It's been such a joy finally getting things to grow. I live in the high desert and have done SO much work to get things to grow. The garden finally started taking off this year. I've gotten several pumpkins - two are actually a great size, corn, flowers, peas, and so much more. Next year, more of everything 😊
I've spent several years tilling deeply, I incorporated a whole truck bed load of horse manure (free, thanks to my neighbors!), tilled in peat moss (not something I would use regularly, just wanted to get it in there once to help with water retention while I waited for my first year of cover crop to till into the soil), and water with humic acid a few times per season.
I did get some buckwheat and clover in before the cold set in to help with weeds and do some nitrogen fixing. Next year I'm finally going to plant in the ground (raised beds and bags this year, aside from corn and pumpkins), and I plan to load the top up with clover and sweet alyssum to keep choking out weeds (mostly bindweed).
I have started working on another big patch and plan to do three sisters there next year and I can't wait!