Soo, lets talk about the heat

How do I protect my new SFG from this coming monster of a summer here in Northern Virginia? How are all of you protecting your plants?

Thanks!

Kelli

It might help us help you if we know what you're growing in your garden. Can you list what you planted/are planting? Meanwhile...

Watering in the summer is going to be most important. Check the
moisture level all through the garden, as some plants will use more
water than others. You can jab your finger into the soil to see how it feels at top, middle and bottom, or you can get
yourself a moisture meter from any number of garden centers or online.

Some plants, like tomatoes, lettuce, and other plants that don't perform
well in high heat, you could provide with a shade cloth to try getting them
to produce longer. Tomatoes might stop producing during the worst heat,
but don't worry, they'll kick back in once temperatures begin to go back
down. Lettuce will eventually bolt no matter what you try, at which time you should replace it with something else.

My spinach is bolting and it looks like my broccoli will too. Shade cloth and watering was going to be my answer also.

Shade them. You can use cheesecloth, a couple layers. How about a board held up with stakes, with the greens on the shady side of it. Easily moved as the sun moves. Just allow some of the early sun in the morning before it heats up. Some folks make slatted cages to place over the crops to give them some shade, but as the sun moves, it also gives them sunshine thru the slats. One way or another, give those babies some shade.....and plenty of water.

we have an 11X5 foot bed (I know, however we built it before I knew about SFG and the size requirements-I also have a plank that lets me traverse it).

On the back row, closest to the house we have:

one watermellon

two tomatoes (Big Boys)

two grape tomaotes (not sure the name)

two eggplant

DH will be building the trelis this week (this will be my climbing wall as it is on the North side of the garden)

The next row has cucumbers on the far left side and herbs on the far right side

The next row has green bush beans on the far left side, some flowers for the boys in the middle, along with our worm tubes, radishes, and herbs on the far right side.

The next row forward has onions and herbs on the far right side

and the first row has a pumpkin, six strawberries, and herbs on the far right side.



If I could figure out a way to put some pics here, I would, I know that would be more helpful.

Thanks!

Kelli