How to Best Posts in Thread: Vegetables always die in our garden

I’ve virtually given up on tomato’s, strawberry’s and the like. Strike that I have. I’ve taken the advice of ‘er indoors n fallen back on native veg.

In terms of the leaves n compost I find the process a little more lengthy, but regular topping up with pig poo seems to get results. The garden is full of beans, chayote and acorn squash. Lots of herbs n flowers/plants too.

Just a suggestion why not pay a farmers lad to consult to you? I have a lad that comes down from the mountain x1-2 pweek to do the heavier lifting and provide advice. He gets fed and walks away P300 pday richer. He’s been with us for the last 5 years and his brother before for 2-3 before he went OFW. Apart from it being a great way to foster relationships in your community the garden gets grown. Part of the family now.

good luck!

C

 

In brief, allowing those who garden a lot here to answer in more detail from experience:

You mention ants or other insects, but I would have thought mice could be responsible for cutting stems.

Insects do transmit diseases when biting into plants (also transmit to animals and others, of course) and the holes may be an indication of insect damage leading to plant diseases causing death of the plants. BUT, it is also possible that plant are dying for other reasons - climate problems such as too much direct sun, too hot generally, too humid, too dry.

I gardened a lot in the UK but here only put some ornamental plants in pots - and found it more of a struggle than in the UK to maintain them in good condition. Others have posted here about specific problems with tomatoes and you might find those postings by doing a search.

As in gardening anywhere, some main factors for success are: Healthy stock (seeds or plants), correct location (soil type and sun/wind direction), shading if required, careful watering (too much is as bad as too little), correct feeding, checking for pests on a regular basis and providing protection if necessary.

I may have missed some things but the asawa is now in bed so it is my duty to follow toot suite!