Monitor the garden for pests and diseases as you maintain it. Photo: Courtesy UC Regents
Once the fruit trees, berries, herbs and vegetables are planted, the magic begins. Even seasoned gardeners marvel at how the seed becomes the plant that produces a vegetable that appears on a plate. But abundant growth and harvest don’t "just happen." To have a successful edible garden, a gardener must be a midwife, a caregiver, and a coaxer. Here's how to care for your edible garden.
Ongoing maintenance
• Spend time in the vegetable garden. Become an astute observer. Look for signs of trouble, such as wilting or eaten leaves or stunted growth. • Monitor for pests. • Monitor for disease. • Check soil for moisture. • Keep vertical plants supported. • Taste for ripeness and harvest when just right. • Pull weeds. • Replenish mulch. • Check irrigation and adjust as the season progresses. • Add plant waste to the compost pile. • Prune fruit trees.
Recommended: keep a garden journal to chronicle your successes and learning moments.
Monthly reminders
Use this Edible Garden Monthly Planting and Maintenance Schedule to keep your garden in tip top shape all year.
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