It almost goes without saying that gardening should be natural. You're in nature, dealing with dirt and living green things. What's more natural? But when it comes to bugs and brown leaves, we freak out! KILL THE BUGS WITH POISON! COAT THE PLANTS IN A TOXIN! Why? We usually want quick fixes. People are impatient, especially with the "immediate gratification" mindset of today. We also panic if this garden is to be a means to feed our family. The heavier stuff may possibly be needed as a last resort if you are gardening out of need, but why not try to reduce our toxic load and protect our children, the pollinators and our family pets who may roam into the garden.
SOILThe best defense is a great offense, so start with healthy soil. Get your soil tested to see what you are starting with as far as nutrients. If you have a university nearby, they may do this for free. There are also kits to buy. Learn what your plants like to "eat". We are trying blueberries for the first time this year, and if my dog doesn't eat both bushes, they will thrive with acidic soil. I've amended their grow pots with coffee grounds to increase acidity. Tomatoes are heavy "feeders" and leach out many nutrients (mostly the nitrogen), so planting in the same place for years will not give you healthy plants or good yields without caring for the soil between seasons. Plan to plant peas or beans in that spot between tomato plants so they can add that nitrogen back to the soil. What my grandma and so many others do to add nutrients often is to put their banana peels and eggshells at the base of plants that like/need calcium and potassium. (Did you realize you were getting into chemistry?)
COMPANION PLANTING
You like to hang out with people you like, and your plants like to hang out with other plants they like. There are many books and charts that can help you with this. For example, two easy companions for tomatoes are marigolds and basil. There are other plants that inhibit the growth of your plants - like tomatoes do NOT like rosemary.
WATERING
Water in the mornings or late afternoon. Morning waterings allow the plants to drink before the sun evaporates the water, and keeps the hot afternoon sun from burning the plants. Late afternoon waterings rehydrate what your plants lost in the afternoon sun and needs to be early enough for the plant's leaves to be dry overnight. If watering is too late in the evening, mildew can occur and damage the plants. This is a great chore for your kids. It's quite relaxing and can be meditative. You may not let your kids do it everyday if you enjoy it as much as I do. Find your rhythm.
SUN
Check each plant's needs when it comes to sunlight. Do they prefer full sun, partial sun, shade? While your veggies are growing, prune extra leaves and suckers that drain the producing energy from the plant. This allows the plant to focus on making the vegetables and get enough sun and airflow to reduce the chance of disease.
PROTECTION
Keeping plants healthy and free from disease is not a one time check on your to-do list. When watering, look for damaged leaves, check underneath for bugs or caterpillars that can destroy your garden in a few days. Pick those off by hand any time you see them. If you get an infestation, it can be several times per day activity. Amend your soil to improve the health of the plant. Most of the time, bugs or diseases hit the weaker or sickly plants. One easy way we perk up our plants and deter bugs is to use the Thieves Household Cleaner in a spray bottle every few days. It has a soapy film to deter the bugs (and kill some, too), while at the same time giving the plants a boost in health and natural protection. Filled with essential oils, it's a plant's immune system at work! Cheap fix, too, as it only costs about $1 per bottle.EDUCATION
Lastly, get some books from your local library, bookstore, or online resources. You have opened Pandora's box. You didn't realize what you don't know until you start learning more and more about gardening. So many ways to encourage plants, and so many ways to discourage bugs. It's a lifelong adventure, but so worth it when you get the abundant harvest you dreamed of collecting (even if a couple of tomatoes, a handful of blueberries and a lovely cucumber is your dream).
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