Soil tests can lead to successful gardening
The quality of soil leads to the success of any gardening. In the case of vegetable gardening, periodically test the soil every 3 or 4 years and understand the soil structure. Plant roots count on having the right nutrition and being in the right soil structure. It is no different than our bodies are counting on that we will eat the right foods to keep us healthy.
Understanding both soil and plant nutrition does not have to be complicated. Soil tilth is important and is determined by drainage, soil aeration, soil structure and moisture content. The key to improving soil tilth for any soil type is organic matter. By organic matter, I mean finished compost that does not smell or have big chunks of undecomposed debris in it. Organic matter helps with moisture retention. However, it takes a long time for organic matter to build up five percent nitrogen in the soil. Five percent is the optimal amount of nitrogen for healthy plants.
How does organic matter differ in quality to manure? Manure is animal feces which is still organic matter. Animal manures are high in salts and if added every season to the garden can raise the pH that causes chlorosis and other more severe problems in plant growth. Add animal manures sparingly.
Once you know your soil structure, you have a better understanding of how to address any problems in growing healthy vegetables. You will know what will do well in the vegetable garden. One key issue that will be easily solved is how to water the garden by understanding the soil structure. Watering still involves more in-depth knowledge of how to water individual vegetable crops. Each has their own timing for the best production.
Raising healthy plants increases yields. It also produces good seed for harvesting to save and continue on that favorite variety that is not commercially produced. Seed saving and harvesting have their own techniques and differ from crop to crop. Large fruits such as cucumbers go through a fermentation period. For other crops such as broccoli, eggplant or spinach there is a hot water treatment.
There is much to learn about seed harvesting long before the seeds are mature. Understanding when you have healthy plants in a particular crop. Understanding when you have a rogue plant in a crop. Asking a professional or asking an experienced gardener can help you spot unhealthy or rogue plants in a crop. Weekly observation to inspect for insects or abnormal growth while in the garden to water or weed will be helpful.
