I put new potting soil and cow manure, but something must be missing in the ground or I am really doing something wrong. Please help.
There could be a lot of reasons, but here are some things I would check:
If you are concerned about the soil, get a soil sample and take it to the local extension center for evaluation.
Make sure you are planting in the proper light, for example, full sun, part sun or shade, for the plants you are planting. A plant recommended for shade will burn up in full sun. The tag will specify. It will also tell what zone the plant thrives in and make sure it is your zone 5.
Water only when rainfall is insufficient. Many plants die of overwatering.
A little cow manure goes a long way. Just spread about an inch on top of the soil and work in once a year.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/compost-as-soil-amendment.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/how-to-start-your-flower-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/zone-5-gardening.htm
We have a relatively short growing season 100 to 115 days. Tomatoes have been my biggest problem. I get green tomatoes but they do not ripen. Help I have wireworms. I have tried getting rid of them by growing Buckwheat. I have not been totally successful. Is there any other non chemical procedure I might try?
Tomatoes will be very tricky in your zone, unless you grow them indoors. If you can transplant a mature plant outside, you may get a harvest.
Generally, you will treat your area as we would treat our zone 4.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-4/zone-4-seed-starting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-4/gardening-in-zone-4.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/planting-zones/are-canada-zones-similar-to-us.htm
I have a small patio and can only grow plants in containers.Perhaps upside down does not work in this case?
Plants are not "designed" to grow upside down, and unfortunately, these containers are more for novelty.
Shelves, and small sets of stairs are good for saving space and making the most of a small area for growing, though!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/urban/biointensive-balcony-gardening.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/urban/growing-a-balcony-vertical-garden.htm
Like growing apples, cherries, apricots, pear etc
You need to grow fruit trees that are well adapted for your climate. I looked up your average weather and you may not have enough winter chill time for certain fruits. You can visit with a nearby nursery and see what they recommend. Citrus may do well.
Most vegetables can be grown in either cool months or warm months. And some vegetables need a long growing period.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/zone-8-apple-trees.htm
What if you happen to plant corn watermelon gr. Peppers cantaloupe oh and tomatoes in a 12 foot. By 8 rectangular dirt area just asking for a friend
Tomatoes shouldn't be planted near corn, however, it can be beneficial to grow corn near peppers. She may have a space issue as watermelon and cantaloupe need lots of space. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/tomato-plant-companions.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/watermelon/watermelon-companion-planting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pepper/pepper-plant-companions.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/cantaloupe/growing-cantaloupe.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/watermelon/growing-watermelon.htm
I have 2 at either end of a flower bed, about 15 feet apart. They were very happy in spring but now the stems are white and the flowers are dying. I was deadheading, feeding and watering them
Unfortunately, the type of plant in question is not mentioned. I will be unable to answer the question, as it will be important to know what plant is in peril to diagnose the issue.
Will a new stem regrow?
I don't know what the plant is, so it's hard to say whether that is normal. If that was the end of its life cycle, turning yellow would be normal, but not necessarily falling off. Could be a fungal issue involved.
If it's a perennial, it should grow back next spring.