Growing Vegetables
A Vegetable-Bed Map Helps You Rotate More Than Names
Plan vegetable crop rotation by plant family, using a bed map that records planting history and the limits of a small garden.
SOIL · CROPS · FARM PRACTICE
Good growing starts below the surface.
A practical agriculture journal about soil, water and the observations that help growers make better decisions.
Begin with the soil →
Fresh from the field
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Soil and growing systems
Mulch Works Best When It Leaves the Stem Room to Breathe
Apply mulch with attention to the trunk, existing depth and local growing conditions, rather than building a mound that hides the plant’s base.
Crop observation
A Pest Diary Can Save You from Treating the Wrong Problem
Record plant symptoms, location and change over time before choosing a pest treatment. A clear observation diary helps an adviser distinguish possible causes.
Water Wisely
Before Adding More Water, Check Where the Drip Line Delivers It
Check a drip-irrigation system for uneven delivery before increasing its runtime, and keep a simple record of emitters, leaks and soil observations.
Soil & Roots
Your Soil Sample Is Only as Useful as the Way You Collect It
Plan representative soil samples by separating different growing areas, following the laboratory instructions and keeping a map of what each bag represents.