leaves (chard, peas) going yellow... any suggestions?

[salome2001]

Hi all, hope someone can help me

I have planted out indoor-sown swiss chard, perpetual spinach and Meteor peas in 2 beds on the plot about 4 weeks ago, and all of the plants are looking distinctly sulky, with yellowing leaves. There is no pattern to it, just generally going lime green to yellow.

I am wondering if it could be a problem with nutrient or pH imbalance: these beds were the site of a massive bonfire (plant and wood waste only) last November and I admit that in the end I got sick of sieving wheelbarrow loads of ash and a good deal of it got mixed into the soil in the beds.

I haven't checked the pH (didn't have the meter on me today). A bit of a search on the RHS website suggests possibly nitrogen deficiency??

Could the ash be a problem?

If it is nitrogen deficiency, would I be best to add
- Rockdust
- Calcified seaweed (both of which I have)

or something else?? Pelleted chicken poop? (Please don't suggest comfrey, I think I have the only plot in the UK that doesn't have any.)

[Two_Sheds]

Your plants were grown indoors? Did you harden them off before putting them on the lotty?

[salome2001]

yes. they spent about 4 weeks in the cold frame outside with the top closed at night

the swiss chard was actually overwintered from last November. Totally wrong time of year but they were handouts as seedlings from an organic nursery that gave a "kitchen garden" talk at the local library.

they all seemed to be doing really well indoors (unheated conservatory) and the cold frame

[Two_Sheds]

free nitrogen: wee (diluted in a watering can). See if that perks them up a bit

[salome2001]

I will see what I can do with DS' morning potty contribution

and water well before harvesting!!!