Although it seems like no one really knows what is going on right now or how long this situation is going to last, one thing that I am sure of is that there is no time like the present to start your own vegetable garden!
Whether you’ve been growing vegetables for 30+ years or this will be you first year, here is a list of resources that should help you along the way.
Vegetable Gardening Resources – Getting Started!
- Beginning a Vegetable Garden This resource takes you through choosing a location for you garden to dealing garden pests.
- Vegetable Growing Guides From artichoke to zucchini, find information about site characteristics and plant traits as well as growing information and special considerations.
- Vegetable Planting Guide This resource includes a chart that shows when you should seed things inside, when you should seed things outside and when it is time to transplant. (Note: Although written for Rockland County, it works Orange County as well.)
- Average Last Frost Date Although the last frost date is important, keep in mind that even after the last frost, cool temperatures will stress warm season crops like peppers and tomatoes. These crops like nighttime temperatures consistently above 45°F and soil temperatures at about 70°F.
- Soil Amendments and Fertilizers This guide includes fertilizer guidelines by plant group as well as information about pH adjusters, growth stimulants and potting mixes
Soil Samples
Before starting a garden, it is always a good idea to get a soil test. As our office is closed, we are no longer accepting soil samples at this time. Fortunately, if you need your soil tested, you can mail it directly to the soil testing lab, Dairy One.
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- A Guide to Homeowners Soil Testing Learn how to collect a soil sample and what you can expect from your results.
- How to Prepare a Soil Sample for Shipment – Dairy One
- Soil Submission Form – Dairy One
- We recommend either a PrePlant Test or a Maintenance Test.
- If you need help filling out this form, please give us a call.
Once you have your results, we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Vegetable Garden Problems
- Vegetable Pests
From cucumber beetles and aphids to spider mites and slugs, this guide will help you identify your pest and give you tips on how to manage it. - Vegetable Diseases Choose your vegetable and then look through Fact Sheets and Information Bulletins to help identify the disease and learn the best way to manage it.
- Vegetable Cultural and Environmental Problems Sometimes you might think your plant has a disease when in fact the problem is not caused by a pathogen but environmental conditions or a cultural practice. This resource will help you diagnose your problem and teach you what you can do about it.
Garden Helpline!
If you need help identifying the cause of a problem or figuring out a management strategy give us a call. Our Garden Helpline phones are staffed April – November, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. But you can always leave us a message or send us an e-mail.
Call (845) 343-0664 or e-mail your questions to mghelpline@cornell.edu.
So in the time of uncertainty, I encourage you to grow some food.
Stay home! Stay safe! Be well! Happy Gardening!