For those of you dealing with this extreme heat - what your garden will need [View all]
Sometimes on a hot day I walk out in my garden and wonder how the plants can take it. Typically they can - but when we are seeing 90s and 100s, for long periods of time, there are some things we need to do so that the garden gives us what we hope for.
Don't skimp on watering! This is especially true if you are gardening in containers, straw bales or raised beds. If the plants are looking wilted during the day, they are stressed - and stressed plants will not be happy plants. This is the primary cause of blossom end rot on tomatoes and peppers. Stressed plants won't take up calcium properly, leading to the small but growing dark spot on your precious tomatoes. It is literally impossible to OVER water if you are in containers or straw bales - they drain so well.
The other issue is that large fruited tomatoes don't self pollinate well in temps at 90 or above - especially when really humid - this leads to blossom drop and reduces how many tomatoes you will harvest. Go out in the morning and gently flick the open flowers - and repeat in the evening. This can help the pollen flow from the anthers to the pistil and lead to successful pollination.
Mostly - keep yourself well hydrated! My daughter lives in Olalla WA and we've been talking about the heat she is experiencing and how to keep her garden happy.
Stay safe and good luck!
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