Mistakes

Each year there are always a few disappointed gardeners -- either bugs or some disease got the better of them. Whether you've been a gardener for two days or twenty years, setbacks are inevitable. Some mistakes, however, are easily avoided! Read below and find out which ones you might be making. By correcting these errors, you could make this year's harvest your best yet!

MISTAKE: PLANTING TOO EARLY

In our cold climate, avoid premature planting of tender crops such as cucumber, squash, eggplant, and pepper. These plants should stay indoors or under cover until night temperatures are consistently around 55°F. Tomatoes are more forgiving and can be transplanted safely once nights exceed 50°F. If you want to give warmth-loving plants a head start, plant them under a row cover, cloche, milk jug, or other type of protection. If you started your seedlings indoors under lights, then don't forget to harden them off (gradually expose them to sunlight and outdoor conditions) before putting them in the ground. 

For anyone looking to dive deeper into specific crops, Cornell University maintains an excellent set of vegetable growing guides that cover planting dates, spacing, pest management, and common diseases for dozens of vegetables. These are some of the best evidence-based gardening references available!

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene0391.html

MISTAKE: CROWDING PLANTS TOGETHER

Some salad crops (e.g. spinach, loose-leaf lettuce, arugula, and kale) don't mind being crowded, especially if harvested young. However, many vegetables suffer when packed together due to root competition, shading, and excess humidity. For example, tomatoes require good air circulation and become vulnerable to fungal diseases such as blight and septoria if planted too closely, so try to space them at least 2 feet apart.

Other vegetables that need breathing room include broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, sweet corn, potatoes, and peppers. Read the seed packet -- if it says plant 12-14" apart, then do so. Remember that thinning crowded seedlings early almost always improves final harvest quality.

MISTAKE: POOR WATERING TECHNIQUE

Improper watering is one of the most common causes of poor garden performance. Most mature plants prefer a wet/dry cycle rather than constantly damp conditions. Give deep, infrequent waterings rather than a light daily sprinkle. Shallow watering encourages shallow root systems, making plants more vulnerable to drought and heat stress. Of course, seedlings and new transplants will require more frequent watering until established.

Timing and method also matter. When possible, water at ground level rather than overhead, and water in the morning rather than the evening. Both practices reduce leaf moisture, which is one of the main drivers of fungal disease.

MISTAKE: FORGETTING CROP ROTATION

If you have been fortunate enough to attend one of Viki’s wonderful garden presentations, then you will know how important it is to rotate your crops. Crop rotation reduces nutrient depletion, pest pressure, and carryover of soil-borne pathogens. Avoid planting vegetables where members of the same family were grown the previous year. It is best to use the true taxonomic family (Solanaceae for tomato/pepper/eggplant, Cucurbitaceae for squash/cucumber/melon, etc.). But if that's too complicated, use the simplified "four family" system: 

1) Legumes e.g. peas, beans 

2) Roots e.g. carrots, radishes 

3) Fruits e.g. tomatoes, squash 

4) Leaves e.g. lettuce, greens, herbs 

MISTAKE: LETTING WEEDS TAKE OVER

It is really important to keep the weeds down in the garden. Not only do they compete with your crops for moisture and nutrients, but weeds also host pests and spread their seeds into other people's plots. Please weed your plots and the communal walkways around them. 

It’s also important to pick up any fallen tomatoes and other produce before they start to decompose, as they can harbor pathogens. If you can't keep up with your harvests, please consider putting your excess veggies in the donation bin. We have had a number of comments from passers by about how much wasted produce we seem to have rotting on the ground!

MISTAKE: NEGLECTING INSECTS AND PESTS

Inspect your crops at least once a week, making sure to check the undersides of leaves, where insects love to shelter themselves. Act swiftly before a population can get a foothold. Keep in mind that most pests are crop specific, so even if you don't see any damage on your tomatoes, your squash may be under attack just a few feet away. 

Many pests can be managed simply with vigilance and hand removal (disposing of bugs in a jar of soapy water). Others may require treatment with an organic pesticide. Remember that even organic pesticides may require PPE and can harm beneficial pollinators, so be considerate when applying them. Avoid spraying open flowers or applying during the daytime when pollinators are active. As always, keep in mind that this is strictly an organic garden; if you are unsure about whether a product is acceptable, please ask the board before using it. 

BONUS TIP: MULCHING

Mulching is one of the best ways to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. Mulch also helps reduce soil splash onto leaves, which can spread fungal disease. Once the soil has warmed, consider mulching around plants with straw (not hay, which contains seeds), shredded leaves, or another approved material. Keep in mind that wood chip mulches are not allowed in plots.