Make sure that your vegetable garden doesn’t suffer from water stress. Most crops need an inch of water a week. If you are using deep mulch and the weather has been hot and dry, get down under the mulch and check to see that water is getting to the soil. Water at the base of the plants or at least water plants early enough so that they will be dry by nightfall. Don’t harvest or work with your plants when they are wet. These things help prevent fungal disease.

Insects may have to be removed by hand. For large bugs like bean beetles, a small hand vacuum can be used. For aphids and tiny bugs, a spray of soapy water may be enough. Use the special garden soaps, not dish soap, which may contain harsh chemicals that burn plants. There are also organic pest controls sold in garden stores now.

To avoid insect and disease problems, organic vegetable gardens should be thoroughly cleaned up in the fall. All old plant parts and fruit should be removed. If possible, rotate your vegetable crops so they are not growing in the same spot each year.