What can I use to keep worms out of my radishes, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, etc. ? We used to get a powder to put in row before putting in radish seed. Radishes are the thing I am mainly concerned with, but might plant cabbage and I will plant spinach.
It sounds like what you have is a root maggot problem. There are many species of root maggots so their color may vary from one to another. However, their taste for root crops, like radishes, cabbage, etc., is the same. Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/root-eating-insects-identifying-vegetable-root-maggots-and-root-maggot-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cabbage/control-cabbage-maggot.htm
I planted some radishes at the end of April. Just went out to harvest them and they were all full of root maggots. I've searched online and all information I've found says there's no way to get rid of them, and that they're common in the spring. Does that mean I can plant more seeds in the summer? Or will they still get infected? I use a SFG garden, so I'd like to be able to plant something there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
The best thing you can do is add a pesticide to the soil. This will kill the root maggots and prevent any further damage. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/root-eating-insects-identifying-vegetable-root-maggots-and-root-maggot-control.htm
Before replanting anything, I would recommend solarizing the soil to kill off any pests or disease that remain. This should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/how-to-solarize-garden-beds-to-eliminate-garden-pests-in-the-soil.htm
I am not sure if it's a fungus, or a small bug, but my radishes have light white spots on them. It is not chewed into the skin, almost looks like a water spot. What could it be? Is it safe to eat? Also, I do not use any chemicals in my garden.
Are the spots powdery in nature or bleached out looking? It could be attributed to either powdery mildew or from water spots associated with overhead watering or splashing of the leaves. Limiting overhead watering will help with this water spots. The powdery mildew can be treated with neem oil, which is an effective and safe fungicide. It will also guard against many insect pests. (and yes after thorough washing, it will be safe to eat) Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I fertilize and a local nursery told me to also add zinc. The roots of my radishes and my beets are mainly just roots, my brussel sprouts have done nothing, and my pole beans are growing but have not even blossoms yet. Help!
Root crops need somewhat cooler temps and loose soil to properly form a bulb. If you are noticing more top growth and little to no bulb formation, it is likely due to a fertilizing/nutrient issue. While a soil test would allow you to know for certain, it may be that you have too much nitrogen and too little phosphorus. Lots of nitrogen will result in plenty of leafy growth but if your soil is lacking phosphorus, there will be poor root growth. I would add some more phosphorus, like bone meal, to the soil and give it some more time. Also, make sure the plants are adequately mulched to keep the soil cooler.
As for the pole beans with no blossoms, a lack of phosphorus would be responsible for this as well.
What causes crooked neck radishes?
This normally indicates that the soil is too heavy. Adding organic material such as compost or rotted manure will help to make the soil lighter and easier for root vegetables to grow in.
What is an effective insecticide for root maggot, especially for radishes and rutabagas?
This article may help as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/root-maggots.htm
This link should answer your question: https://extension.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05556.html
Soil here not good, so we amend it with national brand bagged garden vegetable soils. So why do radishes and carrots grow huge foliage and no fruit? The bag says it's got fertilizer and perlite to hold moisture so good veggies will grow. It's been a disappointing gardening season for my grandson and me. Any help on next year's garden. We want to eat what we plant.
If you are getting lots of foliage and no or not much produce, there is probably too much nitrogen in the soil. Take a soil sample for testing. Your local agricultural extension office can tell you where and how. They can explain the results and offer advice and recommendations.
I would start composting. It may take 2-3 years to have enough compost to make a noticeable difference, but it's worth the wait and superior to store bought stuff. Perlite aids in aeration of the soil, not holding moisture. Your compost will help hold moisture. So will mulching with sections of newspaper. The newspaper keeps moisture in, weeds down, and will degrade into compost during the season. The store bought stuff might have a fertilizer that will either leach out in a few watering's or a time release. Either way, vegetables are heavy feeders. Have your soil tested, and follow recommendations of the results...and start composting!