Hi all! I have searched and searched this site and still haven't found similar issue and answer in an existing thread so I thought I'd start a new one. Here's the problem:
I am in Zone 6 (I think, it's central Ky). I live in an apartment and have a screened in patio that is surrounded for the most part by trees and bushes. We get light in specific areas at certain times of day so I have marked it and tracked it to be sure my plants are getting the most optimal amount of sun I can give them.
I planted a few kale, red leaf lettuce and butter lettuce as reap and regrow options, along with some other plants that are doing well. The greens are my problem plants. I started from seedlings purchased from a reputable farmer at the farmers' market. In the pots I have organic potting soil and have kept my plants well watered, done worm tea, and a fish emulsion. My lettuces after 1 harvesting never regrew, and turned very very paper like, got spots and turned brown and are basically dead. The soil on the surface was dry and almost crusty, but just beneath the surface was black and moist like it just came from the bag. My Kale has the same issue, it has not died yet but isn't growing at all! It's soil is dry and crusty with what looks like a film over it. But still looks moist and healthy just under the surface. What are your thoughts and some ideas I can work with to get this kale growing and keep my next batch of lettuce alive long enough to eat?
Thanks!
~Emilia
