Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1220697
2019 may have been discouraging for new vegetable gardeners. To say the least, it was a challenging one. But don't be discour- aged, even the most experienced of garden- ers were tested. First of all, last year was not a typical one. Although, in Wisconsin, what is? It was an unusually wet and cool growing season, and it started with a heavy wet April snow storm. But as far as the weather is concerned, there are going to be good years, bad years, and those that are simply challenging. I guess we could file this one under challenging. But you can't control the weather so don't dwell on it. We need to focus on things we can control. Disease This was the most prominent problem for most gardeners. Diseases were running rampant last year because of the cool, damp weather. They just simply seemed to be magnified. Disease is always in the air and we can't control that, but there are some things we can do to help out. Full sun Most garden plants grow best in full sun. Finding the sunniest location is important for your plants. When you force them to grow in different degrees of shade, it caus- es stress. which weakens a plants natural defense system. Shade also slows the evap- oration of excess moisture, which is never good. The longer moisture hangs around, the better the chance for disease. Spacing Spacing is also important. I know we're all trying to grow as much as we can in a limited space, but we're doing more harm than good. Plants that are planted too close together are always in competition for water and nutrients and under stress. Proper spacing also allows for proper air flow. This air flow helps evaporate extra moisture. Water and fertilizer Proper watering and fertilizer use are also important. We all know we're going to have to provide supplemental water at some time. The key here is to water the proper way at the proper time. Improper watering can help spread disease. Try to water your garden without getting your plants wet and early in the day. Water at the base of your plants and try to just wet the soil. Proper fertilization is also important. Over-fertilizing your plants can actually weaken them. A good organic, slow-release fertilizer designed for vegetable gardens, or compost, is your best choice. Limit damage Limiting damage to your plants is impor- tant. Be careful when working in the gar- den. Broken branches, scrapes, and nicks all attract disease. Also, never work in the garden when it's wet. You yourself can spread disease. Make sure your garden tools are clean as well. Weeds Weed control is also important. Weeds slow the evaporation of excess moisture, and many of them harbor disease itself and insects that spread them. Weeds also compete for water and nutrients. Your soil Lastly there is soil health. The health of a plant is directly related to the health of the soil. Improve your soil on a yearly basis by adding compost. This adds benefi- cial organic matter which helps improve soil structure and drainage. It also helps create a living environment for beneficial insects and organisms your garden needs to thrive. So by concentrating on the things we can control, the things we can't control are diminished. So don't get discouraged — no matter how challenging the year. Happy gardening! (Michael Timm is the chief horticultural- ist at Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia.) MARCH 2020 HOME 3 MICHAEL TIMM Gardeners: Don't be discouraged 2019 may have been a hard row to hoe, but plan on controlling what you can