We
all know that high temperatures and drought can do some serious damage to our
vegetable gardens, and this summers’ weather is no exception. Here are some effects you may observe on your
vegetables:
Tomatoes: They may become sunburnt in high temperatures and humidity
which causes the bottom end to rot because the fruit expands too rapidly for
the plant to evenly distribute calcium for growth. (Uneven watering causes
this, as well.)
Squash: High temperatures cause the flower to close quickly, so
unless bees pollinate the plant early in the morning, the flowers will fall of
the plant.
Peppers: High temperatures stop fruit production all together on
peppers and it decreases the leaf area.
Cucumbers: Heat and drought cause excess bitterness.
Green Beans: Beans have shallow root systems, so without water the bean
plants will not produce fruit.
Sweet Corn: Corn is one of the most heat-tolerant vegetables, but the
main concern for you should be to maintain water supply to the roots to ensure
the ears develop fully.
So what can you do to save your garden in high
temperatures and droughts? You can use a shade cloth, or even a light mist to
cool the plants during the hot hours of the day. But always, as suggested, drip systems work
best to water your plants, avoid plant diseases, and conserve water. Happy gardening!
