Hi Gertrude,

There could be many reasons for vegetable crop failures. Weather, lack of moisture, pests, disease, depleted soil to mention a few.

Many cases with a well established garden the nutrition value has been depleted with repeat planting of one family of vegetables in the same spot for a number of years. Normally you do not want to plant the same vegetable family in the same spot without a break of at least three years. For example say you planted tomatoes in the same spot for a couple of years. You rotated the crops and where you had the tomatoes you planted peppers. They are in the same family as tomatoes and the peppers will not flourish in that area. For a better explanation go to: https://u.osu.edu/growingfranklin/2018/05/15/crop-rotation-and-vegetable-families 

 It is best to have a baseline to start your efforts. Start by getting a soil test. You can purchase a soil test through your local extension office for about $15.00. The office is at 2055 Reading Road, Suite 500, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Phone number is<personal data hidden>. They also have instructions on how to prepare your test. Mail that in and the results will indicate what your soil is deficient in allowing you to plan the amendments needed.

For more helpful inform go to https://ohioline.osu.edu and pick the category such as soil and enjoy reading the fact sheets.

I hope I have not been too chatty and have been helpful. 

Sincerely,

Mike Heys, Franklin County Master Gardener