Water the garden as often as needed to maintain a uniform moisture supply. Newspaper can also be applied as a mulch two to three layers thick around plants. MulchĪ mulch of straw, leaves, compost or pine straw will help conserve moisture, control weeds and reduce cultivation. Cultivating too often will also result in the soil drying out excessively. Do not cultivate or hoe too deeply, or root injury will result. CultivationĬultivate or hoe the garden as often as needed to control weeds and grasses. Several vegetables can be successively planted to lengthen the harvesting season. Information on cultivars, planting dates and spacing is given in the planting chart. Add other organic matter such as compost, leaf mold or well-rotted sawdust or manure. Soil Preparationīegin soil preparation in the fall by chopping litter and spading or turning deeply to bury the litter. If additional nitrogen is needed on peppers, eggplant or tomatoes, apply when the first fruits are about 1 in. For row widths not given, figure in proportion to the given rates. *One pint of mixed fertilizer will weigh about 1 lb. Approximate pounds of fertilizer per 100 ft* Put the side dressing several inches away from the plant, never directly on the plant. Some vegetables, such as corn, need to be fertilized by side dressing after the plants are about knee high. Most vegetables need initial fertilizer at planting time, and again after they have begun to mature. HEAVYġ0-10-10 or 6-12-12 at a rate of 35 lb per 1,000 sq ftġ0-10-10 or 6-12-12 at a rate of 20 ib per 1,000 sq ftĦ-12-12 at a rate of 10 lb per 1,000 sq ftĪpply fertilizer according to the soil test results. Vegetables are classified as light, medium or heavy feeders, based on their fertilizer recommendations for each group. A pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is recommended for all vegetables except Irish potatoes, which require a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. If the pH is low (acidic soil), apply the recommended amount of lime before preparing the soil so it can be mixed with the soil during land preparation. Run a soil test through your local county Extension office several months prior to planting to determine lime and fertilizer needs. When buying plants, purchase fresh, stocky plants that are free of diseases and insects. Do not save your own seed unless it is a unique, unavailable variety. Varieties listed in the Vegetable Planting Chart represent a few of the proven varieties.Īlways buy good quality seed from a reputable company. Try a few new varieties on a small scale to determine their worth in your area. Many other varieties are available, and new varieties are being introduced each year. Varieties, Seed and Plantsīe sure to select recommended varieties for your main planting. Remember to plan for space between rows to walk down to harvest the crop and maintain the bed. Make a map and keep it current so that the vegetables can be rotated within the garden from year to year. Plant tall-growing plants together on the north or west side of the garden so they will not shade lower-growing plants. Also, plan to use the space continuously by planting another in-season crop soon after the last harvest is completed. For small areas, select those crops that you like best and consider using dwarf compact varieties that will produce an adequate supply on a few plants. Plan your garden out on paper first before ordering seed. Avoid sites that have a history of hard-to-control weeds such as nutsedge and bermudagrass. The soil should have a good texture and be well-drained. Select a location that is conveniently located near the house and a water supply. Try to select a site that receives at least 8 to 10 hours of sunlight a day. When space is limited, a plentiful supply of crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and okra can be grown with a few properly cared-for plants. There is nothing quite like a home garden to supply you and your family with a variety of nutritious vegetables that can be enjoyed fresh or preserved for later use. Control Insects, Diseases and Nematodes.Robert Westerfield, Extension Horticulturist,ĭavid Linvill, Chatham County Extension Agent
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