Ziay!

helen

i have a small veg. garden. it seems to do great the first two months.then the tom.squ.cucm.melons.the stalks dry out. i only have been adding new soil.i think i'm missing something in the soil. please help.

moriaaunt

It may seem obvious, but 2 months after those plants go in the ground it's very hot. Are you watering enough? Early in the morning? A drip system is best, because it avoids wetting the leaves and you can water a second time on a very hot day. Soaker hose is good, too.

New soil is good, but they also need fertilizing. An easy way to compost is to dig your hold 6" deeper than you need and put in raw compost material- fruit and veg peels, coffee grounds, egg shells - put the 6" soil back and stick in your plant. As the compost decomposes, it will feed your plant. And since it's targeted to your plant, keeps weeds down.