By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
Warmer temperatures mean gardeners everywhere are ready to get plants in the ground. However, prior to planting, growers should develop a plan for this year’s vegetable garden. A thoughtful approach to garden layout and preparation can influence disease pressure as well as the overall success of the crop. Here are few areas to consider to get ahead of diseases as you make your vegetable garden plans.
Planting Site
The best vegetable garden sites are sunny with adequate moisture and fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid low spots, which can worsen soilborne diseases, and shady locations, which can worsen foliar diseases. Prior to planting, it is advisable to draw a planting map. This allows consideration into site limitations and succession planting. Scale models of the garden space can be drawn on graph paper, made in Microsoft Excel or designed using one of many available apps. Choose perennial locations carefully to make tilling more convenient. Taller crops, such as sweet corn or tomatoes, should be planted on the north or west side of the garden to avoid shading shorter plants. Retain these maps from year to year, and refer to them when planning next season.
Crop Rotation
If the same garden site is used each year, avoid planting the same or closely related crops in the same place. A three-year rotation is recommended; however, even a year or two out of a certain plant family can be beneficial. Crop rotation prevents disease-causing pathogens from building up in soil. Multiple vegetable crops are closely related and prone to many of the same diseases. Closely related crops are listed together:
- Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes and Eggplant
- Cucumbers, Pumpkins, Squash, Watermelons and Muskmelons
- Peas, Broad Beans, Snap beans and Lima Beans
- Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Collards, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Kohlrabi, Turnips, Rutabaga, Chinese Cabbage and Mustard
- Lettuce, Endive and Salsify
- Chives, Garlic, Leeks, Onions and Shallots
- Beets, Swiss Chard and Spinach
- Carrots, Parsley, Celery, Celeriac and Parsnip
Compost Piles
Avoid composting diseased plants or produce, since home compost piles typically do not reach temperatures high enough to kill pathogens. Accelerate the rate of decomposition by turning compost piles at least once per month. Avoid adding fresh material to finished compost piles, as the new material will not break down in time for spring planting. Water should be added to very dry compost piles at turning to allow for more complete decomposition.
Keep Records
Whether using an app or a physical garden journal, keep track of disease and pest issues as they occur to help develop strategies to prevent or manage them. Also include details about cultivars and their performance, as well as weather patterns.
For more information on vegetable disease prevention, contact your local Carter County Extension office. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
- Understanding Seed Packets & Beginning Gardening – April 29 @ Noon
- UK North Farm Forage Variety Trail Tour – May 1
- Little Sandy Beekeepers – May 5 @ 6:30 – Speaker: Dr. Amanda Skidmore, State Apiarist
- Hike & Learn – May 8 @ 1:00 @ Grayson Getaways
