Vegetable Garden Care
Although there is a lot of similarity caring for a vegetable garden and a flower garden, our produce typically requires just a little more attention.
We spend a lot of time cultivating and growing a garden of any type, but if we neglect our perennials a bit, oh well, they will recover if not this season then next season. But if we neglect to keep up with the care of our fruits and vegetables we may lose productivity or fail to produce at all. We all seem to be pretty attentive early in the season but may tend to ignore the vegetables once they get growing, then start paying attention again at harvest time. If we keep up with a few simple things through the season the garden will be much more productive.
GENERAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR EDIBLE GARDENS
Planting - be sure to plant seeds, seedlings and bedding plants at the right time. Certain plants are referred to as cool season and warm season for a reason. Some seeds germinate very quickly, others take a long time. Be sure you know when to plant everything. Most late summer and fall harvest vegetables should not be planted until the soil is good and warm.
Compost - Dig in compost two or three weeks before planting so it has some time to break down and stabilize. Better yet, just spread your compost in fall, then cover with your winter mulch. It will integrate into the soil from rain, snow and soil organisms by spring.
Fertilizer - hopefully you have dug in plenty of compost to start your season, but many of our vegetables and fruits may need additional nutrients to produce well. Be sure to research the specific needs of what you are growing and apply the right fertilizer at the right time. A standard vegetable formula organic granular for everything can make the maintenance simpler and really will do just fine. Although I do like fast acting fish emulsion for my greens.
Watering - keeping your soil moist is important for even growth of produce. Monitor rain and dry spells so you can supplement water as needed. Ideally, snake a soaker hose through your gardens and leave it there so you can turn it on as needed. Consistent water is especially important when the plants are young and again when the produce is forming. Too much water though is worse than not enough.
Mulch - mulching is important to help retain soil moisture, maintain even soil temperature, and reduce weeds. It will also keep your produce clean from soil splash. Wait until the soil is good and warm, then use an organic mulch like straw or bark. Note that hay bales and seeding straw will be full of seeds, get a clean straw.
Weeding - every week or so pull a hoe between the rows to prevent weeds from taking root. Those roots will rapidly draw moisture and nutrients from the soil that your vegetables need.
Insects and Disease - inspect plants weekly for insect and disease damage. Remove dead, diseased or damaged limbs, plants for fruits quickly. Produce plants can be decimated quickly, so identify and resolve issues as soon as you can.
SPECIFIC PRODUCE NEEDS
Certain vining crops need additional fertilizer when they start to run. Cucumbers, pumpkins and squash will want a granular fertilizer sprinkled around them. But peas and beans won’t need it.
Crops that need support should have their support structure installed when you plant. The vines can run away from you quickly so it is important to have the support in place.
Fertilize root crops when you thin them.
Greens are heavy feeders and will need some fertilizer every 3 or 4 weeks.
Thin root crops about 3 or 4 weeks after they come up.
Don’t worry about harvesting brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots or kale if frost is predicted. They are actually better after a light frost.
Take the time to learn how to specifically grow and care for the produce you select. And finally, harvest your vegetables and fruit when young and tender for the very best flavor and tenderness! Do not allow to become over ripe or fall and rot, attracting pests.