Hey everyone! I impulsively started a garden this year with my mom after moving, but I've hardly harvested anything. I've planted a variety of things including bell peppers, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, kale, pumpkins, and some herbs directly into the ground. So far, my best yield has been from the kale. I've only managed to get a few small cucumbers and a couple of half-sized squash. I'm starting to think the soil isn't great since I've lost several plants right after planting and it always feels super dry. I've been fertilizing weekly with Miracle Grow on the roots and trying to keep them watered throughout the day, but they just won't produce any fruit. Is poor soil the issue here? How can I improve it for next year? Also, some of my bell peppers and zucchini have been shriveling up—could the heat be affecting them?
1 Answer
It sounds like your fertilizer could be part of the problem. Miracle Grow is good for fast growth, but it often leads to weaker plants. Have you thought about using fish fertilizer instead? It’s more balanced and better for long-term growth. You might also want to try chicken pellet fertilizer in the fall to enrich your soil. To improve your soil, consider composting with different materials, like worm castings, and using mulch to retain moisture. Mulch helps stop disease and keeps your veggies hydrated!
Yeah, that makes sense! My cucumbers are super sensitive, so I’ll look into some better fertilizers that won’t break the bank.