Featuring advice from Haley Kerner, Campus Farm Assistant Program Manager 

By mid-summer, home vegetable gardens are in full swing, and so are the challenges. From mystery pests to thirsty plants, this is the season when your plants start talking back. We caught up with Campus Farm Assistant Program Manager Haley Kerner to get her take on the most common summer struggles and how to keep your garden thriving through the heat.

One of the most important skills for gardeners, Haley says, is learning to recognize pests and diseases early before they can cause serious damage. “It’s all about observation,” she explains. Checking leaves for holes, spotting discoloration, or noticing wilting can give you clues about what’s happening with your plants. At the Campus Farm, some pests like tomato hornworms are easy to identify and remove by hand. Smaller pests, such as flea beetles that nibble on brassicas like bok choy and broccoli, are trickier but can be managed with row covers, lightweight mesh fabric draped over plants to keep insects out until the plants are strong enough for pollination.

Sunlight plays a crucial role in plant health, and Haley notes that many home gardeners struggle with limited space or shade. “Vegetables generally need six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive,” she says. When sunlight is limited, gardeners might see slow growth or reduced production. In those cases, Haley recommends prioritizing sun-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers for the brightest spots, while planting leafy greens such as lettuce in shadier areas.

Water management can be challenging, especially for those new to gardening. Haley recommends a general guideline of one to two inches of water per week. “You want to keep soil consistently watered but not soggy,” she explains. Using your finger to check moisture a couple of inches below the surface can help. Young seedlings and direct-seeded crops require more frequent watering to support germination, while established plants can tolerate a bit less.

Blossom end rot, a common issue where tomatoes or zucchinis develop sunken, dark spots on their bottoms, is often caused by uneven watering rather than calcium deficiency in the soil. Since calcium travels through water inside the plant, fluctuating moisture levels can prevent the fruit from absorbing enough calcium to stay healthy. Regular, even watering helps prevent this condition.

Yellowing leaves sometimes signal a nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen, which many home gardens lack. At the Campus Farm, the team uses a compost-based fertilizer with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels (5-4-5), adjusting application based on crop needs. Compost also plays a vital role, building long-term soil health and improving nutrient availability.

In addition to managing soil, sun, and water, Haley encourages home gardeners to adopt a couple of simple habits that can make a big difference over time. The first: keep a garden journal. “If there’s anything you want to remember, such as a variety you liked, something that worked well or didn’t, write it down,” she says. A quick photo or note on your phone can be a useful reference when planning next year’s garden.

The second tip: rotate your crops. Planting the same vegetables in the same spots year after year gives pests and diseases a head start. Even a small shift in layout can help disrupt their cycles and set your plants up for a healthier season.

Summer gardening can be a rewarding adventure, but it takes attention and adaptability. With a little practice observing plants, managing water and nutrients, and staying curious about what your garden is telling you, you can keep your vegetable patch thriving through the heat.