Question
We moved into our new house last year and this spring I planted a few pepper plants, tomato plants and a few zuzzhini plants. It's been over 3 months and the plants have not grown more then 2-3 inches from the time I planted the plants. The tomato plants have 3-4 small fruits about 2". The peppers plants have produced one small pepper about 1-2" but both have fallen off the plants. I know the problem is with the soil but don't know how to condition the soil. The soil is hard, dark and absorbs water very slowly. In the spring I plan to till lots of sand to lossen and airate the soil and mix in lots of lime to sweeten the soil. I'm I on the right track? We live in central NJ in the higher elevation and the  surrounding area has lots of shale soil. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Frank, only add lime if you need to. Have your soil tested and then adjust the pH if necessary.  A little sand is good, but use more organic matter. Start saving leaves this fall.  When people start bagging their leaves and leaving them for pick up, gather them up also.
In the spring, spread the leaves 4-6 inches deep and then till the area until you have a uniform consistency about 12 inches deep.
Any other organic matter you can add is fine...manure, etc. but leaves are free and a favorite of mine.  
Fertilize in the spring based on your soil test and you should have an excellent garden.  Jim