How to Solve 3 Common Vegetable Diseases in the Garden
Your work is not done once you have planted your vegetables. Now you must deal with the many different vegetable diseases and problems. There is no shortage of problems that Mother Nature can bring that can affect the health of your plants. Some gardeners get so frustrated they resort to herbicides and pesticides.
Before you follow suit and start using poisons on your vegetables remember that you plan to eat your harvest. Please take into account the many safer forms of combating pests and weeds instead of harmful chemicals. Another thing to consider is that the "pest" that you are about to kill may actually be a beneficial bug that can help you maintain your garden.
Watch for the tell-tale signs your plants use to alert you a problem exists in the garden.
Yellowing or Dropping Leaves
A good indicator that your plants are not getting enough water is yellowing leaves or leaves dropping of the stems. Controlling humidity outdoors can prove difficult. In addition to an adequate supply of water try misting the leaves ever-so-often. Improper air circulation and a large drop in temperature can cause leaf loss also. Both of these can cause your vegetables not to flower which translates to no harvest. To ensure that your plants have good air circulation be sure you remember to plan for their full grown size when planting. To protect from dips in temperature add a 34" layer of mulch between the rows. The mulch will keep the soil warm and prevent root shock.
Brown Leaf Edges
If you find that the leaf edges are browning and dry your vegetables are too hot. One cause is the sun. Try making shade for your plants until the cooler weather comes. Another cause is over fertilizing, check that you are using the correct measurements for your garden. Your water might be causing the browning edges. Check the chemical composition, if you have too much salt or chlorine you will have to let your water set for 24 hours before putting it on your plants. One last thing to check, when the other causes are not the problem, is pH. If the pH in your soil is not proper for your vegetables you will have to amend your soil to return your plants to health.
Yellowing Bottom Leaves
Tomatoes have this happen when they are watered too much. It is a sign of root damage. Other vegetables will show this when they are not getting enough sunlight. A good rule of thumb for most vegetables is six hours of partial to full sunlight every day for a good harvest.
When it comes to vegetable diseases, problems, and pests there are many that can show up. Local wildlife can munch on the tender shoots; fungus problems can affect leaves, and dozens more. This article cannot possibly address every issue you may face. However, if you start with a well planned and prepared garden spot you will have fewer problems. Remember to properly till and amend the soil, provide good irrigation and drainage, keep plant families separate and clean and weed your garden frequently. Proper attention to these practices will save you a lot of problems later.
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