Avoid planting the same kind of crop in the same place each year. Use related crops in one site once every three or four years. Thin young plants to proper spacing. As with any gardening venture, small precautions can make a big difference in yields and quality. Water in the morning so plants have time to dry before the cool evening.
Drip irrigation prevents the foliage from getting wet.
For plants susceptible to fungus infections, leave extra space between plants to allow good air flow and orient rows so prevailing winds will help foliage dry quickly after a rain or watering. To prevent spreading diseases, stay out of the garden when the plants are wet with rain or dew. Stake plants or plant them in wire cages to prevent the fruit from touching the soil and rotting. Boards or a light, open mulch, such as straw placed beneath melons, will prevent rotting. Use a mulch to reduce soil splash, which brings soil-borne diseases into contact with lower leaves.