Q&A Seasonal issues: Growing a herb garden inside is tough

Excerpts from a recent washingtonpost.com chat with gardening columnist Adrian Higgins:

Q. My husband uses fertilizer and weedkiller on our lawn, and I'm not comfortable growing produce anywhere near to where these chemicals are used. Any suggestions for a successful indoor herb garden?

A. There are organic fertilizers and herbicides, and the option of hand-digging dandelions and things. Growing indoors is possible if you have enough light and humidity. I would consider asking your husband to reduce his chemical use, place an outdoor herb garden in a separate area, or in pots. Herbs love to grow in pots. Don't let him spray on a windy day.

Q. I put in my first vegetable garden this year. Had great production of cucumbers and zucchini, until some kind of blight hit. What do I need to do before I plant next spring's garden?

A. It sounds like bacterial wilt, which tends to get all cucumber vines sooner or later. I would make sure you are growing them upright on a trellis so that you can grow more plants. The more vines you have, the easier it is to say goodbye to an afflicted one.

Q. Despite my best efforts and weekend weeding extravaganzas, I simply cannot stay ahead of the weeds and grass coming up into my beds! Can you offer some advice?

A. Weeds are the test of the true gardener. The key is to be there regularly and to remove weeds when they first sprout and definitely before they flower.

There are two stages of weeding, the first being the initial annihilation of the weeds. Some people spray, some lay plastic for solarization. I have always simply dug them with a garden fork. A site that hasn't been gardened for years will be full of weed seeds, and every time you disturb the soil, new weeds will sprout. You must stay on top of them. Rains will boost the weed production and work of the gardener.

The second phase is maintenance, in which you regularly cultivate the soil and prevent weeds from growing or germinating. A light mulch will do wonders. For grass in perennials, you will have to lift the whole perennial and separate the grass from the clump. This is much easier and effective than trying to do it in situ.

Q. Getting lots of delicious tomatoes this year, but why do they all seem to split?

A. They split because the plant is getting too much moisture at the ripening phase. Pick the fruit a little sooner and don't water unless it's dry.

Q. Can you create a vegetable garden if you have a primarily shaded lot?

A. Alas, not. You will be so disappointed with the results, especially after so much effort. You really need at least six hours of direct afternoon sunlight for the vast majority of vegetables to perform well.

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