Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. This issue features two Spotlight articles: the Weed Spotlight on Deadnettle and the Insect Spotlight on the Two-Spotted Lady Beetle. It also includes a featured article that discusses soil fertility management in high tunnels, ethylene damage…Read more about From The Editor’s Desk[Read More]
The Two-spotted lady beetle, Adalia bipunctata, is a common insect predator, meaning it feeds on other, smaller bugs. Native to North America and Europe, the Two-spotted lady beetle is distinguished from other lady beetles by its oblong shape and two large black spots on either of its back, as well as its large white spots…Read more about Insect Spotlight: Two-Spotted Lady Beetle[Read More]
Common Names Purple deadnettle, red deadnettle. Latin name Lamium purpureum. “Lamium” is derived from the Latin for “throat,” referencing the flower tube’s elongated shape. “purpureum”, also derived from the Latin, means “purple”. Family Lamiaceae – “the mint family”. Life cycle In Indiana, purple deadnettle is a winter annual. Plants emerge as small seedlings in the…Read more about Weed Spotlight: Purple Deadnettle[Read More]
Are you looking to enhance your knowledge of soil fertility management in high tunnel farming? Look no further! Let’s explore the crucial aspects of High Tunnel Soil Fertility Management that can help you grow abundant and healthy crops. Spring has arrived, and with it comes the excitement of planting cool and warm-season crops. If you…Read more about High Tunnel Soil Fertility Management: What You Need to Know[Read More]
The Clearspring Produce Auction is located just 2 miles south of US 20 in Clearspring Township in the Heart of the LaGrange-Elkhart Amish Settlement. It is within easy driving distance of the towns of Shipshewana, Topeka, Emma, and LaGrange. Produce is sold 3 days a week throughout most of the growing season (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday),…Read more about Clearspring Produce Auction Price Update[Read More]
An old saying predicts that March will go out “like a lamb”. Another saying predicts April’s wetness with “April showers bring May flowers”. A lot seems to have happened across Indiana since April began, but March finished the month with below-normal rainfall (except for the northern counties) and above-normal temperatures. Does this describe conditions that…Read more about As the Saying Go…[Read More]
NCR-SARE Welcomes Liz Brownlee This article was published by SARE in their news release dated March 21, 2024. NCR-SARE is pleased to announce Liz Brownlee’s appointment as the new Coordinator for the Farmer Rancher Grant Program. Brownlee, who was born and raised in Indiana, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role. Brownlee…Read more about Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) News[Read More]
Almost every year, I have a greenhouse tomato grower or two call me about tomato plants that are distorted and don’t seem to be growing right. The problem often turns out to be ethylene damage. This year, I have already received my first case of heater problem. Please read the article below to avoid or…Read more about Ethylene Damage on Tomato Plants[Read More]
Now is a good time to discuss resources that might be used to help solve vegetable disease problems. This article will discuss online resources that may be useful for vegetable disease management. Let’s start with my favorite resource: the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory. While it isn’t necessary to send in a sample to the…Read more about Resources for Vegetable Disease Management[Read More]
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