When can I divide garden phlox? 

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) can be divided in spring or late summer/early fall.  In spring, dig up the plants just as new growth begins to appear.  Divide each clump into sections with a sharp knife. Each division should contain at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system.  Replant the divisions immediately.  Keep the newly divided perennials well watered through spring and summer.  Late summer/early fall (mid-August through September) is also a suitable time to divide garden phlox.  Dig up the entire plant, divide the clump into sections, and replant immediately.  Plants divided in late summer/early fall should be mulched in late fall.  A four- to six-inch layer of straw, pine needles or similar material should prevent repeated freezing and thawing of the soil that could heave late summer/early fall planted divisions out of the ground and cause severe damage.  Remove the mulch in early spring. 

Why are some of my potato tubers green? 

Potato tubers are actually enlarged underground stems.  When potato tubers are exposed to light (either in the garden or storage), their skin turns green due to the formation of chlorophyll.  The chlorophyll itself is not a problem.  However, higher levels of glycoalkaloids also develop in the green tissue.  Green tubers have a bitter taste when eaten.  They may also cause an upset stomach and more serious health problems. 

Tubers with small green areas can be safely eaten if the green portions are cut off and discarded.  It would be best to discard potatoes that are largely green. 

When growing potatoes in the garden, hill soil around the base of the potato plants to prevent the tubers from being exposed to light.  After harvesting, store potatoes in a dark location. 

How do I know when it’s time to pick apples?

A taste test is the best way to determine when to harvest apples.  Mature apples are firm, crisp, juicy, well-colored, and have developed the characteristic flavor of the variety.  Color alone is not a reliable indicator of maturity.  Red Delicious apples, for example, often turn red before the fruit are mature.  Fruit harvested too early are astringent, sour, starchy and poorly flavored.  Apples harvested too late are soft and mushy.

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