Test PB Collection: FTE

Tomato Growing TipsThe following information contains tips for growing tomatoes in Contra Costa County.TermsDeterminate —This type of tomato stops growing at a set height of about 3-5’ and will bear most fruit within a 4-6 week period. These early ripening types may be best for containers.Indeterminate —This…

Best Practices for Growing PeppersThe following information describes best practices for growing peppers.Soil and Cool TemperaturesPeppers do best in deep, rich soil with good drainage; prepare the soil by working in 2” of compost to a depth of 8-10”.The soil pH should be slightly acidic (6-6.5).The minimum…

Despite all the planning and preparation that goes into planting a garden, insects and diseases can still frustrate even the best gardeners. Here is a list of what you might see on and around your tomato plants.Early BlightEarly Blight is a common leaf spot caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. Dark brown…

Practical Tips for Thriving PlantsAll tomato varieties are really very similar in their physiology, and as such, there are no "drought-resistant" varieties, just some varieties that yield better results with low water application than others. This is why we have no category entitled “drought-tolerant…

Sustainable Gardening - Building Healthy SoilThe following information describes how to build healthy soil in a home garden.What is Healthy Soil?Healthy Soil is a living system that includes:Inorganic material—rock/mineral particles.Air (especially oxygen) and water.Organic material—living organisms: roots,…

IntroductionThe following information is for home gardeners who are interested in testing their soil and water. Contact the lab to confirm offered services, pricing, and preferred procedure for sample collection.Testing labs vary in the types of available tests and recommendations they provide. Be sure…

As we get ready for this year’s vegetable garden planting season, I begin thinking about summer heat. Pretty much every year in late July, my family slides into a tomato depression thinking that all those beautiful green tomatoes will never get ripe. It depresses me to even think about it. However, this year…

After the frightening "summer is here too early; no, wait, it's going to freeze tonight" weather we had in March, April was lovely with its perfect spring blend of warm days, cool nights, moderate humidity, and a spattering of rain and snow. I hope this continues right through May, with a gradual warming…