During hot, dry weather remember to water deeply, and less often rather than using a sprinkler or a hose to just spray your flowers or vegetables. It helps the roots to grow deeper, which is much better for the plants. Try to water in the early morning if at all possible. This makes a big difference.

If you've been suffering through hot, dry weather you have no doubt noticed problems in the garden as well as your landscape. Many types of tomatoes won't set their fruit under hot conditions. This is from Louisiana State University where they have hot, hot summers!

"As we get into the summer and daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees F, many tomato varieties will not set fruit. Blooming will continue, but fertilization of the bloom will not occur... In theory, if you can keep the tomato plant alive and healthy through the summer, it will bloom and set fruit again in the fall. This is not easy to do. Foliar diseases and insects continue to plague the plant whether it produces fruit or not."

You can try lightly shaking your tomato plants early in the morning and it may help pollination. You can also provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Regular watering may help as well. This can be really frustrating for northern gardeners who usually worry about the cold, not the heat!

OTHER HOT WEATHER TIPS
Hot weather can stress out your trees and shrubs even if they have been established for a long time. Azaleas and rhododendrons have shallow roots and need to be watered if they are dry, as well as Japanese maples, hydrangeas and any shrub or tree that's been planted this season. Consider using a soaker hose by spiraling it around the plant and watering it slowly.Try watering for 40 minutes.

I've been trying to take notes on which plants have been doing the best during this dry heat. It's good to know so they can be grouped together in the hottest parts of my landscape. So far the morning glories, calendulas, moss roses, ice plant, black eyed susans, daylilies, hibiscus and of course most of the herbs have been doing great!

MORE TIPS: Brighten your spring garden with bulbs!
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/bulbs.html
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