Fertilizer and Lime
Vegetable gardens will not reach their potential unless the soil is properly limed and fertilized. Liming decreases soil acidity, increases fertilizer availability and reduces certain physiological problems such as blossom-end-rot of tomatoes, peppers and watermelons. A soil test is the only reliable method of determining the optimum amount of lime and fertilizer to apply. Instructions for taking soil samples and soil sample boxes are available at your county Extension office. The samples are...
Advanced Gardening Techniques
Gardens will produce more in less area and quality will be higher if certain vegetables are grown vertically rather than horizontally. Vegetables grown vertically have an extended harvest season and are easier to spray, tend Figure 14. Caging tomatoes reduces labor for supporting the plants and increases yield. Be sure to fasten cages to stakes driven into the ground. Figure 14. Caging tomatoes reduces labor for supporting the plants and increases yield. Be sure to fasten cages to stakes driven...
Reduced Spacing
Several systems are designed to increase the number of vegetable plants grown and the produce harvested during a single season in a given area. These systems increase yields without increasing the area to be fertilized, irrigated or weeded. Some of them also increase the length of the harvest season. We have discussed succession planting previously, and now will look at intercropping, double cropping, multiple rows and planting in raised beds. Intercropping is growing more than one crop in a...
Insect and Disease Control
Garden vegetables are susceptible to many insect and disease problems. Unless these problems are effectively controlled, they greatly reduce vegetable quantity and quality. Begin control of garden insects and diseases by following good cultural and sanitation practices. Rake and burn or bury insect-infested or diseased plant residues after harvest so these problems will not overwinter in the garden. Turning plant residues under in the fall allows them ample time to decay before spring. Avoid...
