Gardening Q&A

September 8, 2019 - As a California Bountiful reader, you have the opportunity to get your seasonal gardening questions answered by gardening expert Pat Rubin. Here are a few questions from our readers.

When do I pick winter squash?

The vine will give you clues: It will start to die back. But as long as the squash are nice and hard (thump on them with your knuckles), you'll be fine picking them sooner. Stored properly—out of sunlight and in a cool, dry place—they'll keep through the winter.

The package label says to fertilize my citrus each month. Do I fertilize the trees all winter?

During the plant's growing season, you fertilize each month, but during fall and winter, cut it back to once every two months and also cut back on the strength of the fertilizer. I use a very dilute mixture during the dormant months.

I meant to grow arugula this summer, but forgot to plant the seeds. I just found the packet. Will it keep until spring?

Go ahead and toss some of the seed into the garden now, and you'll have fresh arugula by Thanksgiving. Save the rest until spring—it will be fine. 
Reprinted with permission: California Farm Bureau Federation