Mulch Well

A layer of mulch over the soil not only helps reduce weeds, but it creates a barrier that can prevent fungal disease spores from splashing up onto plant leaves. In most cases, a layer of mulch 1 to 2 inches thick is best.

For an extra bonus, use a mulch made from an organic material that will decompose (such as cocoa hulls or weed-free straw). As it breaks down, it adds organic matter to the soil for you.

Learn about the best types of mulch!

Weeds not only compete with your plants for water and nutrients, but they may also attract insect pests. And many insects spread disease as they feed from one plant to the next.

Learn about the most common weeds in gardens.

Many diseases spread rapidly in dead, fallen foliage. Regularly -- once a week or more if you have time -- walk through your garden and pick up shed foliage.

Also: You can sometimes prevent a disease from spreading through an entire plant just by picking off an infected leaf. Throw dead or diseased leaves in the trash, not in your compost pile.

 

Wet leaves, especially in the afternoon or evening hours, can attract disease. Avoid watering your plants with a sprinkler. Instead, use a water-saving soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots.

Give Them Some Air

While jamming plants in is a great way to get the most from your plot, it can also cause problems. Avoid planting your vegetables too close together. Good air flow between the plants can help prevent many types of fungal diseases.

 

A few flowers will not only help your garden look prettier, but they may also attract beneficial bugs. These good guys in the garden attack insect pests such as aphids and tomato hornworms. Don't worry about these good bugs: Most types are small enough that you'll hardly notice them in the garden.

Some of the best plants for attracting beneficial insects are:

• Bachelor's Button
• Cleome
• Cosmos
• Black-eyed Susan
• Daisy
• Marigold
• Nasturtium
• Purple Coneflower
• Salvia
• Sunflower
• Yarrow
• Zinnia

Learn more about these flowers with Plant Encyclopedia!

One of the hardest lessons for first-time organic vegetable growers is that organic gardens don't look perfect. They've achieved a balance where there's usually some form of damage from pests and diseases. Nature comes to the rescue before that spotted leaf becomes a plague.