Common Vegetable Problems
A lot of problems can happen in the garden that can confuse the average gardener. From germination, wilting, light conditions, diseases, watering, pest and much more! Below is an explanation for some of the most common problems that gardeners and farmers face when planting vegetable seeds.
Identifying and Treating Diseases
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Seeds Do Not Germinate
This is a tricky one. Most of the time it will be an environmental condition and not the seeds. Most professional seed companies will not send seed that has been professionally tested at 85% germination. If it is just one seed variety then it may be the seed but if you have trouble with more than one it is most likely an environmental control.
| Causes
Not given enough time
Soil too cold
Soil too dry
Soil too wet
Insects ate the seed
Seed too old |
Fixes
Wait longer
Allow soil to warm up
Water the soil
Replant and make sure soil drains well
Replant and protect seed. Relocate
Use fresh seed |
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Seedling Wilt and Die
Seedlings can be very fragile. Keeping healthy growing conditions can be a challenge for people who work, have children or just don’t have time.
| Causes
Dry soil
Wet soil
Too much fertilizer
Pests |
Fixes
Keep soil moist but not dry or damp
Usually causes root rot and plant dies where stem meets the soil
Seedlings don’t need fertilizer the first month of growth. Use a soiless mixture to start seeds
Treat with organic insecticide |
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Spindly and Reaching Plants
This is one of the most common occurrences for beginning gardeners. Tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetable stems will get long and skinny as though they are reaching for more light.
| Causes
Not enough light
Wet soil
Crowded plants
Too much nitrogen |
Fixes
Use grow lights or sunny location. Do not burn plants.
Slow watering. Improve drainage.
Thin plants out. Increase spacing.
Do not fertilize seedlings. |
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Slow Growth
Slow growth of vegetables plants can be a number of factors. Sometimes it can just be the nature of the plant to grow slow, other times it may be transplant shock.
| Causes
Not enough light
Temperature
Nutrients
Insects
Disease |
Fixes
Most vegetables need full light. Move to new location.
Use row covers or cloths to protect from cold.
Test soil, fix as needed.
Identify insect doing damage and remove pest.
Identify disease and fix: Disease Control and Identification |
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Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves is a common problem on tomatoes for gardeners. It will affect other vegetables and usually means the same thing.
| Causes
Nutrient Deficiency
Not enough light |
Fixes
Test soil, fix as needed.
Most vegetables need full light. Move to new location. |
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Poor Yields
Poor yields can be attributed to several things that go wrong in the garden.
| Causes
Weather
Fertilizer
No pollination
Not mature
Soil moisture |
Fixes
Temperature too hot or cold. Grow varieties that are right for your climate.
Test soil, fix as needed. Too much nitrogen
Attract bees and butterflies with flowers.
Give the plants more time to mature.
Use mulch, keep soil moisture even. |
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Disease
Please see: Disease Control and Identification |
