Veggies can be grown successfully in Michigan gardens. Vegetables have specific soil requirements. Practices are suggested here to aid in obtaining a high yield of quality vegetables.

A well-drained soil, high in organic matter is preferred. If heavy clay or clay loam soils are used, drainage problems should be corrected and organic matter content improved by growing cover crops or adding Dairy Doo Soil Amendment.

For pots use Baccto Lite Premium Potting Mix in a well-drained container.

For raised or new beds use #4 Baccto Garden Soil. This soil can also be added to depleted soils for soil rejuvenation.

Liberal amounts of fertilizer are required for large yields of most vegetables. Use #1 Garden-Tone for container and ground beds. Ideally, the fertilizer can be top dressed onto the ground or in containers. However, many gardeners will broadcast the fertilizer before tilling or spading. Always follow labeled rates when using fertilizers.

Use #2 Espoma Garden-Lime to amend the soil in pots and in the ground to add much needed calcium to the soil.

Use #3 PW Premium Continuous Release Plant Food in ground beds and in containers for supplemental feeding for heavy feeding vegetables.

Due to the small area involved and the variety of potentially sensitive crops grown in the garden, chemical weed control is not recommended. Control weeds by shallow and frequent cultivation. Deep cultivation may cut tomato roots and slow growth.

Vegetable containers should be kept evenly moist and not allowed to wilt between watering’s. Best practice would be to water thoroughly and then let the container dry down until the next thorough watering. Light squirts of water on a daily bases are counterproductive to deep root development and will not produce high quality plants. Ground beds should also be deeply watered when thoroughly dry and allowed to dry down in-between.

Only by following these soil and fertilization and watering practices will you have the best high quality yields from your garden vegetables.