They have been getting one-size-fits-all fertilizing: once a week. Sounds like tomatoes and cukes need more, beans need less. How often would you suggest?

I was thinking the legginess could be sun. I will move the cucumbers for sure. (The only reason I questioned is because my other tomato plant, not pictured, is doing so well. I get dozens of cherry tomatoes a week from that one.)

Just one plant in the zuchinni container. It's about 18"^3

Thanks for the feedback. I have no clue what I'm doing here, but I'm going for it!!!

Stephanie... I'm not really going to offer advice on your situation, but after reading your last comment I wanted to say... good on ya! Doing, and getting your hands dirty in the process, is commendable! Making mistakes, and learning from them, is the best way to make lessons stick.

<They have been getting one-size-fits-all fertilizing: once a week. Sounds like tomatoes and cukes need more, beans need less. How often would you suggest? I was thinking the legginess could be sun. I will move the cucumbers for sure. (The only reason I questioned is because my other tomato plant, not pictured, is doing so well. I get dozens of cherry tomatoes a week from that one.) Just one plant in the zuchinni container. It's about 18"^3>

Ok if that is only 1 zucchini plant in there - it looks like at least 3 then it is getting too much fertilizer. That gives you lots of leaves and not many fruit. I would thin out about 1/3 of those leaves and cut back on the feeding by 1/2. You don't mention what fertilizer you are using and that makes a BIG difference as they all have different levels of nutrients. So would need to know the brand name to know how much and how often.

One type of fertilizer for all plants is ok but they need very different amounts. Quit feeding the beans - there is an old joke that beans will grow on concrete that has a bit of truth in it as legumes pull the nitrogen they need from the air. So again, need to know what fertilizer you are using.

They all need as much sun exposure as you can give them so move them if you can improve the sun exposure for them at all. If you have to choose between morning or afternoon sun, pick the morning.

The tomato plant needs to have all the infected foliage removed, bagged, and disposed of far away from the plants. Then they need to be sprayed with a fungicide to help slow down the grey mold taking them over. That plant might be beyond saving though.

As a very general guideline on fertilizer use - Feed the tomatoes and cukes a 1/2 strength feeding once a week and the pepper 1/2 strength once every two weeks.

Keep good notes on all you are learning this year. It will serve you well next year. :)

Dave

Also .. as I have learned the hard way do not over water. I know it seems like more is better but its not. The roots need to dry out a bit so they stretch for more water and get a bigger root ball which supports the plants. I deep soak of 1 inch of water a week is really all they need. If it really hot twice a week. And remember, its more of an art then a science.

As I was looking at most of the pictures specifically the leaves...most of your plants are quite infested maybe with bacteria, virus as well as fungus and the lack of phosphorus/potassium on your pepper resulting to curling of the leaves.

If you prefer not to uproot everything and to rehabilitate your plants, prune those leaves with infection. Do not compost those. As much as possible dispose those that it wont stay in your garden.

Though the fungus is soil born and is now inside the system of your plants, you try baking soda diluted in water. Say 1 tablespoon per liter. Apply it in the soil.

Another thing also so your area wont be infested with fungus is to have more sunlight. Try pruning the shades if there are so you will get 6-8 hours of sunlight. I bet your area has a lot of moist. Fungus loves to grow in moist and humid areas with organic matter.

Do you have aphids or insects in your plants? Those are the vectors of virus. Your tomato looks like it has a virus. Try eliminating those vectors...water splash may do or some acetic acid solution. If you are using some inorganic fertilizers, it may have a good effect on your plants but do take note of this - plants that do take inorganic fertilizers are good in producing aromatic amino acids. This attracts insects/pests. So be careful also in using this type of fertilizers.

If you want to have a lush vegetation/leaves, use the one with high on Nitrogen. Do not overuse this one too...you will end up having more leaves and no fruits. For flowering and fruiting, use the one with higher P and K elements. Ensure calcium too to prevent some flower as well as fruit rotting.

Oh well, we are being thought that NPK is the solution...well kind of cool thing but I still believe that it is about humic substances...