✅ Prevention Checklist

Morning Routine 5 minutes

• Visual Inspection – Walk through garden, look for any changes
• Check Soil Moisture – Finger test top 1-2 inches
• Water if Needed – Early morning is best time
• Look for Pests – Check undersides of a few leaves
• Remove Dead Material – Dead leaves, fallen fruit, debris

What to Look For:

• Any wilting or drooping
• New yellow/brown spots
• Insects visible
• Soil pulling away from pot
• Any dramatic overnight changes

Pro Tip: Same time daily helps you notice changes quickly

Evening Quick Check 2 minutes

• Did plants recover? – If wilted in afternoon, check if perked up
• Close vents/covers – If cold night expected
• Turn on lights – If using grow lights

Sunday Garden Session 30-45 min

• Deep Inspection – Check EVERY plant thoroughly
• Pest Hunt – Look under leaves with magnifying glass
• Feed Plants – Liquid fertilizer (dilute strength weekly)
• Prune Dead/Diseased Material – Clean cuts with sharp shears
• Clean Leaves – Wipe dust off large leaves
• Check Supports – Adjust stakes, trellises, ties
• Test Soil pH – Spot check 2-3 plants
• Rotate Pots – For even sun exposure
• Clean Tools – Disinfect pruning shears, spray bottles
• Water Check – Is drip system working? Any clogs?

Detailed Pest Check:

• Undersides of leaves (aphids, whiteflies)
• Leaf joints where stem meets leaf (mealybugs)
• New growth tips (aphids love these)
• Soil surface (fungus gnats)
• Around base of stem (cutworms at night)

Deep Maintenance 1 hour

• Fertilize – Full-strength if not doing weekly dilute
• Flush Pots – Water until drains out (prevents salt buildup)
• Mulch Check – Add fresh if depleted
• Companion Plant Maintenance – Trim marigolds, herbs
• Check Irrigation – Clean filters, check for leaks
• Inspect Stored Produce – Remove any rotting items

Monthly Deep Clean 1-2 hours

• Soil Test – NPK and pH for representative samples
• Pest Trap Check – Replace sticky traps, beer traps
• Clean Pots/Containers – Remove algae, mineral deposits
• Organize Supplies – Check expiry dates, restock
• Sharpen Tools – Pruners, hoes, shovels
• Review Records – Update garden journal
• Plan Ahead – What to plant next month?
• Compost Turn – Aerate compost pile
• Check Seeds – Germination test on stored seeds
• Equipment Maintenance – Pumps, timers, sensors

Spring (March-May)

• Plant warm-season crops
• Increase watering frequency
• Add shade structures for summer
• Start pest monitoring (populations increase)
• Prune winter damage
• Refresh soil/compost in beds

Monsoon (June-September)

• Improve drainage (prevent waterlogging)
• Increase fungal disease monitoring
• Cover sensitive plants during heavy rain
• Reduce/stop watering (rain sufficient)
• Support heavy fruiting branches
• Check gutters/rainwater systems

Post-Monsoon (October-November)

• Plant cool-season crops
• Resume regular watering
• Harvest monsoon crops
• Prepare for winter
• Deep clean after monsoon
• Replenish mulch

Winter (December-February)

• Protect from frost (if applicable)
• Reduce watering frequency
• Harvest winter crops
• Plan spring garden
• Deep maintenance (less active growth)
• Order seeds for spring

Physical Setup

• Proper Spacing – Leave room for air circulation (6-12″ between plants)
• Good Drainage – Holes in all pots, raised beds if needed
• Right Location – 6-8 hours sun for most vegetables
• Quality Soil – Start with good potting mix or improved garden soil
• Mulch Layer – 2-3 inches organic mulch
• Support Structures – Stakes, trellises before plants need them
• Irrigation System – Drip or soaker hose (save time, prevent disease)

Companion Planting (Natural Pest Control)

• Marigolds – Repel aphids, whiteflies (plant around perimeter)
• Basil – Repels flies, mosquitoes (near tomatoes)
• Mint – Repels ants, aphids (keep in pot – spreads!)
• Garlic/Onions – General pest deterrent
• Nasturtiums – Trap crop for aphids (they attack these first)
• Dill/Fennel – Attracts beneficial insects

Monitoring Tools Setup

• Mount soil moisture sensor in key location
• Hang min/max thermometer
• Install yellow sticky traps near susceptible plants
• Set up weather alerts on phone
• Create garden journal (physical or app)

Daily (Morning – 5 min)

• Walk through, visual check
• Check soil moisture (finger test)
• Water if needed
• Quick pest look
• Remove dead stuff

Weekly (Sunday – 30 min)

• Deep inspection every plant
• Pest hunt (magnifying glass)
• Feed plants (dilute liquid)
• Prune dead/diseased
• Clean tools

Monthly (1st Sunday – 2 hrs)

• Soil test (pH, NPK)
• Replace traps
• Deep clean pots
• Organize supplies
• Update journal