Home Vegetable Gardening | Illinois Extension (2024)

FAQs

How do you extend vegetable harvest? ›

According to the CDC, gardening is the second favorite physical activity of older adults (behind walking), providing moderate physical activity which may help reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and maintain a healthier weight — all factors that can reduce your risk of heart disease, among other benefits.

As a general rule, put tall veggies toward the back of the bed, mid-sized ones in the middle, and smaller plants in the front or as a border. Consider adding pollinator plants to attract beneficial insects that can not only help you get a better harvest, but will also prey on garden pests.

Other than leafy lettuces, amaranth, arugula, basil, beet greens, bok choy, chicory, cilantro, kale, mache, mustard greens, parsley, sorrel, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnip greens are all continuous harvest vegetables.

Locally grown vegetables reduce carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels. No plastic packaging is required when you harvest vegetables straight from the garden, which also reduces fossil fuel inputs. Pesticide and other chemical inputs can be much less in a small, well-tended garden than even a small farm.

You may burn as many calories as a workout in the gym. If you aren't used to these types of activities, it is likely that you will feel a bit sore after a busy day gardening. Gardening also can improve your balance, strength and flexibility. Gardening activities can be modified if movement is a challenge.

While two-foot beds aren't required to have a beautiful and productive garden, you do need at least 18 inches to grow certain plants.

How do you maximize vegetable yield? ›

Frequent watering and feeding are some of the most important parts of encouraging a big harvest. Keep watering and feeding even when your plants start to be ready to harvest. Plants like tomatoes and beans need lots of water and nutrients. This will increase crop quality and yield.

Use row covers, low tunnels and cold frames to offer that all-important additional warmth and shelter. Summer salads and tender plants such as cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes will continue to ripen so long as they're protected from frost, enabling late starters to play catch up and yield a tasty harvest.