Prevention Is Key
It’s All About the Soil
Great Soil starts with a solid base. If your garden soils are too wet or compacted, it can be hard for plants to thrive and survive in them – which means you’ll need more than just good drainage when planting! Sandy soils have their own issues with holding moisture and nutrients. I have heavy clay soil in most of my landscape beds, so I amend those beds with organic matter to break down the clay over time and bring in the earthworms to help me with my job. This helps drainage and helps unlock all of those wonderful pros to having clay soil and managing clay soil. I also top my beds with extremely fine triple shred mulch, which breaks down quickly to give back to the soil at least every other year, but most thin areas get covered with mulch annually.
Mulch Heavily
Mulch is a great way to create an environment that’s nurturing and supportive for plants and to keep the weeds down and make your garden look even more beautiful. It gives back to the earth, which in turn feeds the plants. No matter the soil type, a plant that is mulched will outperform a plant without mulch. Mulching isn’t only for your landscape. Try it in your garden beds as well. Your veggies will thank you.
A Clean Garden, Is a Happy Garden
My garden has weeds. Every garden has weeds! The key is controlling those weeds by preventively pulling them or having good mulching practices I mentioned above. Weeds can also introduce undesirable insects or pests into your garden, which may bring and spread disease. I am always on the lookout for any signs of disease in my garden because if there’s anything that can quickly get carried away, it is weeds!
Water, Water, Water
Not only does water help plants grow, but it can also be the cause of their downfall. If you don’t make sure to water your garden evenly and thoroughly enough so that all parts receive adequate amounts your garden may flounder. It’s not only about the amount of water, but how it is delivered. Watering plants overhead can cause and spread disease. Yes, it rains! That can’t be prevented, but if plants that are prone to disease are consistently watered overhead, they will likely become diseased faster. Fungus and bacteria love a wet environment and plants usually want dry foliage to thrive. The best way to keep your plants happy and healthy is by following these few guidelines. Use drip irrigation whenever possible, so that water doesn’t accumulate on the leaves of plants. If you must water overhead, make sure you water early for the plant to have time to dry. A wet plant overnight can accelerate and attract disease.
Prevention Is Key
The key to maintaining a healthy garden is constant observation. This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours and hours every day in your garden, although if you’re like me you probably want to. Most days I simply take a stroll through the entire garden before I come in from work. If you do this consistently you are likely to catch things before they become a serious problem. Things such as drooping plants may need a little more water, or torn or chewed leaves may indicate you have an insect that needs to be controlled. Catching those things early can sometimes be the difference between life or death or a plant.
