Bad season for veggies?

[Rumi in Hawaii]

I live in Eden Roc in Mountain View, elevation approx. 1800 ft. I've been trying to grow some veggies, and am finding several problems... mushrooms and mold on the soil, cukes and squash dying while producing blossoms, even lettuce croaking, and these were in pots under the lanai to avoid all the torrential rains. I was hoping to grow veggies year-round here. Am also trying beans (most didn't germinate) and one cuke plant and some peas out in the open ground, and they're doing OK, but not great. I know we haven't seen much sun lately (I'm getting a little pale myself!!) and wonder if that's the main problem and if it's just an El Nino year, or what? I started some carrots and onions in a large pot, and they're doing alright so far, but even that got mold on the soil (using a mix of Super Soil from Home Depot and cinders and some purchased chicken manure). I realize I may need to revamp my concept of the word "veggie" and also "year-round" but would appreciate any advice, especially from folks who live at this altitude (Glenwood, included, Pam Lamont!). Have recently planted out orange, tangerine, mountain apple, longan and they seem alright, but don't know how well they will produce. Lime and Meyer lemon are in pots, as is purple passionfruit, and the lime is blossoming right now (smells luscious!).

Advice? Encouragement?

Katie

Wherever you go, there you are.