Hey everyone! I finally cleared a significant part of my garden and I'm super excited to get started on the next steps. The area is about 475 square feet overall. My grandma and I have decided to use topsoil, but we're uncertain about the best fertilizer and pesticide options. We're considering lime since the garden is near cedar trees, and we're thinking of using continuous release granules for fertilizer. Also, we've had issues with tomato worms, so we're looking into Thuricide for pest control. We're also growing squash, pumpkins, and peas, so any additional advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks a bunch!
3 Answers
Hey there! Congrats on making progress with your garden! My advice would be to hold off on adding any amendments until you get a soil test—it's super important. Pesticides should ideally be a last resort; try looking into Integrated Pest Management methods instead. For a great garden, I suggest layering a couple of inches of compost topped with mulch.
Consider using diatomaceous earth for pest control. It’s a safe, natural option—just get a plunge duster to apply it on your veggies. I use it a lot and it really helps without being toxic.
Hello! You might want to perform a soil test before applying lime; it could really help fine-tune your garden's needs. It's usually about $10, and I actually recommend the tests. For your fertilizer, try something organic like Espoma’s GardenTone until your results come back. For the pests, row covers can be perfect for squash, and using horticultural soap will help with squash bugs if they show up. Good luck with your garden, can't wait to hear updates!
But grandma definitely wants to have some pesticide ready just in case!