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| Q. How can I tell when
the citrus I'm growing is ripe? |
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A. Color is not a good indication of ripeness.
Most of the citrus we buy is colored after itís harvested.
So, don't wait until your lemons or limes turn color. When the fruits
reach full size, the best way to test is simply to taste one. The
same is true of Satsuma oranges, but you can start tasting when
they begin to turn orange.
Some varieties ripen in October and some in early November. Most
limes and lemons continue to produce off and on, while the oranges
tend to be more fall bearing.
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<<view past Questions of the Week |
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 Marjoram
& Oregano
Need a plant that likes to spill over the side of a container,
hug the ground in sunny areas, and spices up recipes? Oregano
and marjoram are two that can fill all those shoes. They make
great ornamental groundcovers and do very well in sunny areas
that may tend to dry out a bit periodically. The leaves are
a staple in seasoning tomato-based sauces as well as for seasoning
soups, seafood and grilled meats. These herbs have been jointly
named the 2005 Herb of the Year. So get a head start and plant
some oregano and marjoram now. It's much easier to establish
perennial herbs in cooler weathers.
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<<view past Plants
of the Week
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- It's time to control perennial weeds. The
primary reason for lawn weeds is that the turf is just too thin.
Itís a little late now to thicken it up, but plan for next
year to manage it well to avoid weeds.
- In the meantime, if you want to use a pre-emergent like corn
gluten or other product, it needs to go down the second to third
week of September. As the weather cools, and if we have rain,
the seeds start to germinate under the turf. If you wait too late,
the seeds will already be up, even if you canít see them.
- Prep the beds for cool season flowers, adding compost and a
slow-release fertilizer.
- Plant crops like broccoli, carrots and beets. Start spinach
and lettuce in flats in a shady spot. And then of course: the
peas. We're in that narrow window when our garden peas need to
be planted. Too early and its too hot, too late, and frost will
arrive before you get a good crop. For planting times and varieties
in your area, contact your Extension Office
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<< more Planting Tips |
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