Three major section of my raised beds are growing nothing but weeds. I have a few theories, but I’m not entirely sure. I’m hoping to narrow down the possibilities so I can figure out what to do about the problem.

Suspect number one: poor seeds

• The basket of seeds got soaked when I left it out overnight. I successfully dried the packages, but did I manage to destroy their viability?
• I like to stock up during late season clearance sales. The seeds I used could have been old.

Suspect number two: feathered and furry creatures

• Birds! I suspect cardinals in the demise of my butterfly garden seed mat.
• Chipmunks! Or chipmunk! Darn thing slips through the tiniest gaps in the fencing, and I find holes all over.
• Rabbits? Not likely this time. The wire fencing is pretty good.

Suspect number three: random environmental influences

• Seeds planted too late
• Weather – too hot
• Weather – too cold
• Weather – too wet
• Poor soil – doubtful. Treating my soil with compost, etc., would take a number of posts. The green “walking” onions around the edges are growing beautifully, too.

Incidentally, the pallet garden and the various containers are doing very well. Herbs, mainly, along with a few leafy edibles and flowers, all thriving. The rest? I’ll keep trying to make it work. Promote growth. Plant something that comes up, already.

Readers, suggestions? I have a gauge for testing soil pH. I might try that. What else do you recommend?