Dry Conditions

     Most all of us have had those days, weeks or months when we felt so dried out that our skin could crack, our lips were going to split and we just couldn't get enough water in our systems.  Well, let's put our plants in that same situation.  There are days when the conditions are just so darn dry that they struggle.  This is when the tomatoes drop their blooms and most plants just stop setting on anything new.

     The question is - can we compensate for these conditions?  Maybe we can.  First we should probably think about this when we plant, keeping like veggies close together, making it easier to treat the atmosphere surrounding them.  Here in Arizona we need to cover our tomato plants from the midday sun, but our peppers do pretty well uncovered. 

     Most importantly is to be aware of what each plant it telling you.  Dry and wilting leaves, dropping blooms and drooping branches are a sure sign that the plant is begging for some help. 

     According to most everything that I have read on line, shade from direct sun and moisture in the soil and from evaporation is the solution to the plants problems.  Pretty much the same as in people.
Mulch around the base of the plant will help hold in the ground moisture but getting the water below the ground level has got to be accomplished first, either through a drip system or through my favorite system, the water tube.  Make sure the drip system is under the mulch. Sunscreen is a no-brainer.   You want your plants to get sunshine but if you cover the plants from the mid-day sun, it will help considerably.  I tried light weight, pale colored fabric in a pinch and found that, even tho it helped with the sun, it may also have been holding in the heat since there's no breathing allowed like in sunscreen. 

     Basic but vitally important.  Watch your plants, the weather reports and then treat the plants like you would yourself.