S5E16 Tomato growing Tips, Canning Prep Guest Stan DeFreitas - The Gardening with Joey and Holly Radio Show

The gardening with Joey and Holly Radio Show heard weekly March - Oct
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Is segment one Joey and Holly Talk about how you can keep your tomatoes healthy all season long.

Epsom salt doesn’t stop blossom end rot—it leads to more of it

Blossom-end rot is caused by insufficient calcium in the tissue of the tomato. Calcium is taken up into the plant through the roots, however, it settles in one part of the plant. This means that the rot can occur even when there is an ample supply of calcium in the soil, stems or leaves. Actively growing parts of the plant such as developing tomatoes must have a continuous supply of calcium to prevent these spots from developing.
The conditions that cause blossom-end rot are closely linked to inconsistent soil moisture throughout the growing season. Since calcium is only moved into the plant with an ample moisture supply, when drought occurs the fruit continues to develop but will be affected by a calcium deficiency.
Rapid early growth of the plants can cause the rot because the calcium is needed by the tomatoes when they are actively growing and the plants may not be able to take up sufficient calcium quickly enough through the roots.
Although it is difficult to wait for those first ripe tomatoes from the home garden, it is important not to force the plants to grow too quickly to avoid this rot.
Root damage can also lead to decreased moisture intake. Cultivating too close to plants or burning them with fertilizer can reduce nutrient and water uptake through the roots. Waterlogged soils also interfere with the root’s ability to take up nutrients.
Garden soils may also have low levels of calcium. This can be determined by soil testing and can be corrected by adding lime as recommended on the soil test report (order a soil test kit). Do not add lime without having your soil tested first.

Whole grain corn meal
Dr jimz fertilizer
Trim lower leaves of plant
Keep mulch plentiful
Look for problems

In segment two Joey and Holly get you ready for canning season with what you need.
Canning prep
Whats up with the canning lids?
Review recipes - what can you pick up now that will save you time?
Lemon juice, sugar, vinegar, pomona pectin, jars, tools, clear jel
Consider trying something new
Look for all tools, make sure they are working well

In segment three Joey and Holly welcome there guest "Mr. Greenthumb”, Stan DeFreitas is an urban horticulturist, columnist, author with over 40 years of gardening experience He is also host with alson with his son James The Ask ask Mr. Greenthumb and Real Estate Show on AM 860 the answer out of Tampa, FL. https://www.askmrgreenthumb.com/

1. How would one know when to prune a tree? And when is it best to call in a professional?
2. Best way to protect your plants in the heat of the summer?
3. How can people find out more about you?

In segment four Joey and Holly answer garden questions
1. Once I remove the scapes from my garlic do I have to dig it up once the lower sets of leaves dry up or can I harvest it as I need it?
2. Q: Can I use the needles from Arborvitae trees as mulch for a vegetable garden? I have 10 Arborvitaes that shed plenty of needles. Thanks.
A: Thank you for watching the video. yes you can use those needles
3. Can Pine needles be a substitute for coconut husk in potting mix?? Please let me know. I live in area full of pines.
A: Pine needles can not be a substitute for coconut husk/core as pin needle do not have any absorbent factors. Coco core helps hold water and release it when the soil needs it.
4. Q: mine beets are all clustered together… can I dig them out while growing and space them out?
A: No by digging them up you will damage the roots of the plant that you digging up and the one that is staying and most likely both will die

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