Calhoun County, AL – As the 2025 vegetable season winds down, it’s the perfect time for gardeners to start preparing for next year’s crops. One of the most effective tools for success is a garden journal — a simple yet powerful way to record planting dates, crop locations, soil conditions, and results.
A crucial part of planning your 2026 garden is crop rotation. Planting the same vegetables in the same spot each year can invite unwanted pests and fungal issues. Many insects, worms, and diseases are crop-specific, and keeping plants in the same location allows these problems to multiply.
For example, never plant corn where tomatoes grew the previous year, as both attract similar worms that can devastate crops. Likewise, keep squash and cucumber vines on opposite sides of the garden to reduce pest crossover. If you grew beans this year, that soil will be rich in nitrogen — making it an excellent location for tomatoes next season. Beans naturally enrich the soil, setting the stage for a productive tomato crop.
By mapping out your 2026 plan now and keeping notes, you’ll know exactly what to plant where — and which products to buy. Winter is the best time to start purchasing supplies to spread out costs before spring.
For organic gardeners, consider stocking up on these essentials:
Neem Oil: A natural fungicide, miticide, and pesticide.
Snail Pellets: To control snails and slugs.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Effective against crawling bugs by dehydration.
Dipel Dust: Targets worms and caterpillars.
Blood Meal: A four-month nitrogen source for healthy soil.
Fish Fertilizer: Provides gentle, balanced nutrients for weekly feeding.
Bone Meal: Encourages strong root growth and flower production.
With careful rotation, record-keeping, and early preparation, you’ll set the foundation for a healthier, more productive 2026 garden.
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, a raised bed garden, and an in-ground garden. Both her surnames are from agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions, including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com
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