Veggie Garden

So, a few weeks ago, I planted a vegetable garden in my front planter box and it is growing, but very slowly! I don't think it gets enough sun. I was actually pretty impressed with it until I went to a friends house who planted a garden the same week I did and her plants were enormous! She has already had to pick her squash! So that is when I realized that my garden is just not growing very fast. But, this year was an experimental year and I definitely feel more comfortable working in my garden (the idea overwhelmed me before). So regardless of how well my garden is growing, I consider it a success that I even planted anything.

I planted a whole bunch of green bean plants and only a few of them are growing big enough to see. I think my drip system might be watering unevenly.
My cute little carrots!
I planted three tomato plants from seed and as you can see, not too successful. There is a small little start of a tomato plant right above the sign, but I think it will probablly die before I get any fruit.
Here are my onions and bell peppers. They are only this big because I planted them already started from Lowe's. I don't think they have even double in size yet.
I have a cute little shoot of cilantro, but nothing too impressive.
As you can see, my chives are NOT growing! I keep putting new seeds in, but I think I am just not watering enough and they are not getting enough sun. I should move them, but I just haven't. My entire yard is shaded most of the day.

Suggestions welcome! If anyone knows of good shade plants of any kind that grow well in NE Bakersfield, please let me know.