tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151510507709820575.post6610778624550858429..comments2012-08-20T08:32:14.518-07:00Comments on The Cautious Gardener: Why Aren't My Greens Growing?Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15220435677230258165noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151510507709820575.post-8268703110492637712012-06-10T15:48:41.083-07:002012-06-10T15:48:41.083-07:00thanks for your response. I did add fish emulsion...thanks for your response. I did add fish emulsion (yes, it stinks - lol). It has done better over the past few days perhaps because the days have been a bit cooler and cloudier. I was able to cut a few leaves and we are having our first home grown salad tonight!Nikkihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15220435677230258165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151510507709820575.post-75805075756008552382012-06-10T07:15:18.516-07:002012-06-10T07:15:18.516-07:00Ditto what Daphne and Annie said. I would guess i...Ditto what Daphne and Annie said. I would guess it is a soil issue. I also think those are a lot of plants for that size container. You also said you moved it out of full sun. This only helps to keep the plant from bolting in heat. If it is not too hot then perhaps try moving them back in the sun. Fish emulsion can also help boost the nitrogen content of your soil (be warned it stinks).Adventures in Agriburbiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08597160412036741050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151510507709820575.post-20398549537345634842012-06-05T08:52:42.152-07:002012-06-05T08:52:42.152-07:00Thanks Daphne. Your harvests always look so amazi...Thanks Daphne. Your harvests always look so amazing! I am jealous. I will try the fertilizer and see how it works!Nikkihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15220435677230258165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151510507709820575.post-30209551620429602762012-06-05T08:51:49.523-07:002012-06-05T08:51:49.523-07:00Thanks Granny (not Annie, I know!) I am pretty sur...Thanks Granny (not Annie, I know!) I am pretty sure I used potting mix, but who knows - i guess it's possible I made a mistake. I will take your advice and get the alfalfa pellets. Thanks!Nikkihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15220435677230258165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151510507709820575.post-80563286773631570252012-06-05T03:41:56.904-07:002012-06-05T03:41:56.904-07:00Granny about covered it. My first thought would be...Granny about covered it. My first thought would be the soil is not right for containers. Or if you used old potting mix (one that has been used before) sometimes the pH gets too low because they are mostly made from peat moss which is acidic. They put in lime to counter act that, but it washes out by the next year. And if there aren't enough nutrients in the soil, you need to fertilize. And if the water is too wet the roots rot, too low and they wilt. So basically what she said.Daphne Gouldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17305049560953735881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151510507709820575.post-15896747047270408322012-06-04T20:27:06.202-07:002012-06-04T20:27:06.202-07:00You may have to buy yourself some good potting mix...You may have to buy yourself some good potting mix. Not potting soil, potting MIX. Potting soil is too heavy for container plants and compacts to restrict the roots. Some mixes already have slow release fertilizer in them, but if not, get a bag of alfalfa pellets (rabbit food, available at any pet store or Walmart) and dig in a couple of handfuls into each container. It works great as an organic, non burning nitrogen for greens. Keep the potting mix damp, but not soggy. Never let it dry out completely. If it gets too hot, provide some shade. Good luck!Annie*s Grannyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04772261218172078099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151510507709820575.post-25527354342559912122012-06-04T19:37:22.600-07:002012-06-04T19:37:22.600-07:00Thanks Lisa. I will try your suggestions. It'...Thanks Lisa. I will try your suggestions. It's mostly been unseasonably warm here, although every so often we have a cool day. I did plant some new seeds in a new container and did sow them a bit thicker. maybe that will help ... I will keep them in partial rather than full sun. I bought some covers to keep them a bit cooler and protected from the sun (and bugs). thanks again!Nikkihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15220435677230258165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151510507709820575.post-84494932080616325152012-06-04T17:31:35.067-07:002012-06-04T17:31:35.067-07:00The only thing I would suggest is only planting le...The only thing I would suggest is only planting lettuce in your planter box and another separate box for the chard. Sow your seeds a little thicker, not much but a little and don't let the soil dry out for lettuce. <br /><br />Depending upon your temperatures (New Jersey has been cool and cloudy??) lettuce doesn't like it too hot. Once it starts getting hot move your boxes to partial sun.Lisa B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08117238535383493210noreply@blogger.com