BOOST THE YIELD IN YOUR GARDEN

Most people find fulfillment in growing plants that produce at their greatest potential. Having a large, fast-growing garden doesn’t happen by accident; it takes careful attention. Think of your plants like they’re your children in the sense that they need nourishment and a healthy environment to grow big and strong. With proper lighting, soil with good nutrients, water, and careful attention, your garden will have the best veggies. 

EASY WAYS TO GROW YOUR VEGGIES BIGGER AND FASTER

Below are five tips to consider when growing your garden to generate the biggest and fastest producing crops. 

1. SOIL

The most important thing you can do to get a bountiful harvest is to supply your plants with nutritious soil. This helps to build their root system resulting in a stronger plant. Adding organic fertilizer to your soil will ensure that nutrients are available when your plants need them. Fertilizer also creates healthier soil and limits insect problems. Keep in mind, if you are growing fruit plants such as tomatoes and peppers, you will want to make sure the soil is high in phosphorus and potassium. When growing leafy vegetables like lettuce or cabbage, you will want soil high in nitrogen. 

There are simple ways you can make your own organic fertilizer that will save you money. Chopped up banana peels buried under the soil give off phosphorus and potassium which help with your peppers and tomatoes. Carbonated water contains macronutrients, including carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium, all of which are advantageous for your vegetables. According to a study at Colorado University Boulder, carbonated water makes plants grow faster and greener because it contains these dissolved nutrients that are easily absorbed by the plant’s root system. Coffee grounds are also high in calcium, potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Carrots, celery, and cauliflower will benefit from coffee grounds placed at the base of your plant. 

2. WATER

Bigger vegetables require deep watering or the fruits will split. Consider using a timer drip irrigation system that will balance for rain. This will expose the roots of your plants to a direct water supply. You connect the drip emitter to a water source, and it flows through a feeder hose.  Rainwater is the best way to water your veggies because it contains fewer pollutants than tap water and has a pH level that most plants benefit from, encouraging better growth. Think about adding water barrels to collect as much rain water as you can. In fact, in the DC area, rebates can be offered from the Department of Energy and Environment for water barrel owners based on the volume of rainwater captured and stored from rooftops. Remember that although your plants need constant watering, they will not grow in saturated soil. For indoor plants and outdoor gardens make sure there is proper drainage and the soil isn’t too wet, to avoid root rot. 

3. LIGHT & TEMPERATURE

Providing the correct temperature for the specific plant prevents damage and encourages growth. Regardless of whether the light you’re using is artificial or natural, a lack of light will stunt a plant’s growth. This is because light is food for your plant, and they use it to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars needed for their growth. For indoor plants, placing them in a south facing window where the sunlight flows in or outdoor plants facing a southern slope will allow for photosynthesis to take place and speed up plant growth. Different plants have different needs for light, so to increase your productivity make the most of every spot you have available – even the shady areas.  Leafy vegetables such as lettuce, or leeks and parsnips can grow well in shady areas. This is because certain plants like cooler temperatures. Many people try to warm up their gardens with a blanket or will move their plants from the window during intense heat. Being aware of the temperatures your vegetables thrive in will make for faster and healthier growth.   

4. AIR & THINNING  

Plants use air to feed themselves. The leaves of plants turn carbon dioxide in the air into sugars, so good air circulation means a well-nourished plant. 

The more vegetables growing on a single plant, the smaller they will be. Nutrients are divided between all of the produce, thus less minerals and vitamins are flowing to each vegetable. It is best to prune all but three or four of the healthiest and largest. Then, later in the season, you will want to thin down to just one or two.  These will grow faster and larger as they are getting all the nutrients and have more circulation. You can keep the foliage since this is going to help feed the plants and help with growth. The best example is a tomato plant: the more you feed these plants with air and concentrate on only a few tomatoes on the plant then the more they will flourish. 

 5. PEST CONTROL

Take precautionary action against pests to stop them before they can damage your plants. You don’t want to ruin your plants when you only have a handful you’re focusing on. Keep a close watch and check your plants daily to ensure that you can instantly fix any issues you may see. Place barriers over vulnerable plants to protect them from flying pests and bothersome slugs that will eat the leaves. Cutting long grass in and around the growing area forces the slugs to avoid your plants. Another suggestion is to make room for flowers in your garden; choose varieties that don’t take up a huge amount of space.   Planting flowers attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which are predators to mites and aphids. 

CONCLUSION

All producing bigger vegetables takes is general awareness of your garden and attentive care. Remember to be patient and don’t touch your plants too much – this could lead to your plants not being able to absorb the oxygen needed to function normally. Simply give them the space they need to flourish and enjoy watching your fast-growing, abundant vegetable plants. These common tips are going to give you a head start on growing your biggest and best garden vegetables.