Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
When planning your garden layout, make sure you calculate how
many plants you will need. Most gardeners purchase too many and
then think they have to squeeze all the plants into their garden.
Plants need a certain amount of space to grow well, so be careful not
to overcrowd them. Vegetable plants will grow better with good air
circulation, which will help prevent mold or fungus on the leaves or
fruit. Keeping fruit off the ground will also keep the plant and fruit
healthier; if the fruit is touching the wet soil, it will often rot before it
is harvested.
Correct watering is another important aspect to keeping your
plants healthy. Most vegetable plants need at least one inch of water
each week, although this will vary depending on the specific plant
and your climate, rainfall, and soil conditions. Plants that get either
too much or too little water will be more likely to attract pests and
diseases.
Regularly fertilizing your vegetable plants will help keep them
healthier as well. Record how much and when you fertilize them so
you don't give them too much or too little.
Use Natural Controls
Okay, you have kept your garden clean, your tools clean, and you
have tried to keep your plants healthier, but you still have some pest
and disease problems. Do not fret-a few problems don't mean you
have to throw it all in and quit. There are some easy ways to control
any problems you may have. It is important to observe your garden
on a regular basis so you can catch any potential problems early on;
problems are much easier to handle if not too many plants are infec-
ted.
Larger pests or animals can cause a lot of damage in vegetable
gardens. Deer, elk, raccoons, squirrels, opossum, skunks, gophers,
