We all remember going to the county fairs last summer and admiring the 4-H vegetable displays and wishing our fruits and vegetables looked that good. Well, here are some valuable tips for you. It won’t be easy. There is a lot of hard work involved. Your plants need nourishment and a healthy environment to grow big and strong.  Elements required: Proper lighting, soil with good nutrients, water, and careful attention to your garden. 

Soil being the first important element for your best and biggest garden vegetables. This is done by adding organic fertilizer so that your soil will ensure that nutrients are available when your plants need them. Fertilizer also creates healthier soil and limits insect problems. Remember that if you are growing plants such as tomatoes and peppers, you will want to make sure the soil is high in phosphorus and potassium. Leafy vegetables like lettuce and cabbage will require high nitrogen soil.

Did you know you can make your own organic fertilizer that will save you a ton of money just by using chopped up banana peels buried under the soil that will give off phosphorus and potassium which will help your tomatoes and peppers? 

Carbonated water contains macronutrients, including carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium — all are advantageous for your vegetable garden. Studies show that 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 high in calcium, potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Carrots, celery, and cauliflower will benefit from coffee grounds that are placed at the base of your plants.

Water — deep watering will produce the bigger vegetables. Consider using a timer drip irrigation system.  This will balance for rain.  It will expose the roots of your plants to a direct water source as it flows through a feeder hose. 

Catching rainwater in barrels and dispensing it is actually better than tap water because it contains fewer pollutants and it has a pH level that most plants will benefit from. This will encourage better growth. Make sure there is proper drainage, so the soil is not too wet, avoiding root rot.

Light and Temperature —  are important for your plant’s growth. Proper temperature prevents damage and encourages growth. A lack of light will stunt a plant’s growth because light is food for your plant — they use it to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars which is needed for growth. 

If plants are inside, place them in a south window where the sunlight flows. If outdoors, plants should be facing a southern slope so to allow for photosynthesis to take place and speed up the plant growth. Different plants have different needs, so do your research and place the plant in the proper spot for increased productivity. Even shady areas can be the best spot for leafy vegetables such as lettuce, leeks, and parsnips because they like the cooler temperatures. Be aware of temperatures. Your vegetables will thrive when you pay attention to their needs.

Air and Thinning —  are important as plants use air to feed themselves. The plant leaves turn carbon dioxide in the air into sugars. Good air circulation means a well-nourished plant. The more vegetables growing on a single stem, the smaller they will be. Pruning all but three or four of the healthiest and largest plants will encourage larger produce by them getting all the nutrients with better air circulation. Keep the foliage as this will help feed the plants and help with growth. The best example is with tomato plants. The more you feed these plants with air and concentrate on only a few tomatoes on the plant, the more they will flourish.

Pest Control — is advised by taking precautionary action against pests to stop them before they can damage your plants. Look at your plants daily to ensure that you can instantly fix the pest issues. Place barriers over vulnerable plants to protect them from flying pests and bothersome slugs that will eat the leaves. Cutting the long grass in and around the growing area will force the slugs to avoid your plants. Make room for flowers in your garden. Choose varieties that do not take up a huge amount of space. The flowers will attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies which are predators to mites and aphids.

By doing your research, homework, and being diligent with your garden you will win at the end of the season by producing bigger vegetables to enjoy. Give them space so they can flourish and be fast-growing, abundant vegetable plants.

Start your new adventure by attending the Sandusky/Ottawa County Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds.

Sue La Fountaine is a Master Gardener with the Sandusky and Ottawa Counties Extension Service Offices.