My vegetable garden doesn't grow. What could be wrong? (Please read details!)?

Question

I just built a raised bed and filled it with generic topsoil mixed with planting mix from a local garden center. I planted a couple tomato plants, cantelope, peppers and eggplant (transplanted from plants bought at a garden center), plus beans and corn from seed. At first everything looked great, but after a month, it hasn't really grown, the beans are turning yellow and leaves are dropping, the corn is still only a few inches tall and a few plants died, the tomatoes have a couple fruit each, but the bottom leaves are yellowing, and eggplant and peppers are also losing bottom leaves. The pepper set a couple peppers, but they fell off. The cantelope looks like a mini vine and is more yellow than green as well. The plot gets full sun almost the entire day (southern exposure), I water 2-3 times a week, and digging down a couple inches, the soil seems the correct wetness. I've also been fertilizing (10-15-10). The temp has been 70's to 80's. This is in southern Calif.

Answer 1

I really doubt it's the soil as much as it is that you are probably overwatering. Normally, the bottom leaves turning yellow and dropping off a plant is a good indication that you are overwatering. Tomato plants can normally stand a lot of water. Also, plants will grow less if they are being overwatered, so that may explain why your plants aren't growing good. If you had bad soil, the fertilizing should have taken care of it. I've seen great gardens grown in horrible soil. So, I disagree that it's the soil. I've even seen them grown before in a gravel driveway. Normally, if you see the top leaves start to curl a little or wilt, then you know you aren't watering enough. If you add too much fertilizer, the entire plant will start turning yellow because it's getting chemically "burnt". Just reduce the amount that you water. You can still water 2-3 times a week, just reduce the amount you give the plants. I'd say cut the amount of water you give them in half at least. Overwatering cuts off the oxygen to the plant and can cause the roots to rot, reducing the root system of the plant and making it more vulnerable later on of wilting easily (big plant, reduced root system). Sounds like everything is OK besides the water.

Also, it just hit me on the fertilizer you are using. I don't like the blend of fertilizer you are using. I believe it has too much phosphorous. The first number, ten, tells you how much nitrogen is in the fertilizer. The second number, fifteen, tells you how much phosphorous is in the fertilizer. And the third number tells you how much potassium is in the fertilizer. Nitrogen helps the leaves of the plant grow. I believe that number could be a little higher. The phosphorous is a little too high. For a garden, I don't recommend that the phosphorous be higher than the amount of nitrogen you are putting into the garden. It should be lower or the same as the amount of nitrogen. Potassium, the last number, helps the roots grow. I'd look for a fertilizer that has a little higher nitrogen concentration and a little lower phosphorous concentration.

Took agricultural engineering in college and studied soil science.

Good luck with your garden!

Answer 2

I swear there are more reasons that a garden does not grow than there are reasons that it does grow. The only things that I can guess are that you may be fertilizing too much and possibly too much water. Did you put some gravel in the bottom of your bed so that it can drain excessive water out? Stop fertilizing ! One shot of 10-15-10 before or at planting should be enough for the year. After that if you want to spray with a little Miracle Grow once in awhile it is ok. Just thought of it but the way you say everything is yellowing, it is possible that you could use some iron. The safest way is to take a couple of samples and have the soil analyzed by your county extension agent or take it to a garden center. Most of them will do it for you for free.

Answer 3

A lot of top soil sold today is worthless for gardening. Next time add some barnyard compost. And some miracle grow can't hurt either.

If your watering 3 times a week the "yellowing" your having may be a blight caused by too much water. Try watering less. Twice a week tops. You can use a mulch or grass clippings around your plants to help keep the moisture in the ground.

mike

Answer 4

You are probably watering too much. Your soil needs to dry out in between watering.Depending on your wind at70-80* once a week or even every 8-9 days. By over watering you can deplete your soil of iron, This causes yellowing of leaves, and poor yield on blooms (vegis). There is a product called Chelated iron ( pronounces Keeleted) it is a granule form, work it in slightly and water in. It is a little on the expensive side but a little goes a long way. Hold back on your fertilizer until you see a change in your plants,Then go on to your regular routine. Although you have already planted you can still amend your soil. Buy some very good mulch. place around all your plants 1-2 Inches scratch in in the best you can with out disturbing the roots. This will help a great deal. and it will lengthen the time in between watering, keeping the nutrients more balanced.
Losing the bottoms leaves are a sure sign of over watering (hence iron deficiency)Hang in there. be patient all will be fine!
God Bless
grandma

Answer 5

Make sure there are no weeds and mulch really well and you wont have to water so much. I am a big fan of mushroom compost. Work it in the soil and don't use any fertilizer after that. Also you made need some lime. I would do a soil test to see what you need to add. You can buy one at your garden center. Or take it to your nearest extention office.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

It is a waste of time to grow anything you don't like to eat. That said, Lettuces, beans, tomatoes, and the squash family are fairly good starter veggies. Radishes and onions, too. Start out with 4 varieties or so so that the garden is fun and not overwhelming, and keep a journal. It will be helpfull next year!

Answer 8

you may be fertilizing too much. Only every 30 days. Have you tried miracle grow? It works great. Also only water in the morning or afternoon, so they risk disease and fungus. You can also buy a soil test kit at pike nursuries, but sounds like not enough water on roots. Good luck

Answer 9

The local garden center you used would be your best resource but it sounds to me like you may have the soil packed too tight. Try aerating without disturbing the roots. Also if you don't see many bees and the like your pollination may be the culprit

Answer 10

Haven't thought about that