Why Is My Vegetable Garden Turning Brown and Dying?

Too Much Water

• Although all plants need water to live and grow, too much of a good thing can devastate a garden. When soil becomes water-logged, it prevents oxygen from reaching the roots. Without oxygen, plants soon shrivel and die. This results in dead, brown vegetation. Improving drainage by adding organic matter and reducing watering can eliminate problems with soggy soil.

Too Little Water

• Just as too much water can kill your garden, a lack of water produces the same results. Without adequate water, plants are not able to maintain turgor -- the pressure inside the cell that holds the plant upright -- and cannot perform photosynthesis. Rapid wilting occurs, and without water replacement, the vegetation continues to deteriorate quickly, resulting in dead, brown vegetation.

Too Much Fertilizer

• Many gardeners make the error of thinking that if a little fertilizer promotes vigorous growth, adding more will boost growth even more. Unfortunately, this simply isn't the case. Excessive fertilizer burns young roots and stems and may kill the entire plant. The biggest danger from excessive fertilizer lies in a buildup of salts in the soil. When salt levels are high, roots cannot access either water or nutrients. This can result in dead, brown vegetation.

Contaminated Soil

• Contaminated soil may be the culprit, if your entire garden is dying, as it may interfere with your vegetable garden's ability to uptake water and nutrients. Common contaminants include petroleum-based products, such as gas or fuel runoff from a spill, salt runoff from nearby roads or other chemicals that may have been disposed of in the soil. Your local agricultural extension office can provide soil testing services and may even be able to evaluate whether your soil is contaminated.

Insects

• In some instances, the entire garden may become infested with insects that indiscriminately attack all vegetation, but this depends on your location and the insects that thrive in your area. If you suspect insect infestation, contact your local agricultural extension office to help identify the specific insect pest. Follow their instructions for treating your garden.