The Edges of the Leaves on My Garden Vegetables Are Yellow

Season

• Vegetables grow in specific seasons and require ideal light and temperature conditions found in those seasons for survival. Sensitive summertime vegetable plants yellow and die with late spring frosts and the oncoming frost of fall. Cool-weather plants, on the other hand, yellow and burn in hot temperature and bright summer sunshine. Always plant vegetables according to the correct season.

Site and Sun

• According to the University of Illinois Extension, choosing the garden's location and correct sun exposure is the most important aspect of planting. All vegetables need at least six hours of sun every day to maintain healthy green growth and to bear fruit. Leaves yellow and die with too little light.

Soil

• The University of Illinois Extension also notes that every vegetable garden requires rich, well-dug soil and recommends careful soil preparation. Dig 4 inches of organic compost into the top 6 to 10 inches of natural soil before planting to provide a rich, loose and moist foundation for the vegetable plants. Add 5-10-5, 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer to increase nutrition for growth. Amend soil during the growing period with 2 inches of compost to the top 2 inches of natural soil. Leaves yellow with lack of nutrition in the soil, and compost provides long-lasting nutrition for growth and recovery.

Fertilizer

• Switch yellowing vegetable plants to organic or balanced fertilizer to reduce the acid content in the soil. Yellowing may signify overly strong fertilizer application or the wrong fertilizer balance. Use fish emulsion, organic fertilizer or 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 fertilizer per manufacturer directions to encourage healing without exacerbating the problem. When feeding the vegetables, keep the fertilizer off the foliage; the granules burn tender plant material. Always water the vegetable garden after fertilizing to help the granules dissolve.