Vegetables

Q. I am growing ornamental gourds for the first time and would like to know when to harvest them.

Q. I am growing acorn and butternut squash for the first time this year. When do I harvest them, and how do I store them after harvest?

Q. Please explain the difference between a "determinate" and an "indeterminate" variety of tomato.

Q. Are there any vegetables I can plant in September that can be harvested in fall?

Q:  How do I start tomato seedlings indoors?

A:  To grow your own tomatoes for transplanting outdoors, sow the seeds indoors four to six weeks before the usual last frost (around May 15 in the Chicago area).

Use a sterile seed starting mix and any containers that will hold soil, provide drainage, and accommodate growing roots. Moisten the soil, place two seeds in the pot, and cover lightly with more soil mix. Cover the pots with clear plastic to keep the soil evenly moist and place the plants in a warm location until germination occurs.

Q:  How do I prevent my tomatoes from cracking?

A:  The main cause of skin cracking is fluctuation of soil moisture, especially as tomatoes ripen. If soil becomes dry, and plants then receive heavy rainfall or amounts of irrigation, the plants will take up water quickly and put on a growth spurt. This type of fast growth causes the skin to crack. Tomato cracks can be avoided by applying a few inches of organic mulch around the plants to prevent the soil from becoming overly dry. The best time to water tomatoes is in the early morning. 

Q:  When is the best time of year to plant garlic? Can I plant whole heads purchased at the grocery store?

A:  Garlic should be planted in early to late September in the Chicago region. Purchasing bulbs from the grocer that are not sold specifically for planting is not recommended as those varieties are not reliably winter hardy in our region. Garlic heads should be divided into the individual cloves for planting. Use the larger, outer cloves for best results.