So far this year I haven't set up my garden's irrigation. I haven't really needed additional water very much. We've had good rainfall and the soil deep beneath my pepper plants has been very moist due to the sheet composting layer of grass clippings covered with newspaper. The soil and mulch on the top layer keeps the water around the roots just where it needs to be. Mulch is critical to keeping a garden healthy in our hot summers. You can't depend on the rain to water your garden and the mulch regulates the soil temperature and evaporation rate. Soon I'll be adding my garden irrigation system to make watering my plants simpler and easier than walking around with a watering can. I have something different in mind this year that I'll share with you soon.
Always remember to water your plants in the morning or in the evening.
Wet plants + Extreme Heat and Humidity = Fungal Diseases
Keep the water low to the ground and put it where the roots are. The foliage doesn't need watered. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation lines are great for putting the water where it needs to be.
Try to garden in the morning before the heat of the day has really set in to avoid heat related illnesses. Always drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated too!
The summer heat is a good thing for our warm season plants until it gets in the mid 90's. Many plants will shut down their production while the heat is too high. When it gets cooler they will produce again.
For now the heat will encourage our tomato and pepper plants to produce fruit which we're all looking forward to! I can't wait for that first tomato from the garden, how about you?