How to Maintain an Edible Garden

Monitor the garden for pests and diseases as you maintain it. Photo: Courtesy UC Regents

Once the fruit trees, berries, herbs and vegetables are planted, the magic begins. Even seasoned gardeners marvel at how the seed becomes the plant that produces a vegetable that appears on a plate. But abundant growth and harvest don’t "just happen." To have a successful edible garden, a gardener must be a midwife, a caregiver, and a coaxer. Here's how to care for your edible garden.

Ongoing maintenance

• Spend time in the vegetable garden. Become an astute observer. Look for signs of trouble, such as wilting or eaten leaves or stunted growth. 
• Monitor for pests.
• Monitor for disease.
• Check soil for moisture.
• Keep vertical plants supported.
• Taste for ripeness and harvest when just right.
• Pull weeds.
• Replenish mulch.
• Check irrigation and adjust as the season progresses.
• Add plant waste to the compost pile. 
• Prune fruit trees.

Recommended: keep a garden journal to chronicle your successes and learning moments.

Monthly reminders

Use this Edible Garden Monthly Planting and Maintenance Schedule to keep your garden in tip top shape all year. 

MONTHLY PLANTING & MAINTENANCE