I hereby declare my summer gardening over. The vegetable harvest is done. The only thing on a plant is an inch and a half long red pepper that never grew big enough to harvest.
This year was more successful than last. Our four cucumber plants produced over a dozen tasty treats. The kids loved eating sliced cucumber still warm from the sun. I wish the other plants had been half as productive. From four green pepper plants, we harvested a single green pepper in addition to the non-grower. Of the eight tomato plants, only the patio tomato provided produce in the form of nine two to three-inch round tomatoes. The herbs grew and we had fresh basil most of the summer. Still, as I assess this past season, it goes in the failure category.
Now is the time to repeat the same pledge I made this time last year. “This is the last year I try a backyard garden.”
Lyra's Musings 
It really can be so discouraging. Any notion of what’s giving you trouble? I have been, in the past, a complete over waterer and so had VERY limited success for multiple years. This year I chose to lean in the direction of neglect and had a much better season. And still, I consistently tell myself I won’t do it next year… until I see those seeds.
I suspect I have too much shade, but watering may be the problem too. Last year the squirrels stole most of my tomatoes and cukes. This year I put out bowls of water and they left stuff alone. Every year something different.
Sent from Lyra’s iPod
It does seem to change all the time – I struggle with the squirrels as well, and I agree their thirst seems to be the driver.
I had a disastrous attempt at my gutter garden — along the garage wall. Planted too soon in the CO cold? Too late? Not enough water? Yield: about 6 leaves of kale, 6 of spinach. My herbs and mint did well. My tomatoes — why did I ever try to grow from seeds? I’m going to try again next year!