poisonous offflavor q start asparagus seed yes grow plants planting seeds 12 inch deep 2 inches apart row start seed spring soil temperature reached 60 degrees f dig plants following spring transplant permanent bed soon garden worked growing plants delays establishment bed additional year q purchased asparagus plants plant prepare planting bed digging unsuitable soil replace organic mixture onethird sand onethird soil onethird sphagnum moss compost potting soil plant asparagus 18 24 inches apart trench crowns 9 inches ground level cover crowns 2 inches gradually fill trench season progresses q asparagus plantings divided divide asparagus crowns late winter tops removed crowns divided easily individual plants replanting q long planting asparagus harvest first spears wait three years first harvest plant seed start oneyearold crowns harvest begin limited basis next year harvesting early reduces yield quality homegrown asparagus q long harvest asparagus spring generally harvest extend four six weeks first harvest early spring stop harvesting diameter spears less pencil complete harvest late spring harvest selectively afterwards allow spears develop ferns q finish harvesting asparagus spears care plants rest year allow remaining spears develop ferns occasional fertilizing adequate moisture help plants develop sufficient top growth good spear production next year q year asparagus produces quite well many spears bent crooked causes asparagus spears grow fast highly sensitive mechanical injury cultivation insect feeding windblown soil particles injured spears grow slowly noninjured side spears grows rapidly causing curve bend toward injured side q table salt used weed control asparagus bed yes limited amounts asparagus salt tolerant vegetable plants use salt control weeds asparagus plants later spear production reduced excessive amounts salt usage one season salt accumulation years q causes asparagus spears get smaller smaller year condition occurs warmer areas spear production mainly result food accumulated root system previous year amount food stored decreases high temperatures fall poor growing conditions spears smaller next spring water asparagus bed july august cut ferns late september remember stop harvesting asparagus diameter spears less pencil poor growing conditions prevail smaller smaller spears result year printed university arkansas cooperative extension service printing services dr craig r andersen associate professor department issued furtherance cooperative extension work acts may 8 horticulture university arkansas division agriculture june 30 1914 cooperation us department fayetteville agriculture director cooperative extension service university arkansas arkansas cooperative extension service offers programs eligible persons regardless race color national origin religion gender age disability marital veteran status legally protected status affirmative actionequal fsa6002pd5-09rv opportunity employer

growing vegetables asparagus becky sideman unh cooperative extension professor specialist asparagus perennial crop produces spears year year 10 15 years longer plants given adequate care remains location many years important select planting site thats convenient well good growing characteristics mind edge garden might preferable middle accommodate future gardening activities asparagus asparagus grown succulent immature shoots allowed grow eventually become bushy foliage called ferns southern new hampshire young spears emerge first week may soil temperature reaches 40 degrees f growth continues late fall early winter ferns killed frost growth characteristics asparagus plant made top ferns crown buds roots three vital productive plant ferns factory process photosynthesis produces food stored crown roots ground number vigorous spears spring depends upon amount food produced stored crown preceding summer fall producing good crop ferns necessary ensure good crop spears next spring cut back old ferns end season completely dead fall nutrients move dying ferns crown removing ferns early weakens crown may thereby reduce size number spears following spring growing conditions site full sun ideal asparagus needs least 8 hours sun per day since asparagus longlived perennial plant trees tall shrubs might eventually shade plants compete nutrients water soil crown root system grow enormous size 5 6 feet diameter 10 15 feet deep therefore possible freshly harvested asparagus bringing information education communities granite state asparagus delicious freshly harvested maintain shortterm freshness standing asparagus bunch inch water flatbottomed container refrigerator know unh cooperative extension 2 select soil loose deep welldrained fertile sites poor soil incorporate manure compost andor green manure cover crops soil plant asparagus fertilizer soil tested planting every three years thereafter soil testing done number private public labs unh cooperative extension offers service forms instructions available website call info line 1-877extgrow 1 adjust soil ph 65 68 adding appropriate quantity limestone wood ashes recommended soil test fertilizer requirements also determined soil test general recommendation add equivalent 25 pounds 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet lime fertilizer materials thoroughly incorporated soil depth 10 12 inches planting planting asparagus planted spring simplest method plant oneyearold crowns purchased local garden dealers home garden catalogs even though young crown appear lifeless mass stringy roots begin send small green shoots spears shortly planting set plants 18 inches apart rows five feet apart dig holes trenches 8 inches deep 10 inches wide spread roots bottom hole trench cover crown 2 inches soil young shoots continue grow first summer gradually fill hole soil tops crowns 6 inches soil surface trenches completely filled allows cultivation hoe rototiller also provides sufficient depth soil new buds develop top crown alternative using oneyearold crowns start asparagus transplants seeds would start vegetable transplants 6 8 weeks planting sow seeds directly pots thin one plant per pot danger frost passed plant young seedlings described crowns cover young shoots ferns soil weed control weeds common problem asparagus plantings compete crop reduce productivity plant asparagus vegetable area heavily infested quackgrass weeds spread rhizomes necessary begin year advance clean quackgrass either asparagus crowns planted trenches 10 inches wide 8 inches deep top young shoots start grow continue add small amounts soil fill trench without burying young ferns bottom end season trench filled top border row asparagus adjacent lawn tilled throughout season every 3-4 weeks prevent grasses weeds creeping taking planting 8 deep 10 wide unh cooperative extension 3 hand mechanical cultivation spraying approved herbicide grass 6 8 inches tall using herbicides follow label directions precisely safety good weed control addition planting area free weeds helpful maintain tilled border around asparagus planting prevent weeds outside patch migrating planting manage annual weeds mulch straw grass clippings chopped leaves pine needles trenches filled handhoeing weeds small also effective pest control asparagus beetle serious insect pest affects asparagus larvae dark sluglike found ferns two types asparagus beetle common asparagus beetle crioceris asparigi spotted asparagus beetle c duodecimpunctata adult spotted asparagus beetle red black spots adult common asparagus beetle metalliccolored yellow spots also reduce damage caused insects practice clean harvest meaning harvest spears every time harvest time youre harvesting let grow ferns end fall remove dead ferns crop debris would otherwise shelter adult beetles practices control pest several insecticides labeled management asparagus beetle asparagus rust fusarium crown root rot common diseases diseases weaken asparagus plants planting becomes less productive time varieties fairly resistant rust removing old ferns provides additional protection fusarium difficult control use vigorous varieties listed tolerant plant new asparagus areas previously planted asparagus harvest harvest asparagus third year planting plants need least two full seasons growth build ample food reserves sustain harvests third year harvest 2 3 weeks years thereafter harvest longer 6 8 weeks july 1 southern new hampshire harvesting longer period time allow maximum fern growth harvest spears 6 8 inches tall either snap cut spears ground level avoid injuring spears beneath soil surface cut one inch surface storage harvest asparagus third year planting plants need least two full seasons growth build ample food reserves sustain harvests know healthy asparagus ferns weeks harvest compost added weeds killed shallow hoeing unh cooperative extension brings information education communities granite state help make new hampshires individuals businesses communities successful natural resources healthy productive 100 years specialists tailoring contemporary practical education regional needs helping create wellinformed citizenry strengthening key economic sectors university new hampshire cooperative extension equal opportunity educator employer university new hampshire us department agriculture nh counties cooperating asparagus highest quality freshly harvested stored couple weeks temperature held 34 degrees f high relative humidity sweetness flavor deteriorate maintain shortterm freshness standing asparagus bunch inch water flatbottomed container refrigerator care established plantings remove ferns late fall completely died back early spring cultivate remove perennial weeds apply fertilizer materials surface apply equivalent 10-10-10 fertilizer 25 pounds per 100 square feet incorporate lightly soil deeper 1 2 inches choose use compost animal manures apply stop harvesting year keep asparagus planting weed free mulches handweeding updated june 2016 information state office taylor hall 59 college rd durham nh 03824 education center information line 1-877extgrow 1 9 am2 pm mf search key words unh education center authors original fact sheet otho wells unh extension vegetable specialist reviewed revised becky sideman unh extension vegetable berry specialist dr becky sideman extension professor dept biological sciences unh state specialist sustainable horticulture unh cooperative extension program emphasizes vegetable berry crop production including season extension northern new england visit website extensionunhedu

publication 426-401 spes250p asparagus diane relf extension specialist horticulture virginia tech alan mcdaniel extension specialist horticulture virginia tech reviewed dave close consumer horticulture master gardener specialist horticulture virginia tech seeds may started peat pots slow germinate three weeks indoors patient seedlings may transplanted june either final growing site temporary transplant bed direct transplanting permanent site allows simple planting techniques avoids disturbing plant growth second move however seedling plants require attention weed control larger permanent site compared smaller transplant bed plants closer together using transplant bed dig oneyearold crowns next spring growth starts use spading fork digging 6 inches plants gently loosen soil lift crowns carefully separate intertwining roots neighboring plants set crowns permanent site choose site good drainage full sun tall ferns asparagus may shade plants plan accordingly prepare bed early possible enrich additions manure compost bone blood meal leaf mold wood ashes combination several heavy soils double digging recommended doubledig remove top foot soil planting area spading fork spade break subsoil pushing tool next 10 12 inches soil rocking back forth every 6 inches double digging ideal trench method planting asparagus since 12inchdeep trench usually dug anyway extra work breaking subsoil well worth effort especially heavy soil trench dug 12 18 inches wide 4 5 feet trenches method may used widebed plantings plants staggered three rows mix topsoil removed organic matter spread 2 inches mixture bottom trench bed set plants 15 18 inches apart mounding soil slightly plant crown slightly roots crowns grayishbrown color plump healthylooking remove rotted roots planting spread roots mound soil cover crown 2 3 inches soil firm well plants grow continue pull soil environmental preferences light sunny soil welldrained deep sandy loam fertility mediumrich ph 60 67 temperature cool 60 18.33°C moisture average flush spears often follows soaking rain culture planting 1year crowns early spring spacing 18 inches 4 5 feet wide beds three rows plants 18 inches apart directions hardiness hardy perennial mulched autumn fertilizer needs mediumheavy feeder high phosphorus potassium organic matter planting annual nitrogen late winter early spring may sidedress harvest benefits early topdressing compost cultural practices asparagus perennial vegetable live 12 15 years longer one valuable early vegetables well adapted freezer storage harvest period traditionally spring see summer harvest instructions spears develop daily underground crowns asparagus well winters cool soil occasionally freezes least inches deep considered hardy start asparagus either seed 1 2yearold crowns fastest results crowns purchased reputable nursery recommended risk disease less reputable dealers asparagus starting plants seed requires extra year harvest seed may started peat pots slow germinate patient seedlings may transplanted june crowns usually shipped set march april visit website produced virginia cooperative extension virginia tech 2020 virginia cooperative extension programs employment open regardless age color disability gender gender identity gender expression national origin political affiliation race religion sexual orientation genetic informationveteran status basis protected law equal opportunityaffirmative action employer issued furtherance cooperative extension work virginia polytechnic institute state university virginia state university us department agriculture cooperating edwin j jones director virginia cooperative extension virginia tech blacksburg ray mckinnie administrator 1890 extension program virginia state university petersburg vt0920426-401spes250p 2 crowns 2 inches every two weeks trench filled water rainfall inadequate according recent research total yield unaffected asparagus planting depth however deeper plantings produced larger spears fewer shallow plantings send shoots earlier spring thus subjected possible frost damage asparagus shoots spears harvested first season crowns set research plots harvested one year planting crowns 23% smaller cumulative yield five years plots harvested first time two years planting harvest lightly three four weeks second year fleshy root system needs develop store food reserves produce growth subsequent seasons plants harvested heavily soon often become weak spindly crowns may never recover extra year added schedule asparagus started seed ie harvest first two seasons harvest lightly third asparagus plants fourth season may harvested eight ten weeks per year weed bed spring first shoots come avoid accidentally breaking spears production period best pull rather hoe weeds possible harvest spears daily eight tenweek harvest period 6 8inch spears best snapped soil surface asparagus allowed get much taller bases spears tough cut cutting deeply injure crown buds produce next spears blanched asparagus gourmet item blanch whiten spears mound soil around otherwise exclude light chlorophyll formed stalks harvest 8 10 weeks allow spears grow asparagus attractive fernlike foliage makes nice garden border gardeners prefer support growing foliage stakes strings keep tidy highwind areas good idea plant rows parallel prevailing winds plants support extent several ways extend harvest period asparagus planting one method plant different depths 3 inches 4 6 inches 6 8 inches 8 10 inches shallow plantings come first harvested deeper plantings forming method result slightly longer harvest may result plants less vigorous others another way extend harvest weeks remove mulch half asparagus bed leave mulch half exposed soil warm quickly crowns sprout earlier process may speeded even using black plastic careful encourage growth early heavy frost make spears inedible remove mulch second bed spears begin appear third technique extending asparagus harvest subject university research recommended home gardeners plenty space plant double amount asparagus needed household harvest half plants normally would spring early summer allow foliage grow rest season early harvest period allow ferns grow half asparagus planting cut ferns second half late july causes crowns send new spears harvested till late season rainfall short summer help water bed good spear production light mulch help keep soil surface becoming hard shoots break easily using method harvest spring bed spring fall bed fall otherwise risk weakening crowns asparagus plantings cut foliage 2inch stubs frost foliage yellows red berries fall reduce overcrowding caused sprouting selfseeding layer 4 6 inches mulch compost manure leaves material added time help control weeds add organic matter nutrients common problems diseases rust use resistant varieties fusarium root rot insects asparagus beetles cutworms cultural weak spindly plants andor spears early heavy harvest crown rot poor production inadequately prepared heavy soil molesvoles problem harvesting storage days maturity 2 3 years harvest third year spears snap soil surface 6 8 inches tall tips begin separate use refrigerate immediately approximate yields 3 4 pounds per year per 10 foot row amount raise 6 pounds per person storage process refrigerate immediately plastic bag preservation freeze

developed james manning undergraduate research assistant daniel brainard vegetable extension specialist msu department horticulture gary heilig msu extension educator variety selection michigan commonly grown varieties millenium jersey varieties eg jersey giant jersey knight millenium newer variety canada well adapted michigans climate well heavier soils somewhat susceptible foliar diseases jersey varieties preparation planting asparagus perennial crop expected produce 10 years particularly important take time find suitable site prepare carefully sandy welldrained soils ph 68 75 preferred relatively high levels phosphorous provided 200 lbs pa incorporated planting perennial weeds quackgrass eliminated planting plant asparagus crowns trench 10 14 inches deep planting cover crowns 2 inches soil care new shoots grow fill soil around dont cover tips shoots harvest first year planting harvest sparingly second year add n k sources 50 lbs na harvest subsequent years asparagus relatively low water requirements generally doesnt need irrigation michigan garden soils however sandy soils irrigation helpful fern growth major pests insects asparagus beetle asparagus miner diseases rust fusarium phytophthora purple spot harvesting storage get first large harvest third fourth years season begins may continue june 25foot row yield 7 12 pounds asparagus snap 8 10inch spears less 1 inch diameter buds open leave smaller pencil complete harvest july 1 ferns grow following harvest cut completely dead fall growth begins spring store asparagus cool moist conditions crisper refrigerator asparagus asparagus officianalis family liliaceae hardiness hardy ease growing difficult nutrient needs moderate water needs low common propagation crowns oneyearold nursery grown transplants weeks grow transplant 10 12 start february plant may planning facts typical spacing 12 18 4 5 rows depth 10 14 trench plants per square foot 025 time first harvest 2 3 years grow asparagus wcag 20 aa msu affirmativeaction equalopportunity employer committed achieving excellence diverse workforce inclusive culture encourages people reach full potential michigan state university extension programs materials open without regard race color national origin gender gender identity religion age height weight disability political beliefs sexual orientation marital status family status veteran status issued furtherance msu extension work acts may 8 june 30 1914 cooperation us department agriculture jeffrey w dwyer interim director msu extension east lansing mi 48824 information educational purposes reference commercial products trade names imply endorsement msu extension bias mentioned

garden gate greenhouse inc 3415 e 500 peru 46970 compliments harvesting asparaguscontinued 4 6 weeks third year planting thereafter harvesting continue 6 8 weeks depend weather conditions best pick spears time allowing spears fern initially prevent asparagus beetles laying eggs ferns general rule stop harvesting diameter asparagus spears becomes pencil thin last harvest snap spears ground level encourage foliage growth rest growing season apply 1 lb 12-12 12 fertilizer per 50 feet row foliage allowed remain long green years growth making food reserves store next years crop storage asparagus asparagus perishable harvested morning air temperatures cool picking immerse spears icecold water remove heat drain water place spears plastic bags store refrigerator 38 40 degrees asparagus keep 1 2 weeks little loss quality crunchy almond asparagus 1 lb fresh asparagus 2 c crushed seasoned croutons 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese 1 cream chicken soup 12 c chopped almonds unblanched 1 melted butter cut asparagus 34inch pieces cook 1 cup lightly salted boiling water tendercrisp drain asparagus reserve liquid combine seasoned crumbs cheese set aside combine soup reserved asparagus liquid asparagus layer 12 crumb mixture buttered 3quart casserole dish top 12 asparagus repeat remaining ingredients toss chopped almonds melted butter sprinkle casserole bake 350o 30-35 minutes yield 6 servings grace reed mt zion homemade happiness dunkard brethren cookbook 3rd edition 2007 grow asparagus information growing asparagus visit purdue university cooperative extension service web site download ho96w growing asparagus home garden asparagus cultivated 2000 years eastern mediterranean region brought america early colonists name derives greek word asparagos means sprout shoot ancient greeks romans prized various medicinal qualities today value asparagus loaded nutrients contains fiber folate chromium vitamins c e k amino acid asparagine asparagus considered longterm perennial vegetable crop 15 years require generous space preferably outoftheway spot grows best fertile welldrained soil area gets least 6 hours sun day soil ph 65 75 preparing plant asparagus often planted crowns base roots oneyearold asparagus plants plant early april late may soil warmed 50o f grow soil warms crowns exposed cold wet soils prolonged period fusarium rot become threat plant asparagus west north side garden shade vegetables dig trench dig furrow trench 6 inches deep piling excess soil sides trench scatter 1 lb 12-12-12 fertilizer per 50 feet row bottom furrow rake fertilizer well make phosphorus immediately available crowns without risk burning direct contact carefully spread crowns loosen place furrow 18 inches apart crowns seem stiff soften ahead time water plant one row space rows five feet apart center center two schools thought covering crowns prefer loosely backfill trench little original soil level taking care compact soil others prefer cover crowns two inches soil shoots emerge continue sift soil trench slightly mounded top weather may dictate best method heavy rain could cause problems second method weed control weed control essential establish strong asparagus bed early hand pulling weeds hoeing cultivating best methods organic mulch also help suppress weeds note dense fern canopy forms later also help shade weed growth use salt weed killer old homespun remedy although salt harm asparagus inhibits water penetration soil important rain leach salt asparagus bed rest garden injuring vegetables harvesting wait two years planting harvest asparagus spears research shows harvesting one year planting stimulates bud production crowns harvest asparagus snapping 7 9 inch spears tight tips best cut asparagus soil knife may injure buds crown often first year planting harvest several times throughout threeweek period two years planting harvest increase grow asparagus

caring site first two years gently pull weeds taking care disturb asparagus roots water regularly allow bed become saturated asparagus plants becoming established water twice week first season area measurable precipitation water week fertilize spring fall foliage dies cut inch ground lay bed provide protection winter winter ends destroy foliage may harbor disease add inch two mulch spring inspect plants regularly looking signs disease planting recommended varieties include jersey giant jersey prince jersey knight millennium starting crowns opposed seeds recommended cuts length time planting harvest plan plant crowns two four weeks last average frost date area soak crowns water approximately twenty minutes dig trench six inches deep twelve inches wide lay crowns eighteen twentyfour inches apart trench fill two three inches soil top examine site weekly looking plants emerge emerge add another inch two soil repeat process trench completely filled leaving small mound allow future settling soil add inch two mulch smother weeds conserve water selecting preparing site choose site welldrained receives eight hours full sun daily loose deep soil preferable late spring frosts damage plants find area lowlying exposed frost asparagus bed part larger vegetable garden choose area shaded plants prepare four feet wide bed removing weeds roots planting one row allow five feet rows add generous amount wellcomposted manure compost incorporate nutrients recommended soil test results top six inches soil asparagus plants may take 2 3 years get started established productive 15 20 years planting asparagus soil tested determine right amount nutrients asparagus thrive best test prepare soil year prior planting growing asparagus developed pennsylvania department education penn state university project pa project funded least part federal funds us department agriculture contents publication necessarily reflect view policies us department agriculture mention trade names commercial products organization imply endorsement us government usda equal opportunity provider employer lender harvesting harvest planting year asparagus needs time develop strong crowns harvest couple weeks second year two months third year harvest asparagus shoots six eight inches tall shoots cutting sharp knife scissors ground level stop harvesting diameter spears decreases size pencil harvesting fertilize asparagus early summer cut remaining ferns summer allow grow mature replenishes nutrients usually early winter foliage turn brown yellow time cut ferns back ground fertilize top straw mulch spears push mulch spring

asparagus vegetable crops production guide atlantic provinces prepared advisory committee vegetable crops published authority atlantic provinces agriculture services coordinating committee introduction asparagus member liliaceae lily family separate male female plants asparagus officinalis perennial crop productive fifteen years establishment originated along seacoasts europe asia cultivated 2000 years asparagus adaptable temperate regions low temperature drought give crop rest period minimum temperature germination 10 c optimum range germination 16 30 c optimum temperature germination 24 c crop well cool season conditions however rate growth temperature sensitive length time required asparagus shoot grow 10 cm 25 cm varies 53 days mean daily temperature 11 c 19 days mean temperature 25 c rhizome buds form temperatures 16 32 c plant requires good water supply tolerate wet soils asparagus frost sensitive areas subject late spring early fall frost avoided high yield obtained dormant asparagus crowns rarely harmed winter cold preferred soil deep reasonably free stones gravel loose fine loamy sand sandy loam reasonable organic matter good drainage essential heavy soils clay loam avoided site asparagus production past crop requires rooting depth greater 15 first asparagus harvest occurs spring third year planting 1 year old crowns potential yield third year would 1000 kgha fourth year 2000 kgha fifth succeeding years 3000 kgha recent cultivar trials show large variations cultivars yield potential first years long term data available presently asparagus specialty crop atlantic area small amounts delivered roadside markets restaurants retail stores however potential increased fresh market consumption export potential also enough land resources processed asparagus production white blanched asparagus specialty crop grown nutrient content good source vitamin potassium good source vitamin c contains small amounts nutrients including iron low sodium calories 3 4 spears provides 10 kilocalories crop establishment seed harvested strong productive parent plants produce plants productive less susceptible disease grown seed taken weak plants seed older varieties continually reselected increased performance many high yielding f1 hybrid male cultivars market male plants usually higher yielding female plants within cultivar seed treatment asparagus seed soaked 3 4 days 30-35 c planting soaking softens seed coat swells seed starts germination process results earlier emergence one week advantage seeding done dry soil seedingplanting asparagus seed planted deeper 25 4 cm depending soil type seeding date choose light well drained sandy loam seedbed ph 66 free perennial weeds sow 1 kg seed per 1000 square meters seedbed produce approximately 25000 crowns enough 1 ha plant selection select 1 year old crowns following spring weighing 30 50g permanent field spacing crowns rows 125 175 apart 30 45 cm plants requires approximately 20000 plants per hectare close spacing usually results higher total yields spears thinner life stand may shortened lift 1 year old plants early spring discard small crowns 25 g crowns closespaced narrow buds grade plants similar sized crowns planted field plant furrows 15 20 cm deep shallower heavier soils spread roots much possible place buds upward cover 5 cm soil fill furrow gradually cultivation first year good weed control maintain high plant population vigorous growth fields also planted asparagus seedlings 8 12 weeks old start transplants containers cells 5 cm larger use sterilized media containing half sand half peat mix use normal greenhouse growing practices seeds planted individually blocks modules large flats february transplants planted field late may direct seeding may possible situations crop management establishment site selection preparation begin two years prior planting order properly adjust ph eliminate perennial weed problems essential maintain healthy fern growth first two growing seasons crown growth restricted plants permanently damaged weed control first season easily accomplished slowly filling trenches season cultivations timed flushes weeds long ferns covered second year beds must kept weed free especially late summer fall weed competition late season restrict crown growth close attention must given insects diseases attack young ferns ferns become vigorous full diseases cause ferns die prematurely especially late summer early fall periods humid weather fungicides applied control foliage decline mature stands last cutting season plantings usually disked lightly weed control incorporate fertilizer fern allowed grow remainder year asparagus fern growth removed still green supplies food roots ferns left trap snow protects crowns low temperature winter injury fern cut rotary flailtype mower early spring lightly disked soil provide 10 15 tonnes organic matter per hectare cultivation fern disposal weed control fertilizer incorporation shallow kept minimum vigorous stand harvest period year 3 1 2 weeks year 4 3 4 weeks year 5 thereafter 5 7 weeks harvest proceed spear size large size starts decrease harvest stop harvesting results small diameter ferns initiate small buds give rise small spears next harvest season fall seeding rye done late august early september herbicide residues low rye burned herbicide spring mowing fern fertilizer applied rye serve reduce sandblasting may result slightly later harvest date fields prevent soil erosion winter serious problem crop nutrition additions lime fertilizer manures based recommendations soil test asparagus responds manures use prior planting crowns annual top dressings contribute nutrients also significant organic matter soil caution used poultry manure excess nitrogen may detrimental lime lime applied maintain soil ph range 68 70 asparagus particularly sensitive soil acidity frequent cause crop failure heavy applications limestone must deeply evenly incorporated sure crown surrounded soil high ph nitrogen needs crown production lower established fields crown production half nitrogen applied planting time half sidedressed august depending weather conditions vigor stand new plantings nitrogen applied preplant established plantings apply half nitrogen harvest half nitrogen immediately harvest phosphorus nutrient important crown producing fields new plantings important band phosphorus new plantings ensure stand well fertilized element effectively applied later approximately 450 kg 0-20-0 mixture banded crowns per hectare addition recommended broadcast applications potash asparagus relatively high potash requirement additional sidedressing established fields early august may increase yields following year micronutrients asparagus high boron requirement deficiency suspected apply soil spray 175 225 kg actual boron per hectare apply boronated fertilizer also foliar sprays boron may used sulfur may beneficial sandy soils low organic matter application method generally established fields nitrogen phosphorus calcium magnesium broadcast shallow incorporation newly established fields wide band row may used nitrogen potash pests pest control weeds perennial weeds quackgrass must completely eliminated year prior planting asparagus crowns seeds establishment year use stale seedbed technique whereby emerged weeds chemically burntoff post emergence herbicide prior crop emergence additionally herbicides control germinating weeds preemergence applied spear emergence established asparagus disked spring treated one several residual herbicides prior spear emergence alternatively emerged weeds treated postemergence burnoff treatment residual herbicide prior spear emergence second treatment herbicide applied last harvest provide weed control summer diseases fusarium diseases fungi characteristics growing stalks stunted yellow may wilt fern growth also yellow stunted crowns roots stems may show discoloration vascular bundles varying amounts decay control avoid replanting land previously grew asparagus treat seed crowns planting avoid injuring crowns cultivate deeper 10 cm irrigate sandy soil high moisture stress use tolerant cultivars rust fungus characteristics potentially serious foliage stem disease causes elongated orange red powdery areas stems foliage commercial cultivars susceptible rust control disease control achieved thorough spray coverage regular schedule disease observed spray must protect new foliage grows rust spores land germinate 7 10 day schedule late may late august physiological disorders hollow stem problem tends prevalent periods warm wet weather resulting rapid spear growth found crops ready harvested may problem specific years certain cultivars plant vigor spacing may also play role hooking results bent spears problem many causes always sort injury spear either ground spears hook prevailing winds sandblasting cold air problem soil cutworm feeding cutting knives stones etc cause severe hooking insects asparagus beetle characteristics adult beetles 6 mm length blueish black color three creamy yellow spots wing cover larvae dark gray black heads adults feed asparagus shoots larvae feed leaves stems control apply insecticides necessary damage becomes significant spotted asparagus beetles characteristics adult beetles 6 mm long reddishorange 6 black spots wing feed young shoots fronds orange larvae feed inside berries control leave uncut rows spring serve traps beetles temperatures 21 c beetles seen uncut rows use one recommended chemicals cutworms tarnished plant bugs aphids insects may cause problems seasons identified significant pests asparagus area specific chemical controls see atlantic provinces guide pest management vegetable crops harvesting handling new plantings usually harvested 2 weeks spring third year field setting harvest cutting snapping spears ground level 18 25 cm tall established plantings harvest season may 20 early july harvesting terminated early emerging spears thin meet grade standards cutting causes rapid decline stand vigor harvesting trimming must done efficiently crop profitable storage conditioning asparagus usually stored kept 3 4 weeks hydrocooled immediately harvest stored 2 c storage 0 c 10 days cause chilling injury high relative humidity important prevent excessive moisture losses high relative humidity obtained placing butts asparagus wet pads prepackaging spears perforated bags moisture loss 3 6% markedly affect quality average freezing temperature asparagus 1 c 0 c half initial sugar asparagus spear lost 2 weeks storage 10 c takes 1 week 20 c takes 2 days 30 c one half day spears held upright avoid undesirable curvature controlled atmosphere storage benefits asparagus reducing decay toughening temperature held 0 3 c 12 2% carbon dioxide normal oxygen makes acceptable atmosphere higher temperatures carbon dioxide reduced 7 2% exposure spears ethylene cause toughening avoided bibliography see also general references asparagus production california feb 1977 bulletin 1882 university california dept vegetable crops davis insect pests asparagus omaf factsheet june 1982 agdex 254625 rt wirkasch dept environmental biology u guelph diseases asparagus omaf factsheet may 1982 agdex 254635 rt wirkasch dept environmental biology u guelph asparagus production canada april 1983 lr mapplebeck h tiessen dept horticultural science u guelph guelph ontario sandsted rf da wilcox ta zitterand aa muka 1985 asparagus information bulletin 202 cornell cooperative extension pub 11 pp diseases pests vegetable crops canada 1994 canadian phytopathological society entomological society canada pp 43-49 404-406

montguide online montguides visit yard garden mt198365ag revised 619 asparagus home garden cheryl mooregough extension horticulture specialist publication offers basic instructions successfully growing asparagus choosing plant materials maintaining beds asparagus asparagus officinalis perennial plant provide delicious nutritious food many years started correctly proper care bed properly asparagus low calories great source vitamins c k well folate cultivars asparagus hardy usda zone 3 cultivars hardy zone 2 asparagus best sites moist soil full sun beds reach peak production eight years yield spears reach five pounds per 100 square feet properly managed bed remains productive 12 15 years 30 years old still fairly productive asparagus tolerates higher soil salinity garden plants planted low wet areas crops grow establishing bed plant materials start purchasing one twoyearold crowns divide transplant old crowns leaving one bud per division old clump divided many 50 new plants direct seeding possible recommended due variability resulting seedlings planting newly purchased crowns popular way start asparagus bed sure crowns planting dormant large fleshy whitishtan roots without mold rot soil preparation asparagus bed last many years soil tested prior preparation determine existing nutrients obtain fertilizer recommendations see montguide home garden soil testing fertilizer guidelines mt200705ag list soil testing laboratories destroy perennial weeds mulching cultivating spade till soil deeply working 50 100 pounds rotted organic matter compost per 100 square feet two four inches bed also apply fresh highly nitrogenous manure like poultry manure one fourth rate ½ 1 inch like plants asparagus needs ample supplies phosphorus potassium calcium minerals well nitrogen planting spring soil temperatures reached least 10.00°C use trench method plant dig individual holes dig trench 10 inches deep 10 inches wide 2inch mounds 18 inches apart rehydrate crowns soaking tepid water one two hours spread roots mounds leave 2½ 3 feet rows dig holes 6 8 inches deep 10 12 inches diameter place crown hole central bud pointing upward either method fill three inches topsoil covering crowns tips young shoots extend soil add additional soil hole finish filling hole tips shoots extend ground level apply fertilizer planting according soil test results montana soils contain adequate calcium acid soils high mountain valleys sandy soils areas may need additional calcium follow soil test recommendations cultivars cultivars predominantly male female stalks thicker produce seeds male stalks prolific smaller diameter rustresistant varieties recommended mary washington timeproven cultivar yields well survives conditions rust resistant cultivars montana include disease resistant jersey series including allmale knight giant predominantly male supreme predominantly male millennium adapted heavier soils purple passion pacific purple photo dan spurr download e free file yard garden vegetable revised june 2019 order additional publications please contact county reservation msu extension office visit online catalog email copyright 2019 msu extension encourage use document nonprofit educational purposes document may reprinted nonprofit educational purposes endorsement commercial product service company stated implied appropriate credit given author msu extension use documents electronic formats permission must sought extension communications coordinator 115 culbertson hall montana state university bozeman mt 59717 email us department agriculture usda montana state university montana state university extension prohibit discrimination programs activities basis race color national origin gender religion age disability political beliefs sexual orientation marital family status issued furtherance cooperative extension work agriculture home economics acts may 8 june 30 1914 cooperation us department agriculture cody stone director extension montana state university bozeman mt 59717 beautiful cut slant eaten raw salads lose purple color cooked weed control herbicide used home asparagus patch weed control done early spring spears come hoeing shallow tilling later cutting season hoe cultivate destroy broadleaved weeds pull grassy weeds insect control asparagus beetle insect resembles ladybug considerably elongate defoliate large areas short time handpick insects use appropriate insecticide registered control cutworms cutworms cut underground shoots feed tips new shoots causing crooked spears remove injured spears inspect soil around injured plant destroy worm placing ring wood ashes around plants deter cutworms dont let ashes contact green plant tissue diseases asparagus rust disease likely found areas high rainfall high humidity nevertheless occur montana small reddishyellow spots appear main stem near ground slender branches stalks grow cutting season plant resistant cultivars mary washington jersey series burn diseased material otherwise remove garden compost harvesting dont harvest first season harvest lightly second first full harvest begins third season planting harvest time varies season area early spring warmer areas lower elevations spears may ready harvest late april gardeners higher areas cool spring might harvest spears midjune harvest last july 1 every area every year spears ready cut eight 10 inches tall cutting soon reduces yield cutting late increases spear toughness remove spears snapping soil line cutting sharp knife soil line dont cut deep enough damage crown avoid overharvest planting asparagus last long spears removed every season cut spears first six weeks stop harvesting spear diameter becomes noticeably smaller let remaining spears grow tall plants ferns die back year sugars produced ferns reabsorbed plant roots take care cut browning assure strong plants following year maintaining established beds fertilizer water minerals used plants need replenishing unless soil high organic matter apply nitrogen early spring rate 1 2½ pounds actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet every three five years apply 2 3½ pounds actual phosphate p2o5 per 1000 square feet work soil hills soil deficient potash apply rate time phosphate soil tested asparagus patch appears declining mulching apply insulating mulch straw similar material bed soil freezes remove early spring danger severe cold passed removed keep ground cool delay emergence spears especially important cooler locations asparagus plants extend roots crowns horizontally making difficult maintain plants straight line acknowledgements author would like acknowledge original author montguide bob gough former extension horticulture specialist

growing asparagus wisconsin karen delahaut fresh market vegetable program coordinator asparagus asparagus officianalis member lily family liliaceae hardy perennial yield 40 years crop established fernlike foliage grows 4-5 feet tall young stems cut plants dioecious meaning male female flowers borne separate plants female plants produce spears like male plants also produce flowers plants allowed produce ferns thereby putting energy production berries arise female flowers taking energy away rejuvenating crowns production seed also leads seedling weeds growing asparagus bed crowd desirable crowns reduce vigor seedlings compete water nutrients space led recent years production male varieties crop male varieties much vigorous older open pollinated varieties mary washington martha washington asparagus thought originated near mediterranean sea greek delicacy culture dates back 200 bc greek word asparagus means stalk shoot asparagus grown america since early settlers came europe mid1800s planted extensively cultivars open pollinated hybrids predominantly male hybrids male plants yield females id encourage consider planting one cultivars resistance cercospora leaf spot crown rot fusarium wilt rust jersey giant jersey knight jersey supreme jersey gem jersey king male varieties yield mary martha washington yield increase 1 ½ 2 times traditional cultivars allmale varieties available jersey asparagus company jersey knight probably best home gardener best spear quality jersey giant also popular home garden variety tolerant cold wisconsin climate jersey knight jersey supreme relatively new variety also well suited colder climates produce spears earlier season another unique variety purple passion purple variety asparagus gardener looking unique crop purple passion new variety 2004 produces purple spear high sugar content purple passion turn green cooked keep mind male variety like 3 varieties previously listed culture select site preferably full sun plants remain years deep welldrained soils essential good asparagus production soil least 2% organic matter high levels phosphorus potassium planting soil ph 65-75 best production get soil test prior planting indicate form planning planting asparagus recommendations made accordingly use transplants 1yearold crowns reputable dealer certified diseasefree crowns planted early midspring depending area dig trenches 8 inches deep loosening soil adding compost bottom trench rows 4-6 feet apart plants 9-12 inches apart row place plants trench spread roots cover 2 inches soil gradually fill trench spears begin emerge poor stands result plants covered deeply beginning ridge soil moderately rows plants well established asparagus plants grow outward central crown fleshy roots called rhizomes 10-15 years crown resulting rhizome radius reach 2 feet diameter 8 week harvest period late june southern wicsonsin fertilize complete fertilizer 10-10-10 help rejuvenate crowns depleted nutrients harvest season fall ferns yellowed cut foliage back prevent overwintering asparagus beetles rust crop harvest harvest plants well established generally 3 years old snap cut spears 8-10 inches tall tips begin open asparagus crowns must rest period rejuvenate next crop stop harvesting emerging spears diameter pencil little finger unique european production practice used market growers grow white asparagus called spargel germany method includes exclusion light spears emerging absence light inhibits photosynthesis thereby production chlorophyll produces green color using inverted 5 gallon buckets work well small plantings white spears tender milder flavor traditional green spears keep mind eliminating production chlorophyll white asparagus nutritive value found green counterpart pest problems weeds problem asparagus production primary weed problems perennial weeds perennial crop avoid planting asparagus beds infested perennial weeds canada thistle quackgrass field bindweed eliminate weeds planting plagued perennial weeds existing plantings try using roundup early spring spears emerge fall youve cut back ferns mulching heavily organic mulch prevent germination annual weed seeds plan use compost source mulch also add nutrients soil make sure compost use hot composted kill weed crop seeds may present pest problems include fusarium wilt require move bed rejuvenate prevent future problems fusarium soilborne fungus live soil almost indefinitely also infects many weed species serve alternate host disease weaken crowns thereby producing smaller spears rust another disease plagues asparagus ferns rustinfected plants defoliate prematurely die back altogether best plant rust resistant varieties addition causing fern dieback rust also weaken plant predispose fusarium fungus present soil rust identified small yellow orange spots first appear tips plants later season dusty brickred pustules appear shoots ferns rust severe years heavy rains high humidity incidence rust reduced cutting back ferns fall burning rust complete life cycle asparagus beetles annual insect pest asparagus twelve spotted asparagus beetle common wisconsin common asparagus beetle injury first appears early spring emerging shoots insects feed shoots develop causing bend direction feeding damage occurs plant begins fern beetle populations increase numbers totally defoliate plants left unchecked common insecticides used control asparagus beetles include sevin dursban rotenone

grow asparagus asparagus perennial vegetable established productive life 15 years edible asparagus spears young shoots produced spring harvesting season finished shoots allowed grow provide food underground root system crown shoots grow attractive fernlike fronds reach heights 15-2m good conditions winter shoots die cut ground level growth recommences late winterspring spears emerge asparagus frost tolerant quite easy grow well perth metropolitan area south west planting prime requirement asparagus cultivation well drained soil best grown full sun position long term crop spot years choose site carefully planting potted asparagus plants potted plants planted year round improve planting bed blending plenty dawsons soil improver least spades depth add sprinkle dawsons purpose fertiliser eco prime garden potted asparagus plants usually seedlings planted left grow 2-3 years commence harvesting planting crowns asparagus crowns usually available julyaugust planted soon possible purchase dig trench 30-40cm deep 30cm wide lay 10-15cm layer dawsons soil improver cover layer 5-10cm layer improved soil make mound soil along centre trench crowns planted top mound roots spread either side crowns placed 10cm surface soil cover crowns 5cm soil gradually fill soil level plant grows care asparagus fertilised dawsons purpose fertiliser spring prior spears emerging stopped harvesting spears asparagus requires regular water supply perth watering required spring aprilmay idea try maintain soil moisture times fern actively growing end application good quality straw type surface mulch greatly assist winter shootsfern start yellow die cut old shoots ground level harvesting spears harvested grown 15-25cm ground level cut sharp knife ground level spears cut first season growth allows crown establish next spring one year planting harvesting restricted thickest spears later years cut spears emerge remember spear size begins fall best allow shoots grow provide food fuel crown next season need harvest spears regularly several times week even daily spears emerge quickly left long start fern get youd like grow white asparagus youll need mound soil rows late winter height 30cm harvest spears soon tips break surface varieties dawsons sell uc157 developed university california known high yields uc157 suitable growth warmer areas mild winters smooth green spears tight tipped non stringy plant tall feathery graceful stems commonly grown commercial variety worldwide prepared tim parker acknowledgments p j frost preparation fact sheet

growing asparagus asparagus good source vitamins c minerals highly productive vegetable grown cooler areas quick guide growing asparagus category directions notes location cool area soil grows well high ph soils well ph 6 new beds till 2-3 lbs 6-12-12 fertilizer similar per 20 feet row established beds scatter 1-2 lbs 6-12-12 fertilizer per 20 feet row growth begins spring planting directions spread 3 layer organic matter manure rotted sawdust compost planned planting area till spade depth 10-12 turn soil organic matter covered tilling mark rows 4-6 apart dig furrow 4 wide 6-12 deep place crowns furrow cover 2-3 soil firm soil around roots fill entire furrow plant crowns 6-12 deep loose soils 4-6 heavier soils place crowns 12-14 apart fill furrows gradually shoots grow covers small weeds die lack light end first season furrow reaches normal level maintenance asparagus plants like frequent deep watering allow top 1 soil dry watering control weeds without damaging spears harvesting harvest spears 4-10 long cut asparagus spears 1-2 inches soil level least ½ length spear ground never cut spear within 2 crown avoid damage developed buds harvest asparagus spears established beds 8 weeks harvest soon new planting discontinue harvest spear diameter becomes less 38 last harvest cut back top growth apply fertilizer till lightly 1-2 inches kill weeds cover bed 3 layer clean straw compost mulch material water thoroughly allow growing rest year helps ensure good harvest next year special notes asparagus planting lasts 15 25 years without replanting well cared climate suitable asparagus grown 1yearold plants crowns requires 3 years time crown planted bed full production since asparagus planting lasts many years good planting bed preparation essential varieties jersey giant murrays info sheets po box 601 1525 portugal cove road portugal cove nl canada a1m 3r6 tel 709 895-2800 fax 709 895-1000 email

growing asparagus info toll free 1800 335 508 plant asparagus grown regions best areas long cold winters mild summers check hardware garden centre advice suitability asparagus location 1 asparagus sown seed cheapest option take three four years germination harvest 2 quicker harvest asparagus usually planted winter available crown name given dormant root system 3 potted plants also available spring autumn ready plant directly prepared garden bed location established asparagus grow crop 25 years ideal plant garden bed plants grow best full sun position soil holds moisture well sheltered wind much shade causes asparagus become spindly fewer thinner spears soil asparagus enjoys welldrained sandy loamy soil ph around 65 70 prepare soil prior planting digging wellrotted manure compost apply seasol liquid compost growers recommend planting asparagus trench layer wellrotted manure base cover manure 5cm layer soil keep asparagus direct contact manure soil rich nutrients helps build strong plants add seasol plant soil booster 100g per m2 fertiliser powerfeed controlled release tomatoes vegetables water well let soil rest week two possible check application rates product labels go seasol website asparagus perennial vegetable dies winter regrows spring part asparagus family asparagaceae formerly considered part lily family also includes onions garlic leeks asparagus native across much europe edible part asparagus new shoot known spear left unharvested forms clumps tall woody canelike growth ferny leaves asparagus spears low calories high folates dietary fibre vitamins c k eaten raw steamed grilled 2 planting crowns easiest popular planting potted plants 3 planting seed 1 second years growth 5 third years growth 6 asparagus harvest 7 first years growth 4 life cycle asparagus info toll free 1800 335 508 check application rates product labels go seasol website plant crowns winter burying base 30cmdeep trench alternatively dig hole crown thats 30cm deep wide enough accommodate crowns root system space crowns 45cm apart cover 5-10cm soil crown begins grow cover soil trench filled encourage deep roots apply layer mulch protect cold frost growth appears water seasol seasol gold strong root development healthy growth 2 planting crowns plant potted plants simply dig hole wellprepared soil thats large enough accommodate root system plant base plant well covered soil make shallow depression around plant capture runoff help keep plant well watered water seasol seasol gold reduce transplant shock aid plant establishment mulch around plant apply liquid fertiliser powerfeed pro series tomatoes vegetables every couple weeks promote strong robust growth thick stems 3 planting potted plants growing asparagus 1 planting seed 4 first years growth fill pot seed tray potting mix seed raising mix sprinkle asparagus seeds top cover seeds mix water seasol seasol gold fast germination pop pot tray sheltered position keep soil moist protect pests like snails birds seedlings 10-12cm high plant wellprepared soil take care disturb roots every two weeks apply powerfeed pro series tomatoes vegetables strong healthy growth choose male asparagus plants cultivation see notes male female plants shoots spears appear spring dont plan eat fresh asparagus yet leave shoots grow help form strong roots good future crops spring summer check soil moisture daily apply seasol powerfeed pro series tomatoes vegetables every two weeks strong vigorous growth reduce stress heat drought hold harvesting first two years apply organic mulch keep soil cool keep plants well weeded summer apply powerfeed controlled release tomatoes vegetables every 6-8 weeks ensure strong growth info toll free 1800 335 508 check application rates product labels go seasol website 5 second years growth 6 third years growth plants start yellow first autumn planting without harvest plants produce stems ferny growth autumn stems yellow begin die back stems pruned late autumn plants become dormant stems thin could case enough water nutrients check soil moisture remove weeds topping organic mulch ready next years growth things watch well grown asparagus pests disease problems problems occur include thin stems indicate lack nutrients water improve spear quality applying complete fertiliser adding mulch rotted manure increasing amount frequency water poor soil drainage heavy clay soil grow asparagus raised beds avoid problems water logging root rot watering plants leaves yellow could sign watered refrain watering check soil applying end winter start prepare first spring harvest formation long spears hilling soil rows watch spears appear harvest thickest leave rest mature ferny growth cool areas produce autumn crop cutting mature growth ground level late summer spears appear august september later cool climates harvested 10 12 weeks wellestablished plants growing asparagus male female plants female plants thin stems form green berries ripen red berries late summer male plants thicker stems dont form berries selected cultivation asparagus raised seed male female plants grow cull female plants first flowering allow male plants grow better crop 7 asparagus harvest expect harvest spears every two three days plant peak peak growing season use long sharp knife harvest asparagus spears cutting ground spears protrude 10-15cm soil cut spears day theyll quickly become tall woody harvest feed powerfeed controlled release plant food tomatoes vegetables strong ferny growth feeds crown keep plants wellwatered especially summers dry free weeds yellowing leaves late summer autumn indicate plants dying back cut plants back ground level regrowth harvesting begin late winter spring

page 1 2019 south dakota board regents growing asparagus rhoda burrows professor sdsu extension horticulture specialist david graper sdsu extension horticulture specialist master gardener program coordinator gardens south dakota state university agronomy horticulture plant science department updated february 2019 many look forward fresh asparagus spring established perennial vegetable relatively easy grow fact often thrives roadside ditches abandoned farmsteads higher rainfall areas state asparagus bed good soil easily last 15 years longer number asparagus species one asparagus officinalis l cultivated food low calories asparagus excellent source vitamin contains significant amounts calcium phosphorus riboflavin vitamin c well past centuries sometimes prescribed gentle diuretic kidney tonic edible asparagus native europe cultivated 2000 years ancient roman author cato elder 200 bc wrote detailed directions growing asparagus close current recommendations south dakota eastern end state black hills two areas asparagus grown successfully areas grow extra attention paid watering dry spells hardy varieties used climatic requirements growing season warm days cool nights low relative humidity preferred asparagus produces best temperatures harvest range 78 29.44°C day 55 65 night productive asparagus plant needs long rest period dormancy met cold winter temperatures prolonged period drought cultivars vary winter hardiness see number well state site selection asparagus needs full sun good production good soil drainage also essential highest yields obtained deep sandy loams since asparagus roots may extend six feet deep heavy soils form crust rain irrigation damage emerging spears soil ph 65 70 best asparagus quite tolerant higher ph soils salinity bed field fairly level avoid soil erosion avoid lowlying areas subject late spring frosts could delay harvest reduce yield soil free stones cause crooked spears field also free perennial weeds difficult control herbicides available newly planted asparagus avoid root crown diseases choose area asparagus last eight years varieties mary washington viking perhaps two varieties readily available home growers mass markets although newer hybrids jersey giant becoming common worthwhile seek newer varieties male hybrids jersey giant even higheryielding jersey king hybrids page 2 2019 south dakota board regents developed greater disease resistance higher yield along good cold hardiness done well trials north dakota minnesota newer male variety greatly outyielded varieties many northern trials including saskatchewan also done well heavier soils guelph millennium tends emerge week later spring varieties help avoid spring frosts spears stay tight high temperatures maintains good quality range conditions growers may also want consider novel variety purple passion performed well iowa trials may special consumer appeal purplishcolored tender largediameter spears avoid varieties bred california uc 157 hardy enough us plant options asparagus production beds often established 1yrold crowns purchased grown seed directseeding recommended transplants grown greenhouse protected area also used planting permanent bed oneyearold crowns fig 1 vigorous greater productivity compared 2 3yearold crowns suffer root damage digging may reduce quality goodquality crowns weigh 15 pounds per 10 crowns fig 1 oneyearold crown growing crowns crowns produced seed separate bed later transplanting producing crowns choose soil welldrained deep loose light generally one acre seedlings produce enough crowns ten acres asparagus 900-1200 seeds per ounce one ounce seed produce 550 highquality crowns figure many crowns need plant seed accordingly example area per plant 4 ft row spacing x 15 ft plants 6 square feet plants per acre 43560 square feet per acre 6 ft per plant 7260 plants per acre hasten germination soak seed 48 96 hours warm water planting change water several times day avoid fungal growth also advisable use seed fungicide planting plant seed ½ inch deep 2-3 inches apart rows 24-30 inches apart optimal temperatures germination 60-85 degrees f cultivate growing season control weeds seedlings one year old may transplanted permanent location dig crowns spring buds begin grow old plant tops mowed interfere digging modified potato digger moldboard plow used lift crowns larger plantings transplant production alternative planting oneyearold crowns use transplants grown greenhouse seed treated seeded peat pots filled good potting media field soil plant two seeds per pot thin one emergence transplants started either early spring setting danger frost passed late summer transplanting midseptember transplant seedlings 10 12 weeks old permanent bed prepared crowns pots covered least one inch soil time planting furrows furrows filled gradually season crowns peat pots used planting sure none pot exposed soil act wick drying plant transplant starter fertilizer solution applied time planting planting crowns discard small badly injured crowns sort crowns according size plant crowns size row avoid competition food needed crowns stored 384.44°C 8590% humidity planting allow freeze avoid decay page 3 2019 south dakota board regents crowns damp moist areas storage planting dip crown recommended fungicide solution planting crowns prepare land soil free stumps rocks coarse debris might cause crooked spears existing weeds controlled spraying perennial weeds glyphosate herbicide example roundup kleenup two three weeks planting recommended open planting furrow depth 8-10 inches 8 inches heavier soils position crowns upright roots spreading fig 2 furrow 8 inches ground level cover two inches soil close spacing may practiced home garden planting half acre space rows 3 4 ½ ft plants 12-18 inches apart row fig 2 planting crowns furrow crowns grow gradually work soil toward plants cultivation furrow entirely filled careful bury ferns cultivation add 2 inches soil crowns approximately three cultivations cover crowns completely fill furrow fig 3 shallowplanted crowns often injured spring frosts disking produce smaller spears deeply planted crowns produce larger spears emerge later spring fig 3 young shoots fertilizer asparagus may occupy land 15-20 years good soil preparation planting important possible apply 5-10 tons good farmyard manure per acre plow green manure crop fall otherwise apply 600-1000 pounds 8-32-16 per acre 20 lbs per 1000 square feet ½ lb per 10 ft row planting soil test 0-12 best way determine fertilizer needs soils may require additional nitrogen crop comes production commercial growers test soil least every year phosphorus potassium broadcast needed fertilizer either water work soil shallow cultivation crop also require 50 lbs nitrogen 140 lbs 35-0-0 per acre year planting regardless general fertilizer practice desirable split nitrogen application applying half recommended amount early spring growth starts half end harvest season smaller plantings apply ½ cup ammonium nitrate 35-0-0 per 10 ft row early spring harvest second application enhances vegetative growth carbohydrate accumulation results higher yield following year well improved plant vigor survive winter page 4 2019 south dakota board regents cultivation keep field free weeds spears less brittle afternoon cultivation best done time plants established weeding problems reduced using herbicides rows use windbreak shield spears wind damage spears blasting spear soil particles retarding growth windward side spear causing become crooked misshapened leave ferns standing field winter months help trap snow help insulate roots crowns low temperatures early spring shoots develop cut burn old ferns reduce insects disease disk soil harvest harvest first two years planting limit harvest third year 2-4 weeks depending vigor fern previous season established fields may provide yield 2000 4000 pounds per acre ¾ 1 pound per foot row home garden depending climate cultural practices snap spears hand cut 2 inches ground level 45 angle 6-10 inches tall morning harvest preferred spears contain maximum amount water stay fresh longer lignin fibers make asparagus tough undesirable tip spear less lignin amount increases toward bottom following practices reduce lignin spears snap asparagus rather cutting ground level thus leaving fiber portion white portion spear field cold weather harvest shorter spears longer takes spear grow fiber develops harvest small diameter thin spears fiber weight basis cool spears quickly possible harvest ice cold water store asparagus less 2.22°C allow freeze avoid water stress wrapping asparagus wet material perforated plastic wrap store upright bowl stems water store asparagus 7-10 days crooked spears crooked spears generally result dirt clods field hot dry wind early spring injury due insects frost disking heavy soils avoid problems produce straight marketable spears irrigation help plants become established apply water least first two years possible irrigation essential established asparagus except drier years areas increase productivity spear size numbers longevity planting avoiding drought stress also increase vigor decrease risk infection fusarium fungal crown rot male vs female plants asparagus dioecious male flowers one plant female flowers another plant nonhybrid varieties 5o male 5o female plants many allmale hybrids available female plants less productive shorter life plants energy allocated seed production fall male plants produce larger number spears starting earlier spring often thinner female plants produce fewer spears larger produced later season diseases problems since fusarium root rot crown rot eventually invade every planting cultural methods maintain vigor plants help prolong productivity fusarium root rot fungus lives soil enters plant roots plant asparagus field asparagus last eight years dip crowns recommended fungicide planting keep planting healthy practicing good cultural methods rust cut burn tops spring use resistant varieties jersey hybrids guelph millennium prone rust fungicides may used commercial plantings feathering bracts spears partly spread result high temperatures planning smallscale commercial production prospective growers always assess potential market planting well presence growers nearby fresh locallygrown asparagus page 5 2019 south dakota board regents sells quickly farmers markets across state would great way start csa season local restaurants may interested featuring unique vegetable spring menus grower within 15minute drive population base may also able successfully market pickyourown one acre per 5000 urban dwellers asparagus also may harvested graded according specifications local supermarket sold wholesale information fertilizing gardens south dakota p00082 sdsu extension equal opportunity provider employer accordance nondiscrimination policies south dakota state university south dakota board regents united states department agriculture p00078

reissued 2020-03-01 1 2 university california prohibits discrimination harassment person programs activities see complete nondiscrimination statement ucanredu november 19 2011 growing asparagus originally published contra costa times chantal guillemin uc master gardener crowns whips spears asparagusoh summary advance planning patience reward home gardener asparagus many years site selection preparation cultivar selection planting technique disease control harvesting technique important considerations q planning grow asparagus fall get started longlived 8 15 years salt droughttolerant vegetable lily family asparagus cultivated millennia seaside dunes along mediterranean british isles california several asparagus growing regions including contra costa county asparagus adaptable yet specific soil planting irrigation harvest requirements bed preparation planting full sun sandy soil ph range 60 75 good drainage weeds temperatures ranging 65 85 f space prerequisites successful home garden asparagus production proper bed preparation buildup organic matter soil begins least year prior planting select area relatively free weeds drains well hillside condition soil turning peat moss leaf mold straw animal green manures avoid soils high water table could lead short stand life due unhealthy diseased roots october march best time planting transplants crowns applying little phosphate fertilizer trenches plant one year old crowns buds pointing upward bottom 6 8 inch deep furrow space crowns 12 inches apart rows 4 5 feet wide cover 2 3 inches soil six weeks add another 3 inches continue mound soil plants develop fill form somewhat raised bed produce enough asparagus fresh table use plant ten crowns family member cultivar selection optimum diseasefree start select yearold fieldgrown crowns certified grower conjunction university california california asparagus seed transplants inc davis developed several hybrid cultivars include uc 157 f1 atlas f1 apollo grande purple ccmgucanredu november 19 2011 growing asparagus page 2 month year reissued 2020-03-01 2 2 planning preparation patience home gardeners grow enjoy asparagus many years passion varieties differ spear diameter measured widest point spear tip tightness yields tolerance fusarium root rot rust fungal diseases disease control watering proper sanitation important tool controlling asparagus fungal diseases prevention remove debris previous years fern destroy compost kill overwintering pathogens wide row spacing may also help improve air movement drying fern plant second crop crowns old asparagus bed levels fusarium already high location severity disease reduced starting noninfected oneyear old crowns grown uncontaminated soil practicing good irrigation management asparagus requires frequent furrow irrigations spring near soil surface harvest time water applications cut back late summer early fall curtail new fern growth winter dormancy harvesting postharvest care main harvest season spring spears may cut september october harvest asparagus first growing season harvesting early many results weakened plants small spears asparagus plant needs grow establish healthy crown requiring energy first third year transplanting asparagus harvested two weeks full cutting season 60 75 days may begin fourth year planting harvest whenever spears reach 8 10 inches warm weather could every day cut ground level snap spears taking care damage emerging ones harvest season finished allow spears mature energyproducing ferns foliage prune cut back ferns could jeopardize yield quality next seasons growth immediate postharvest care washing cooling slow fibrous development loss natural sugar flavor vitamin c asparagus spears whips small diameter spears usually tougher wide diameter spears tough fibers skin information planning preparation patience home gardeners grow enjoy asparagus many years info growing asparagus consult uc publication 7234 available online

1 asparagus asparagus asparagus officinalis member lily family perennial vegetable thrive home garden 25 years properly cared asparagus bed last many years wise plant carefully selected diseasefree roots check supplier new varieties soil preparation asparagus grown variety soil types best results generally obtained welldrained sandy loam soils frost light freezes injure emerged spears therefore locate crop areas frostfree possible length time land occupied asparagus bed important soil high fertility good physical condition plants set lime fertilizing asparagus tolerate extreme acidity grown soil ph range 65 70 soil tested umass soil tissue testing lab follow recommendations given strongly acid soils limed according recommendations addition organic matter line 12 pounds 10-10-10 fertilizer broadcast per 100 square feet prior planting natural fertilizers natural fertilizers effective right choice made many types available planting asparagus plants crowns grown seed however home gardener usually find best grow asparagus oneyearold crown bought reputable grower never use two threeyearold crowns twoyearold crops may overcrowded nursery intertwined roots much subject injury dug sorted therefore use oneyearold plants crowns large well developed root systems large well developed buds asparagus planted perennial crops north east side garden shade vegetables lowgrowing fruits follow steps planting asparagus apply recommended amounts lime fertilizer asparagus bed rototill soil make 6inch deep vshaped furrow place crowns bottom furrow buds top roots spread 2 space crowns twelve inches apart within row allow four five feet rows one asparagus row planted allow least three feet asparagus closest vegetable crop cover crowns one two inches soil firm roots soon young shoots spears appear carefully add soil around plants furrow avoid covering asparagus foliage spears grow 10 12 inches high cultivate hoe beds order partially fill trench control weeds repeat procedure two three times trench finally filled furrow filled level end first growing season watering adequate soil moisture important first growing season water thoroughly week soil moistened 8 12 inches deep first growing season asparagus plants require frequent irrigation deep extensive root system watered long dry periods occur however annual maintenance first second year planting cut spears order allow plants become well established early spring second growing season remove old stalks overwintering weeds broadcast lime needed maintain proper soil ph spears appear apply 12 pounds 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet cultivate lightly soil july second growing season sidedress another 12 pounds 10-10-10 fertilizer per 20 linear feet row prevent burning roots applying three four inches away plants remove brush succeeding spring asparagus emerges broadcast lime needed time spread 25 pounds 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet rake fertilizer lime one two inches soil taking care avoid damage asparagus crowns weed control weeds shade asparagus compete water nutrients reduce yield cultivate control weeds weeds small order avoid damage crowns asparagus always mulched control weeds use organic materials leaves straw important control weeds right start prevent problems future pests principal insect pests cutworms asparagus beetles common disease include fusarium rootrot asparagus rot avoid fusarium rootrot planting diseasefree seeds crowns never plant beds previously grew asparagus problems problem asparagus tough pithy cause insufficient fertilizer poor soil preparation low ph spears getting old cutting 3 problem crooked spears cause injury buds immature shoots underground careless cutting cutworms problem plant vigor declines spear size decreases feeder roots reddish brown color cause fusarium rootrot problem tips soft whitish color cause frost light freeze injury harvesting asparagus must grown permanent bed two full growing seasons harvest begins necessary allow plants develop adequate storage root system produce spears first harvest season beyond harvesting damage brush first two growing seasons dwarfs plants reduce yields life bed good general rule length harvest season 2-4-6 week sequence harvest two weeks third year plants garden four weeks fourth year six weeks fifth following years first spears emerge spring merely snap spears tight heads 7 10 inches long leaving tough stub plant upper portion snaps green tender harvest spears come harvest season two three weeks beginning harvest 5 6 inches soil may carefully ridged row lowers temperature around crown increases spear size ridge raked level right last harvest best prepare use asparagus soon possible harvesting however asparagus maintain fairly good quality several days spears kept 1.67°C-4.44°C store spears place cut ends shallow pan water immediately put refrigerator umass extension agriculture landscape program 412 umass extension equal opportunity provider employer united states department agriculture cooperating contact local extension office information disability accommodations contact state extension directors office concerns related discrimination see

3352 n service dr red wing mn 55066 p e growing asparagus resource umn extension asparagus asparagus officinalis l one earliest producing vegetables spring dioecious meaning female male plants female plants produce berries generally female plants produce larger spears male plants produce greater number smaller diameter uniform spears newer hybrids jersey giant male plants producing seeds asparagus perennial plant comes back expanding root system every year needs rest period freezing winters provide bed asparagus last 15 years choose bed site carefully choose fertile sunny welldrained site good moisture late spring frosts kill emerged spears find area lowlying susceptible frost asparagus plants deep root systems avoid areas shallow soils soils prone watersaturation common varieties older washington series mary martha waltham newer hybrids jersey series giant knight prince openpollinated variety called viking kb3 although varieties done well minnesota jersey series suffer winter kill northern minnesota 30 f inadequate snow cover planting asparagus started seeds nursery bed transplanted final location second year use seed high germination rate plant seed soon soil workable level ground sandy soil one inch deep spaced two inches apart within rows next year dig crowns early april buds start grow transplant desired location direct seeding recommended would difficult establish good stand due slow seed germination competition weeds alternatively purchased crowns planted people plant asparagus purchased crowns easier get crop least one year earlier planting seeds buying crowns try purchase ones oneyear old older crowns damaged transplanting plant crown buds upward trench furrow 12-18 inches apart 6-8 inches deep cover crowns 2-3 inches soil immediately planting keep drying continue add soil shoots emerge eventually furrow filled end first growing season asparagus crowns continue enlarge vertically horizontally several years planting appropriate depth critical consequences planting shallowly could result premature spear emergence spring increasing risk freeze damage winter kill crown soil ph fertility grows best soils ph 65-70 tolerate extreme acid soils soil tested determine ph whether need amend best test soil least every 3 years follow test recommendations add wellrotted manure compost garden fertilizer second third years planting incorporate wellrotted manure compost fertilizer spring prior spear development soil warms addition manure compost add micronutrients organic matter soil see composting mulching planting established generally unnecessary add fertilizer harvest root system store large amounts nutrients watering adequate soil moisture necessary planting good root fern development although asparagus plants deep roots water uptake takes place top 6-12 inches soil asparagus plants show signs drought stress use extra care ensure adequate water growing season controlling weeds eliminate perennial weeds planting crowns annual weeds managed using shallow cultivation adding 3-4 inches mulch top beds till soil 3-4 inches deep avoid damaging feeder roots harvesting asparagus needs 3 years develop large root system spears may harvested two weeks season planted four weeks 2nd year full harvest ok 3rd year leave old asparagus ferns spring chopping mowing spears appear harvest 6-8 inches long snap spears soil surface cut spears danger damaging neighboring spears yet emerged allow spears remaining july 1 develop ferns common problems insects common insect pests asparagus minnesota common spotted asparagus beetle primarily damage asparagus feeding spears resulting browning scarring feeding also cause asparagus shoots bend shepherds crook diseases common diseases asparagus include asparagus crown rot asparagus rust purple spot asparagus rust causes yellow rusty orange spots form asparagus stems harvest release powdery orange spores easily seen white tissue rubbed across infected stem purple spot causes sunken purple spots asparagus spears tan spots purple border mature stems plants suffering crown rot poor growth leaves stems may yellow die back cut open infected crowns brown decayed rust purple spot appears garden remove destroy fronds first hard frost fall plant new asparagus plants far enough apart room good air circulation around mature plants