Greetings from Southern NM

Hi, my name is Barb and I live in Las Cruces, NM. We're about 60 miles from the Mexican border. Started Table Top gardening last year, 8" deep . Have build my 2nd TT this spring, 10"deep with 2" of sand in the bottom. Tremendous success with the first TT, except for my root veggies, carrots and onions. Would not mature, about the size of pencil lead. Both TT's were built according to instructions in The Book. Contacted Mel with this problem. Possibly bad seeds. Used the same seeds this spring but also did some experimenting-our humidity in Las Cruces this spring is ranging from 5% to 20%, incredibly dry. I have cut up worn out 15"x12" sheets of plastic that I use for chopping veggies. Have put the plastic strips under the square foot dividers to form barriers for each square foot section. I water each section every morning with appr. 2 qts of water from a plastic pitcher. What a difference!! I am about to harvest my first crop of "mature carrots". More water and humidity did the trick.

Barb,
I too opted for the TT's they are grand. I like being so close to the plants without having to bend over. Good tip for the root crops, I am trying some for the first time this year. I have the traditional 6" depth and will be interested in seeing what developes.

Hi Shannon,
I agree, there's no way I could manage a ground level garden, the back couldn't handle it. Good luck with your root crops. My sister planted carrots and onions 2 years ago in a 6" garden. The carrots were stunted, about 2 1/2 to 3 inches long but oh so good. I just read what I think was a reply to your carrot problem. Something about the wind blowing under the TT gardens cooling off the soil. I'm going to try the carrots and other root crops in my 10" deep TT. Hopefully, the depth of soil will make a difference. Have you tried cauliflower or broccoli yet. I'm just now harvesting both. Heads are a little small but, wow, what flavor. Just a tip if you do try broccoli, when you harvest, leave the plant in the ground. I'm getting a second crop. Got that tip out of The Book. Let me know how your TT does.
Barb

I have grown and it did well so yummy. Grew it as a fall crop.