By Andi Anderson
Not all problems in a vegetable garden come from insect pests or diseases. According to Iowa State University Extension experts, weather is a major factor that affects vegetable health and harvests.
High temperatures, especially above 90°F during the day or 75°F at night, can cause blossom drop in tomatoes, peppers, and green beans. This means flowers fall off before pollination, leading to fewer fruits. In tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, fruit ripening slows when temperatures rise above 85°F.
Cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, and peas may even stop growing when it's too hot. If soil temperatures exceed 86°F, potato tubers will stop forming. Heat also affects pollination in crops like cucumbers and squash, causing deformed fruit.
Hot weather impacts flavor too. Cucumbers may taste bitter, and carrots or melons may become less sweet due to fast sugar use.
To manage heat stress, deep watering once a week is helpful. It encourages deep root growth and keeps the plant strong. Mulching around plants helps keep the soil cooler and prevents water from evaporating quickly.
Heavy or uneven rainfall is another concern. It can cause tomatoes to crack or cabbage heads to split due to rapid water uptake. Inconsistent moisture levels lead to blossom end rot in tomatoes, peppers, and squash. This appears as a black or brown spot at the fruit's bottom due to calcium shortage caused by irregular watering.
To prevent this, maintain steady soil moisture. Water once a week during dry weather and use mulch to hold moisture. Discard any fruit with visible blossom end rot. If there is no decay, the fruit is still safe to eat but should be used quickly.
With careful care and observation, gardeners can reduce damage from heat and rainfall and enjoy a healthy harvest.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Weather