5 Farming Mistakes That Are Often Done Unknowingly

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JAKARTA - Having plants in the yard or pots makes you have more responsibility. You have to keep the plants healthy and fertile in various ways including watering, fertilizing and eradicating pests.

Unfortunately, some people have unknowingly made mistakes that damaged the garden. Here are some farming mistakes that have unknowingly caused plants to wither and even die, as reported by Better Homes & Gardens, Monday, February 27.

Plant several types of plants close together

Plants such as salad, spinach, lettuce, arugula, and kale can indeed be planted close together. However, most vegetable plants will do better if they are not planted too tightly. Tomatoes, for example, need good air circulation to stay healthy, so be sure to keep them spaced from other plants. If planted too closely, they are more likely to develop problems, such as late blight or mildew. Other vegetables that need more space include broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, sweet corn, potatoes and bell peppers.

Watering too much or too little

Consistent watering is essential for a good crop. Purchase a rain gauge to monitor rainfall and use a drip irrigation system or rain hose to make up for the deficit during dry spells. Plants that are deprived of water will show signs of wilting, yellow leaves, and their fruits will be stunted or misshapen. Vegetables that receive too much water will generally do fine as long as the soil is well-draining. If the soil is too wet, spread a layer of mulch around the plants. This layer serves to help keep soil moisture consistent.

Lack of sunlight

Vegetables and herbs need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to work properly. If your home page is not exposed to sunlight properly. Try gardening in containers that you can move out on a deck or patio to take advantage of the sunlight. Vegetables grown in the shade generally do not produce fruit. Or if they do, the fruit may be smaller and less flavorful than those grown in full sun.

Forgot to change the soil

Good soil is the key to success in gardening. If you don't mix the soil with compost, manure, or leaf manure then your plant's life is in danger. Do a soil test, or take a handful of soil and crush it in the palm of your hand. If the soil forms a tight mass, it is still too wet to work with. If it retains its shape but separates easily, it's ready to use. Spread a few inches of organic matter over the surface of the soil and till it or shovel it into the top of the soil. When finished, your garden will be ready for planting.

No fertilizer

Without being properly fed, your vegetable plants cannot produce maximum yields. In addition to amending the soil with compost, it's a good idea to add some extra compost every time you plant or harvest a new crop. Granular fertilizer will feed your plants for up to 90 days. Simply sprinkle the granules around your plant according to label directions. On the other hand, be careful not to overfeed your plants. Some plants, such as tomatoes, will produce more leaves than fruit if they are given too much nitrogen.