Dear Neil: Last year's garden was really productive, but this
year, things have done very poorly. The Texas A&M soil test
showed we have too much phosphorus. The plants have just been
sitting there for the past couple of weeks. Squash bugs have been
worse than ever. What should I do the rest of this season or for
next year?
A: Let's start with the facts. Phosphorus didn't cause these
problems (although you still want to use a quality all-nitrogen
fertilizer next time around). This has been a very difficult year
for vegetable gardening. It turned very hot very early. That,
coupled with the drought, weakened the plants badly. Spider mites
hit many different types of plants (tomatoes, beans, squash and
others), while both squash vine borers and squash bugs were
widespread. Spring vegetables are pretty well done now. It's time
to focus on the fall crop. Plant tomatoes and pumpkins immediately,
using small-fruiting varieties for the most dependable yield.
Peppers will come next, in mid- to late July, followed by squash,
cucumbers, beans and corn the first week of August. Cole crops
(broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) in mid-August,
and leafy and root crops in late August. Next year, be sure your
plantings always are made at the best possible time. You have a 2-
or 3-week window in which to plant most types in the spring.