I've been reminded not to get too worked up over a poor harvest due to pests, weather, and other garden problems. mcaren, Did you manage to get any harvest this year? Did anything do well? Remember that this is all a learning experience. When one season's garden is dismal then either do things differently next year or if you can pinpoint weather as the underlying problem then perhaps next year will sort it's self out. Different crops might do better during different seasons for you. Adjust planting dates to try and avoid pests that migrate into your area late (There are many pests that migrate North during the summer and so might cause you more trouble in a fall garden than in a spring garden.) BT does work on leaf eating caterpillars and worms, you just have to apply regularly. The vine borers are a bit more challenging. Remember that bagged soil is often pretty sterile. Therefore, even though it is hand picked soil, it will take some time for the beneficial microbes to make their way in there. I don't know how big your garden is. Mine is pretty spread out since I tended to follow long lines of the irrigation system so I could hook up drip irrigation for my gardens. This might have made a longer edge to deal with weeds but it spread things out under different conditions so I could see what plants like more shade or more sun during different seasons in my climate. -I'm thinking that the things that wanted more shade during the earily fall might be able to grow in full sun in late fall so long as we don't get a freeze before they are done.- Anyway, don't get too discouraged. Remember, even if the plants do poorly you still get something to feed to your compost. Keep trying different things. If you are thinking it will be too busy a season for you to baby special plants, perhaps you should just grow a cover crop that season to improve your soil and help keep the weeds down. There are many cover crops that can be pretty as well (like maragolds.) Others can help attract beneficial insects. (FYI, a cover crop can be just about anything, you should make your choice based on what you want it to do, what is available, if you want it to winter kill, If you want any harvest from it, and how you need to deal with it to prepare for the next planting cycle. Some things shouldn't be mowed down until after they flower but before they seed in order to get rid of them.) Anyway, you will have to decide how much effort you want to put into gardening, remember it should still be fun and rewarding. Only do as much as you really want. Try new things, move stuff around, play with it.

"The soil food web depends on earthworms to break up the biggest particles, then fungi break up what the worms leave, then bacteria etc. work on what the fungi leave. Greatly simplified of course, but you get the idea." I like this above. I wish you could "like" on this site. "Zog use too many numbers, make head hurt." Funny! "This is the way I do it like I state to each thier own but reading some of these threads I think that some people are getting way to technical when in reality its dirt feed it and harvest your vegetables." Funny! "We used to have a killdeer in our garden every year and he would till around her." "Me too! but they can be tough buggers to see" "I think we're taxing the tox. I just referred to him elsewhere myself." You guys are funny! I am busting a gut on this thread!

going down.

1406. Fireplace Condition Safety Item. The flue is open into the attic; blocked by insulation. Recommend that a fireplace specialist permanently seal the opening with steel to prevent accidental heat or flames from entering the flue and attic spaces for safety. ====Fire hazard. My old house had signs of a previous attic fire. Did you ever have a chimney sweep inspect your chimney? 803. Walls Seek Further Review. 1.) Active leaking observed at the foundation wall. The framing at this area was extremely wet. Recommend repairs as needed. 2.) Efflorescence observed at foundation perimeter; this is a mineral deposit left behind from exterior water infiltration, recommend consulting sellers as to moisture problems or a licensed contractor for review. See gutter and carport slab comments. ===Well, there is leaking and the inspector thinks it might be from the gutters and carport slab. How do the gutters drain? . Some center posts have been removed and replaced with stacked blocks which may allow settlement to occur. Client is advised to consult licensed building contractor for additional information prior to closing. ===Is this in a basement or crawl space? Sounds like there is a support problem. . 1.) Flexible plastic drain tubing has been installed from the laundry is improperly connected into the plumbing waste lines near the hatch opening under the bathroom; improper or missing fitting noted. This line is also not properly sloped/supported for positive drainage. Evidence of leaking noted at the improper connection. 2.) Active drip type leak also observed at t\supply pipe fitting under the center bathroom. Recommend further review or repairs as needed by a qualified licensed plumber ===Someone played do-it-yourself-plumbing and didn't know what they were doing. If I was buying, I sure would like a plumber to go through the whole house first to see if there is any other diy. 1812. Distribution/ Ducts Repairs Needed. Ducts are lying on the ground at some areas. Recommend securing to framing or excavating under the ducts to prevent moisture and mold accumulation. Recommend review/repairs as required by a qualified licensed HVAC contractor. ===Ok, sounds like crawl space. And you have been losing heat/cooling through your ducts. Does this help?