Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Corn in Grow-Boxes

Q. My sweet corn is growing vigorously, but the wind and rain topple almost all of them, they are almost 12" high now. Since I planted them in the box using seeds, the roots may not be so deep as tomatoes, which are transplanted deeper. The corn topples at the root zone. Now I am using tomato trellis string to hold them up. Its not a good plant for the grow box I guess, or am i missing some planting tips here?

A. Corn roots by nature grow close to the surface. Because of the light soil medium in Grow-Boxes it is easier for the weather to knock corn down. However, It will usually stand up again by itself, unless the bad weather continues for some time. After the corn tassels it sometimes will not stand up after being knocked down. Tying string to support it is usually not necessary. Corn sends out adventitious (supplemental lateral), or prop roots, which help support it, and give it the strength to right itself.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

White Spots on my tomato plants

Are you using the Constant Feed solution of 16 ounces Weekly Feed thoroughly dissolved in 55 gallons of water? If so, then you shouldn't have a problem with salinity. However, if there is any doubt, water thoroughly 3 times with plain water to rinse the soil.

Another possibility is too much water, if your soil medium doesn't have sand in it, to help facilitate drainage. If this is the case, then you may need to cut back on watering.

What's the possibility of a disease? The symptoms don't sound like disease to me, but you might take a couple of plants to a specialist in your area.