I set up a big raised bed garden, an orchard, and a greenhouse over the winter. When spring rolled around, I ran out of time to start seeds, so I resorted to buying 'starts' from a local garden center, including some from Bonnie plants (which I've heard mixed things about). Unfortunately, every one of them is struggling and yellowing. Meanwhile, everything I started from seed in the beds is thriving. I thought it might be the temperatures since I planted mostly peppers and tomatoes, but with central Texas hitting high 80s already, I'm not sure that's it. I'm also adjusting my drip irrigation, so I wondered if I might be overwatering. I even used a kelp emulsion treatment on them. My potatoes, asparagus, flowers, corn, and sweet potatoes are looking fantastic and deep green, so it's really confusing. Are these starts doomed, or is there something I might be overlooking?
4 Answers
Buying nursery plants from big box stores may get a bad rap, but honestly, I've had decent luck with them too. They wouldn’t still be in business if every plant died off right after sale. For your yellowing plants, it could be due to light or nutrient issues. Since you seem to have ample sun, it's probably worth throwing in some fertilizer. If it’s just transplant shock from the nursery, give them some time to adjust to their new home. Also, check for overwatering since that can show similar symptoms!
Photos would also help figure things out! It’s tough when the weather throws a curveball during your plants’ critical adjustment phase. Maybe stress from winds and high heat is exacerbating the issue, making it harder for those starts to establish. Just keep an eye on them and adjust as you go!
How long have you had those starts in the ground? Size could also affect how well they adapt. If they’re still small, it might just take some time before they settle in.
I know pictures can help! But it sounds like you’re on top of the watering aspect. Just keep monitoring the moisture levels with that meter you mentioned. Yellowing could also hint at nutrient deficiencies, so if you have Fox Farms fertilizers handy, they might be a quick fix while you wait for your compost to mature. Corn and sweet potatoes are doing well so at least something is thriving in your garden!
Yeah, especially with the high winds we’ve had in Texas lately. Those conditions can stress out plants. Maybe they're losing moisture faster than you expect. Plus, if mulch got mixed into your soil from delivery, the nitrogen loss could definitely be a problem! You're on the right track with the mushroom compost. I’d think about getting some nutrients in soon to help them bounce back.