Managing the soil's condition and fertility levels will ensure a bountiful harvest from year to year. Compost should be added after harvest in the fall as well as when you plant in the spring. Compost will add organic matter and fibre to the soil. This is very important when we are demanding a healthy vegetable crop from a small plot of land. The soil would not naturally produce pumpkins suitable for the local county fair, so adding nutrients will help to make the soil more productive.
Compost contains a small percentage of the essential plant nutrients required by vegetables.
Additional plant nutrients are added by applying granular fertilizers before planting, during growth and after harvest. A balanced vegetable fertilizer will keep the soil in good shape so that it can produce healthy vegetables from year to year. There are many choices of fertilizers for vegetable gardening and it can be difficult to decide which one is the best for your situation. To thoroughly understand your soil, you are well advised to have your soil tested. This test will tell you whether you are deficient in phosphorous, potassium, magnesium and calcium.