Secrets To Growing A Healthy Garden!

Hey Everyone,

Growing that healthy vegetable garden really doesn't take the green thumb that so many feel they need. 
It only takes a little knowledge of a few basic concepts.  The equation is simple.  

                         Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants = Bountiful Harvest of Nutrient Rich Food.

Determine what your vegetable plants need:  

Every type of vegetable plant family has specific needs or preferences in order for them to be healthy and productive.  Some vegetables can be a little more finicky than others can.  However, if you provide the basics below they tend to be less sensitive to their specific needs and perform well under most conditions.

• The correct soil fertility and pH - Most vegetables prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.  Make sure to amend properly with the correct amount of organic matter and perform a soil test to correct any imbalances in soil pH.  As a rule of thumb, gardeners need to add at least a 3-inch layer of compost/organic matter unless you will be heavily dependent on fertilizers.  If you garden bio-intensively or use other methods to maximize your harvest, then you will need a little more to replenish the depleted nutrients in your soil. 
• Healthy microbial soil life - Healthy soil isn't just dirt.  It is a complete active ecosystem full of life with a well-balanced system of bacteria, organisms, and fungi that all interact with the roots of your plants.  Getting it right often fends off many of the diseases and pests that plague vegetable gardens.  As your soil builds, worms will come to the surface as if they were dolphins grazing on organic matter taking it deeper into the soil where it will be readily turned into nutrition for your plants.  If you do not see signs of life in your soil, this can be a red flag that conditions are not conducive for healthy plant growth. 
• Sunlight and moisture - Intense sunlight maximizes the photosynthesis in plants.  In tomatoes, this process allows the plants to make carbohydrates that later turn into the sugars and acids for that rich old-time flavor we so desire.  Both plant labels and seed packets have the light conditions required for optimal growth and production.  For healthy plants, it is also imperative to keep your water schedule consistent.   Disease is far more likely to occur in plants that are water stressed.  Raised beds do dry out much quicker than conventional in-ground gardens and need watered more often.  
• Ideal temperatures - One of the top ten mistakes gardeners make is planting out at the wrong time.  When plants are placed in soils that haven't warmed properly they will most often sit idle waiting for the signal that it's time to grow.  During this idle phase they are more susceptible to insects and harmful soil pathogens that cause disease.

Happy Gardening,

Denise, Beds 25 & 29