Question #1: Our vegetable garden will be two years old this spring. We did have a decent harvest last season but I would like to plan our garden more carefully so that I can harvest even more vegetables. I have heard the term succession planting and was wondering what it meant. Can you give me some tips for getting the most out of our garden?
Answer #1: The term succession planting has more than one meaning. It is used to describe replacing a crop soon after it matures. This practice can help you possibly plant in three growing seasons. For example, cool season crops like spinach, broccoli, lettuce and peas are followed by warm season crops like beans, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants. Depending on the weather, they can then be followed by more cool season plants in late summer-early fall. A floating row cover can also be used to protect plants from frost in the early spring and fall, extending the season even farther. Succession planting can also refer to planting the same crop at 10-14 day intervals providing continuous production over the summer. This is sometimes called relay planting. One example is bush beans which can be planted from about mid-May until early August. Go to our vegetable website, www.growit.umd.edu to find information on vegetable planting dates and floating row cover. Look under ‘get resources’ than ‘publications’.
Question #2: The English ivy I planted many years ago is now growing up the trunks and into the canopy of some of my trees. Should I be concerned about this and will the ivy harm my trees?
Answer #2: Allowing English ivy to grow up the trunks and into the canopies of trees is not recommended. The ivy shades out the foliage of the tree blocking photosynthesis and with time weakens the tree. Also, the extra weight of the vines can potentially bring down some of the branches. Removing ivy is a process that takes time. Begin by cutting it off at the base. The vines growing up the trunk will eventually die as they obtain water and nutrients from the root system and not from the tree. To kill the roots, use a concentrated systemic herbicide and follow the label directions for stump killing. These products are labeled to kill woody vines like poison ivy. Continue to cut back any ivy that grows back. Ivy growing as a groundcover can be sheared with a lawn mower then covered with cardboard and mulch to prevent it from coming back. Due to its invasive nature it is not recommended to plant English ivy.
Question #3: Please help! I am finding more spiders in my basement than usual. It is not that I dislike spiders I just do not want them indoors. What can I do to keep them out of my house?
Answer #3: To help rid your home of spiders begin by looking outdoors. Reduce heavy vegetation, eliminate clutter and leaf litter around the foundation. Knock down any cobwebs you encounter on porches or near doors. Install yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights outside to reduce the amount of insects that spiders prey upon. Maintain tight fitting screens and windows to keep them from coming indoors. Eliminate cracks and entry points by caulking or using a spray foam sealant. Vacuuming and dusting will also help reduce the infestation.
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