Some universal truths to vegetable gardeningBy Joe Lamp'l
May 14, 2007 — Who would have thought that having a home vegetable garden would be considered so cool in the 21st century? But with all the talk about organics, E. coli, global warming, food miles (the distance that food travels from harvest to table) and nutrition, growing your own makes more sense than ever.
And now it's easier than ever, too. Specialized, nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive soils, automatic timers and irrigation systems along with more effective, eco-friendly solutions for pests and diseases are giving even the time-starved rookie gardener the tools needed for first-time success.
That said, there are still some universal truths to vegetable gardening that are as pertinent today as they were centuries ago.
Pick the right location.
Most vegetable plants do best in full sun. Find a location that gets at least six hours of it each day. In the same regard, place the tallest plants in your garden on the north or west side so they do not shade the smaller plants.
Even if your garden is only big enough for a few containers, try placing them on rollers, and move them around on the deck or patio as you chase the sun.
Soil is king.
If you're looking for shortcuts, this is not the place. In fact, spend more time working on your soil, and the plants will reward you for the effort. Good garden soil suitable for vegetables includes lots of compost and other organic matter. Whatever you're starting with, incorporate enough of the material so that the amended soil is neither sandy nor compacted.
When the mix is right, it will bind together when you squeeze it, but break apart when disturbed. This soil is full of living microorganisms that will help feed your plants. The water will be sufficiently retained and yet won't saturate the soil, either.
Water wisely.
For most vegetable plants, one inch of water per week is adequate. An efficient way to deliver proper irrigation is by using soaker hoses or drip irrigation lines. This water is delivered slowly and evenly, allowing roots time to absorb the moisture and soil to adequately hydrate. Automatic timers take the effort and worry out of this all-important step.
But however you water, try to do so at the soil level only. This will help to keep the foliage dry. Wet foliage for extended periods can promote diseases.
Use patience with pest control.
Although pests are usually a given at some point in a vegetable garden, nature can usually take care of the problem. If you practice the steps mentioned so far, you've taken the measures to promote the growth of healthy plants that are better able to stand up to potential pest invasions.
If you must resort to insecticides, apply them responsibly. That means only late in the day or evening, and then only when necessary. Never apply pesticides in the morning, when pollinators and other beneficial insects are most active. Otherwise, you'll likely kill them as well.
Don't fertilize too heavily.
Too much — especially those high in nitrogen (the first number on the fertilizer package) — can promote plenty of lush green growth at the expense of less fruit and a smaller harvest. Excessive fertilizer can also harm or even destroy the living soil food web below the surface.
Sure, there's more to vegetable gardening then a few simple steps. But I promise you: Put into practice what I've suggested and you will eliminate many pitfalls and get your garden off to the right start. Preparation is key, but the reward is a healthier, more productive garden with less maintenance. We could all use that!
(Joe Lamp'l, a master gardener, hosts DIY's Fresh from the Garden as well as a gardening radio show. For more information, visit www.joegardener.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)
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