Improving Your Vegetable Garden

Q: I’m going to attempt a vegetable garden one more time next spring. Every year, the results of my efforts aren’t very great. The root crops don’t get very big. The tomatoes get some disease and the squash always get mildew. Is this from bad soil or a bad gardener? What are some things I can do to improve our garden? If it doesn’t work out next year, I’m giving up.

A: Oh no, don’t give up! I think if you boost your efforts just a little, you’ll have a much better crop next year. Here are a few things that I think are essential for a great vegetable garden:

1) Site the garden where there is at least six hours of FULL sun. Dappled shade or shade is not good.

2) Loosen (cultivate) the soil 6-10 inches deep every year. (Research and consider double-digging also)

3) Only mix in compost to keep the soil friable and well-drained; sometimes only every 2-3 years.

4) Add sheep or alpaca manure EVERY year. Mix in 1-2” of this material.

5) Add organic phosphate every year even if your soil test says that phosphate is adequate.

6) Topdress with an organic fertilizer about once a month June-August.

7) Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Drip irrigation makes this easier. Excessive drying leads to poor crops.

8) Keep weeds out of the garden by pulling or cultivation.

9) Apply mulch no sooner than mid-June to conserve moisture. Use non-treated grass clippings or compost (composted leaves, straw or other yard waste). Avoid raw materials like wood, bark or whole leaves. Composted mulch materials can be mixed into the soil after fall cleanup or next spring.

10) Use natural probiotic sprays like the beneficial bacteria Bacillus subtilis or Streptomyces lydicus. These can be very useful in preventing various blights on tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, etc. Start applying the probiotics at planting time and repeat bi-weekly to maximize the results. These products are also very useful in preventing turfgrass diseases.

11) The natural fungus extract Spinosad is very good for controlling insect and mite infections and is safe for both you, your pets and the vegetable plants. Like any pesticide, apply in the evening after the honey bees have retired.

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Written by Kelly Grummons, co-owner of the mail order nursery businesses, coldhardycactus.com and dogtuffgrass.com.