We have found that the garden varies from year to year even though we think we treat it about the same with fertilizer, manure, and the like.
For example, last year our hot peppers did not stop coming until the frost. This year, we were lucky to get a few.
Some years one fruit/veggie will do well, the next year the plants may die or we just pull them out to end their, and our, misery.
We buy our plants as little guys at the local markets (including Walmart, etc).
Don't know if the problem is that the source of the plants we get from year to year differs, the weather, or a combination plus other factors (unknown to us).
This was not a spectacular year whereas last year was a great one for many of our plants. But even in good years we always have several disasters.
We are just grateful for what we get, try to figure out if there is something better we can do next season, and forget about it.
This probably does not help a whit, but just want you to know that you are not alone in your frustraton with the contrariness of the garden.
As an old Brooklyn Dodger fan (there are still a few of us left), I am used to trying to accept defeats, and enjoying successes, no matter how limited they may be.
But as we Brooklyn Bums used to say when the Yankees beat us again, year after year, is wait until next year.
Take care and God bless.
