Vegetable gardens can provide bountiful harvests or wind up being ruined by preventable problems. It is up to the gardener to combat these potential problems by simply preparing for them before they happen. Although adding steps to your garden preparation may add time now
Inadequate Spacing
Vegetable gardens need adequate room to allow plants to thrive. You can pack in several types of vegetables in one area, but allow enough room for each type of vegetable to receive the nutrients it needs. Fertilizing your garden will be more effective once you separate your vegetables from one another. You will be able to pick at each individual type of vegetable to give special attention to the ones that need it.
Pests
Vegetable garden pests can range from rabbits and moles to insects, slugs and snakes. Fencing in your garden is one way to keep out above-ground pests, but for an extra layer of protection consider digging around the fence line and putting chicken wire in the hole. This will prevent animals from burrowing their way into the garden. Insects obviously cannot be repelled by fencing, so you may want to consider using a form of insecticide on your plants. Snakes can also be deterred with the use of repellent, and you can use slug bait to remove slugs.
Improper Watering
Vegetable gardens need adequate watering. Too little water will dry out the soil and cause the plants to also dry. Too much water will cause the plants to yellow and wilt. Keep watering at a consistent but controlled level. Judge how much water your vegetables need by noting their appearance, as well as the appearance of the soil and also that day's weather.
Temperature
Unseasonal cold temperatures will wreak havoc on a garden. If frost is imminent, cover your plants to help protect them from the elements. Gardens should also be protected from severe heat with the use of extra shade. Water may evaporate faster also, so consider watering your plants while they are shaded to allow them to soak up as much as possible.
Insufficient Drainage
Drainage is important so your vegetables are not drowning in water, either from your watering them or from rain. Planting your vegetables on slightly elevated ground can help unnecessary water effectively drain away from your plants.
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