Vegetables that require a lot of water and irrigation.
Nutrient-rich vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers require an extra dose of care starting in July.
Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers or cucumbers require special care. With the right nutrients it is possible to increase yields.
Finally ! In the middle of summer, the vegetable harvest in the garden really begins. Not only fruit formation, but also the high temperatures of July and August place great demands on the plants. Strong-growing plants, such as tomatoes, require special treatment: the supply of sufficient nutrients is important, but other factors also play a role. To ensure a constant supply until the end of the season, it is worth lending a little hand.
A second fertilizer application should be made starting in July.
Fast-growing vegetables generally refer to fast-growing vegetables with a particularly high need for nutrients, especially nitrogen. These include tomatoes, cucumbers, celeriac, all types of cabbage, potatoes, peppers and zucchini. It is rarer to find large-fruited pumpkins or melons, as well as corn or eggplants in certain gardens. For many of these heat-loving plants, a sufficient amount of sunlight is an important requirement, but we have no influence other than the right location. However, we can do something about fertilization.
Ideally, compost or an organic fertilizer such as cornucopia should be added to vigorous plants when planted. In July or August, vegetables need a second application of fertilizer because fruit formation requires a lot of energy. A plant fertilizer with a high potassium content is suitable here: potassium is important for the formation of flowers and fruits. A little horn powder every three weeks or a regular liquid fertilizer with nettle manure is also very suitable.
The right summer care for fast-growing plants
That’s not all: the following care also promotes the health of vegetable plants:
Lots of water: Water preferably in the morning and at night when it is hot. Especially cucumbers and zucchini need regular water, otherwise they risk becoming bitter.
- Mulch regularly: Fresh grass clippings or plant residue cut into small pieces (no weeds!) prevent the underlying soil from drying out too quickly.
- Loosen the soil regularly so that the vegetables can better absorb nutrients.
- Support cucumbers and tomatoes with stakes if they are not already in place. This means they have less heavy or numerous fruits to produce.
- Thin tomatoes weekly.
- Of course, it is also important to periodically examine plants for pests and diseases to detect an infestation in time.