Why Are My Potatoes And Tomatoes No Good This Time?

Question

Last year was very poor for tomatoes so this year I bought in some garden ready plugs as well as planting a few seeds. They are all very poor and not growing at all. Clearly they will not now produce. They are in the soil. On top of this I have just harvested my container grown second early charlotte and I could practically count them on one hand. Why after all these years? Some lavender I planted from garden ready plugs have also stayed small. I seem to have jinxed them all but am wondering why as I am experienced at growing these things.

Answer 1

You may want to have your soil tested. There could be something amiss there. Also, it is best to rotate your planting areas; do not plant tomatoes and potatoes in the same space each year, or at least change them every three years. Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/rotating-vegetables.htm

Each spring, it helps to add some compost or aged manure to the soil before planting or you can side-dress perennials.

All plants need the proper nutrition, sunlight, and water. Make sure your plants are receiving those and they should produce. Be vigilant for insects and disease.

These articles should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/why-plants-wont-establish.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/tips-for-growing-tomatoes.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/potato/how-to-grow-potatoes-when-to-plant-potatoes.htm