Hey Fruit Family 
I have a raised veg/fruit box which had tomatoes in it before but they got diseased so I removed all the dirt and replaced it with bags of new soil which were marked as specifically for raised beds. I planted 2 tomato plants (2 different varieties) and a basil plant and neither are growing! It’s been over 2 weeks now. The soil is evenly moist (I have irrigation) and at the weekend I added some compost. I’ve not fertilized them as I believe you shouldn’t have to if they are in new soil (though I do have some starter fertilizer I can use…). They are in full sun.
Any ideas on why they might not be growing? Or am I just being impatient?
@GiddyUp
I’m located in Vista CA, about 8 aerial miles inland from the Oceanside harbor. We have had months of continuous overcast skies and temperatures below 75°F until last Friday, when bam! all of a sudden the skies cleared for summer weather. I have plenty of seed packets for fruiting vegetables but didn’t bother starting them until now. If we have an extended summer into October we might get some fruit.
Yes thank heavens the weather here has changed! (I’m in Laguna Niguel) Are you saying you think maybe my plants haven’t grown due to lack of sun and that maybe they’ll get going now?
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Yup. It happens every year, but this time it was two months longer than usual in my location.
Interesting. Ok well I hope you’re right. Keeping my fingers crossed they start growing soon. Thanks!
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Update: I noticed some of the leaves going a blackish color - according to the www that means phosphorous deficiency. Given they are new plants would you use a starter fert or just a regular one?
I think your rationale for not fertilizing them may have been faulty. Most bagged soil mixes these days (especially inexpensive ones) are made from recycled lumber and do not contain fertilizer. IME tomatoes are heavy feeders. I always fertilize at planting time with Osmocote and epsom salts.
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