Master Your North Carolina Garden: Top 10 Garden Tips & Tricks

Last updated May 25, 2023

A master gardener’s top 10 concerns and common mistakes that home gardeners face while cultivating their vegetable gardens.

Water is key: Most vegetables need an inch of water a week, with some like yellow squash needing 1.5 inches. Water before sunrise so all the water is available to the plant.
Deep watering: Shallow watering is not as beneficial as deep watering twice a week. This encourages roots to grow deeper.
Water at the base: Water the base of the plant, not the leaves, to avoid leaf spot diseases.
Mulch: Mulching helps reduce weeds, cools soil, retains moisture, and prevents disease.
Fertilize: Some plants need fertilization, while others don’t. Consult HGIC fact sheets for specific plant fertilization schedules.
Add flowers: Zinnias, cosmos, and sweet alyssum attract pollinators and beneficial insects that eat pests.
Healthy soil: Compost every season for healthier soil. Learn more about composting here.
Rotate crops: Keep a record of where you plant your vegetables to help limit disease and insect problems. Find more information on crop rotation here.
Plant at the right time: Consult a fact sheet for the best planting times.
Spend time in your garden: Regularly spending time in your garden helps proactively deal with insect and disease problems, and keeps crops producing throughout the season.

Planting too close together, as plants need airflow.
Not providing enough sunlight, especially for tomatoes, which need at least 8 hours.
Not soil testing, which helps you understand your soil’s nutrient content.
Planting too early or in the wrong season.

Spots on leaves could indicate fungal or bacterial disease.
Viruses spread by piercing sucking insects can cause destruction. Look for them on the underside of leaves.
Root knot nematodes can attack roots, especially in sandier soils, impeding growth.
Remove weeds that suck water and nutrients away from plants and harbor pests and viruses.

Story at www.thestate.com – 2023-05-25 12:00:00