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Post by daylilydude on Aug 26, 2018 6:47:49 GMT -5
Most plants put out just so much for production... do you have any secrets that you would share on how you increase your yields?
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Post by carolyn on Aug 26, 2018 9:06:42 GMT -5
it depends on the variety and fertility of your soil and whether you add fertilizer also. we grow varieties that tend to yield heavily. I don't give up real estate for something such as a hillbilly tomato which might give up 3 large fruits that hopefully don't split before they are picked. some of the heirlooms are tasty but not very productive. and moisture plays a huge role in whether they produce fruit or not.
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Post by farmerjack41 on Aug 26, 2018 9:56:34 GMT -5
I presume what I am doing helps increase the yield of the garden. Leaves, grass clippings, and composted cow manure are all added to the soil. Have see the makeup of the soil change over the past twenty years. In this part of the country, irrigation is a major factor in growing anything. Today's stats show we have had 2.88 inches of rain so far THIS YEAR. (about 2" below normal). I am all ears if someone can help improve production.
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Post by Gianna on Aug 26, 2018 9:59:02 GMT -5
I wouldn't call them secrets, but the basics are grow the right varieties for your particular area, keep your soil healthy and pests down, adequate water, and whatever added nutrients your conscience allows.
And then harvesting it all.
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Post by pepperhead212 on Aug 26, 2018 10:18:31 GMT -5
I run soil tests every couple of years (later this fall is time again). I rarely need any nutrients, except a small amount of N, which is the normal nutrient to depleat. Many nutrients test high, but it is all from digging in organic compost, so it's not the types of things that should have washed out with all this rain I've had; I'll find out with these next tests.
As for varieties, I keep trying new ones, looking for better production, as well as for disease resistance (thus higher production), esp. with tomatoes. And, of course, flavor. But, in my experience, heirlooms are not necessarily more flavorful, and also aren't necessarily less disease resistant. And, by the same token, hybrids aren't always less flavorful, and some are just as disease prone as heirlooms. It's all about keeping records.
And some things I've decided to give up, as I simply do not get enough production in my area. Summer squash is one, due to SVB. And I have never been able to get melons to produce in my area. I tried them one last time this year, in an SIP, and they did a little better, but still, I will get a lot more of something else in that spot.
Many things produce best in the SIPs, for sure. Some, like okra and eggplant, I won't even grow in the ground. But that's another story.
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Post by paulf on Aug 26, 2018 10:25:36 GMT -5
I wouldn't call them secrets, but the basics are grow the right varieties for your particular area, keep your soil healthy and pests down, adequate water, and whatever added nutrients your conscience allows.
And then harvesting it all. This is my answer, too. I do rely on a good laboratory soil test every other year. I even do one every year since my pH can get out of balance pretty easily. Organic material tilled back into the garden helps with soil health. Sanitation decreases pests of all kinds. So how do you know what your yield is? I keep a journal of production and weather conditions. For me, weather (temperature, humidity, sun hours and rainfall) Have as much to do with production as anything. This year the wet and cool spring followed immediately with six weeks of really hot and dry, back to wet and hot has not helped with yields. A summary later with most likely see decreased production.
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Post by brownrexx on Aug 26, 2018 11:21:55 GMT -5
I always have more yield that I can use to no need to increase anything. I use no fertilizers other than compost.
I do think that my tomatoes produce better by not being crowded and being grown in large cages to give them good air flow. This also helps to prevent disease which could cut their life and their production short.
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