Mine grows like crap. Every year Shane and I head to the garden store and pick up the essentials to start our container garden and every year I end up with the same result, the plants either die or get infested by caterpillars. Every year I end up back at the garden store asking someone to help me find a product that will keep my plants alive and the caterpillars dead. This year I was hopeful, my Serrano chili’s took off and they are thriving, although they aren’t very spicy. My tomato plants are looking a little rough but I was so excited about turning my home-grown heirloom tomatoes into an amazing Caprese salad. Well guess what?
This is what I found when I finally picked the tomato, I think I cried. So once I again I am wondering why I do this every year. If you have a container garden that thrives, could you please tell me what I am doing wrong?
The Art of Thyming 
I wish I could help, but I imagine your problems in San Diego are different than mine. For instance, I don’t have caterpillar problems. Do the people at the store not help you? Maybe you should try a new store or call a master gardener program. My only suggestion is to check the soil and maybe you can do something with that for next year (or now?). No idea what to tell you about the caterpillars.
Supposedly they can get to be 3-4 inches long. I’ve already picked a few small ones off our basil and green bean plants.
Just found out you’re supposed to treat the soil before planting with BT (Bacillus thuringiensis). It’s an organic pesticide.
Ok good to know Bernard. Thanks~