August Garden Lessons

Garden Failures and Surprises — What I’ll Try Differently Next Time

This summer threw more curveballs than usual. Between an unexpected hailstorm, a swarm of grasshoppers, and weeks without rain, my vegetable garden had a rough season. My brassicas—like broccoli and cabbage—never really took off, despite two separate rounds of transplanting. But every season is a teacher, and here’s what I learned from my garden’s failures and surprises this year.

🌩️ Hailstorm Havoc

It came out of nowhere—pelting hail that shredded leaves and broke young stems in minutes. My early seedlings didn’t stand a chance. While hail isn’t something we can predict,

I’m preparing better for next time with:

• Floating row covers or DIY mini-hoop tunnels to protect tender seedlings.

• Staggered planting so not everything is at the same vulnerable stage at once.

🦗 Grasshoppers Took Over

Once the weather warmed up, grasshoppers moved in—and stayed. They chewed through my beet leaves, rhubarb and brassicas. Despite starting over with fresh transplants, I couldn’t keep ahead of them.

Next time, I plan to:

• Use row covers early, before grasshoppers get established.

• Plant trap crops like lettuce or clover to draw pests away.

• Encourage natural predators like birds and frogs by adding water sources and diverse plantings.

☀️ Dry Soil & Heatwave Woes

This season brought long, hot spells and very little rain. The soil dried out fast, and even though I watered regularly, it wasn’t enough to help new transplants settle in. My cucumbers, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower stalled in the heat and dry soil.

Here’s what I’ll change:

• Prep the soil with more compost and other soil amendments to boost moisture retention.

• Mulch early and generously to keep the soil cool and moist.

• Use shade cloth during transplanting to ease heat stress.

🌿 Some Pleasant Surprises

It wasn’t all bad! A few things unexpectedly did great:

• My lettuce was great and gave me more than I could use.

• Carrots and Potatoes, proving that clay soil can produce good crops even when dry.

• Volunteer spinach from my compost produced some tastiness for my salads.

🌱 Final Thoughts

This season tested my patience and creativity, but it also reminded me that no garden year is ever wasted. Even with setbacks, every experience teaches us something valuable. I am focusing on making more great compost to put on my garden beds next season.

Have you faced your own garden challenges this summer? Share your story in the comments below—let’s learn together.

For videos Subscribe to my NEW youtube channel:

Your Veggie Helper Youtube

New to gardening? Design Plans to get started:

Vegetable Garden Plans for your Rasised Beds
Vegetable Garden Plans for Square foot Gardens
Vegetable Garden Plans for Row Gardening

Join my facebook group

I would love to hear why you garden. Also, if you have any questions or comments please check out my Facebook group and lets chat. www.facebook.com/groups/veggiegardenhelper

Spread the word

Get everyone growing a few of their own veggies. Forward this FREE ezine to a friend. Happy gardening!

Catherine
your-vegetable-gardening-helper

Back to Back Issues Page