Knowledgebase

Please identify #880449

Asked August 06, 2024, 5:22 PM EDT

1. Is this tomato naturally black? If not, how can I correct this? 2. Please identify. Is this edible or toxic? 3. Please identify. Is this edible or toxic? 4 I have HARD, clay soil; my plants have difficulty growing. What do you suggest?

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

There are multiple tomato cultivars with purple-black skin, such as cultivars with 'Indigo' in the name. The one I am trying this year turns completely very dark, almost black, but is deep purple inside.
Your second photo looks like a type of common bean such as green, bush, pole, etc., and your third photo appears to be a squash- no way to tell which one.
Did you plant the seeds? 
Better soil and growing conditions will definitely help you get some good vegetables next year.
You can start here: 
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-start-vegetable-garden/
Most vegetables, other than leafy greens and lettuces, including those in your photos, need full sun and good, loose soil to thrive.
Adding good amounts of organic materials like finished compost, Leaf-Gro, aged manure and mixing them  into the soil will help.
A soil test is recommended. Here is how to get that done, including a list of regional labs that can complete the analysis for you. Choose a lab that includes lead testing as part of the basic test: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs/
It appears you may be in an urban setting. If so, take a look at this resource which helps with small gardens and has some pages connected with Prince George's County and links to how best grow vegetables well in containers: 
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/healthy-garden-healthy-you-toolkit/

Here is our vegetable growing information: 
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/vegetables-home-garden/
where you can see planting date calendars and planting and care pages for each type of crop, for instance, here is the one on Tomatoes: 
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-tomatoes-home-garden/

We are here all year round to help with your questions.


Christine








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