It’s always a good idea to have a plan before you start digging up your yard.
Sometimes a location seems perfect for a garden, until you start digging and discover the soil is like concrete. Or you begin planting and realize the water source is way out of reach. Now you’re hauling buckets of water!
If this year’s garden was met with challenges, embrace the eternal optimism of a gardener: There’s always next year!
Take Stock This Fall
Fall is a great time to reflect on this year’s garden. Write down what went well and what didn’t. Once you’ve made an inventory, ask yourself: What can I change to grow a more fruitful vegetable garden next year?
Let’s look at a plant’s three basic needs that can help you have a more successful garden next season.
Soil
One of the most commonly overlooked aspects—by both beginner and experienced gardeners—is soil health and fertility. We don’t have to rely entirely on store-bought fertilizers. Illinois soils contain many nutrients, and they can be classified as either healthy or unhealthy.
You may be wondering, “How do we give our soil a check-up?”
If you’re serious about growing vegetables, it’s important to understand your soil’s nutrient composition and basic properties. A soil test can help. Collect samples from your proposed garden sites, mix them together, and send them to a soil testing lab. Be sure to tell the lab you’re a home vegetable gardener so they can tailor the results to your needs. Check out our website extension.illinois.edu/soil to find a listing of accredited soil labs.
Sun
Most summer vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight per day. That means your garden should be in a full-sun location. Plants feed themselves through photosynthesis, and each leaf is a tiny food factory. Less light means less energy, and your plants won’t perform at their best.
That said, don’t eliminate shade entirely. Late-day shade offers a comfortable spot to work during hot afternoons, and some veggies—like leafy greens—appreciate a break from the sun during peak heat.
Water Supply
Hauling water in 90-degree weather is hard work. So, plan your garden where water access is easy. Don’t make the mistake many gardeners (myself included) have made! Buckets may seem like a solution, but unless you have a bucket brigade, most plants will only get enough water to survive—not thrive.
Ideally, install a permanent irrigation system. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are great options. They reduce evaporation, apply water slowly to prevent runoff, and take much of the guesswork out of watering.
Final Thoughts
By paying attention to the basic needs of your plants, soil, sunlight, and water, you’ll set the stage for a garden that can better compete with pests and yield a bountiful harvest.
Good Growing Tip of the Week: Gardening is a lot like cooking—it requires tools. And yes, companies will try to sell you all kinds of gadgets. Don’t fall for gimmicks. A shovel, hand pruners, and a few buckets are all you really need to get started.
SOURCE: Chris Enroth, University of Illinois Extension, Horticulture Educator, cenroth@illinois.edu or 309-837-3939
Comments are closed.