Pick off unhealthy leaves

The vegetable garden should be inspected regularly for pests and disease. Any badly infected or diseased leaves should be removed. Do not put them on the compost heap, remove them completely from the vegetable garden so that the pest or disease does not spread.

Stake vegetables

Beans, tomatoes, peppers, and chili’s can be staked to keep the fruit off the ground and prevent fruit rot. When the vegetable plants are standing up the air can circulate around them, preventing the muggy conditions that allow fungal diseases to develop.

Water vegetables when necessary

• Make sure vegetables in the garden have enough water.
• Water vegetables at soil level, rather than wetting the leaves which can encourage leaf disease.
• Water as early as possible in the day, so that the leaves are dry before nightfall. This also reduces the risk of foliar disease in the vegetables.

Loosen mulches

Loosen the mulch around soft fruits and vegetables with a rake to:

• increase air circulation around roots

• allow the water to penetrate the soil to the roots of the vegetables

Take Out Weeds

At this time of year it is often easier to hand pull the weeds from around the vegetables. If this is done regularly, the weeds can be taken out before they have developed a large root system, and it is not a chore. Take the weeds off the vegetable plot, so that they do not re-root when it rains.

Remove the weeds in the vegetable garden little and often because:

• they take water and nutrients away from the vegetables
• reduce air circulation
• harbour pests & disease in the vegetable plot

Harvest garden vegetables

Harvest vegetables as soon as they are ready. Give them away if not needed. When fruit and vegetables are left on the plant until you need them

• they will deteriorate
• stop the plant from producing more fruit and vegetables
• allow disease to develop on the crop

Implement a Health & Safety Policy in the Vegetable Garden

• drink plenty of water
• use sunscreen
• wear a hat
• use gloves

August is a month to enjoy the vegetable garden and the fruits of your labour, so look after yourself and make the most of it!