It's hotter than a...

[janezee]

I know what you mean. We were supposed to reach a high of 79º today, and it barely made it to 72 for 10 minutes.

They expect us to believe them. Bah, humbug!

j

[Wi-sunflower]

Amazing how mid 80s with a bit of a breeze can feel COOL after more than a week of high 90s with high humidity. But that's exactly how we felt yesterday.

Last summer in my area we would have given anything for the "heat" of the 80s when we couldn't seem to get out of the 70s most of the summer.

It's all about "context".

We are finally going to get back to planting for a few days as we should be able to keep stuff alive now.

Carol

[babice]

Originally Posted by janezee

I know what you mean. We were supposed to reach a high of 79º today, and it barely made it to 72 for 10 minutes.

So, Janezee - have you been able to plant yet?

[janezee]

I have, babice. Thanks for asking.

I spent all last week putting 43 tomatoes in the ground, potting up another 10 or so, and building another raised bed that has 36 peppers and tomatoes in it under cover. I spent today, which got up to 67º, mowing the lawn and getting it ready for the next 3 raised beds, which I hope to have done this week, and be done with the hoop house on Friday. Then the rest of the long season tomatoes can go in their final growing spot, whether in the ground or in pots. Depends if I have enough compost or not. I only have half a yard left.

The pots in the little tunnel are really appreciating the heat, and the tomatoes in the ground seem to be in shock. Heat, sun, and unlimited toe room. I'm sure they'll jump right up as soon as we hit 75º. Maybe next month!

I just can't believe it's so cold here when everyone else in the lower 48 is so darn HOT!!!!!


j

[babice]

I know! That's hard for me to believe too! Glad you finally were able to get them planted. My DH thinks I should plant my backups in the ground out in the yard. But, gosh - this late in the year...I dunno.

[stonysoilseeds]

i had a friend come help me water yesterday a few weeks ago i never expected things to dry out i had still a few tomato plants in pots still so my friend took them to plant in containers on her apartment balcony and some cucmber starts to plant on her rooftop

[janezee]

Originally Posted by babice

My DH thinks I should plant my backups in the ground out in the yard. But, gosh - this late in the year...I dunno.

So late in the year!

I'm planting everything I can fit, and I'm squeezing in more on the porch.

Go for it!!

j

[babice]

Originally Posted by janezee

So late in the year!

I'm planting everything I can fit, and I'm squeezing in more on the porch.

Go for it!!

j

Well - yeah - but you're in Zone 8a! But...hmmm...I guess you're right.

[janezee]

We got downgraded to Zone 7b this year.

I guess I should update.

j

[MrsJustice]

Originally Posted by darwinslair

I went the way of not watering. at least not yet. 2 weeks without rain, and temps at or over 100 for much of it.

I have a serious reason for it. We had excessive rain before this heat wave hit. I want the plants to send down roots to chase the water, not be dependent on watering. So far, so good, but need to check on a field planting I have not looked at in a week. I might have to haul water to them (assuming they are not "crispy") but that is just 70 plants I am trialing but had no room at one of the gardens closer to my home. Will post photos on the blog showing what I do or do not find. <smile>

Heat breaks tomorrow. was supposed to break last night, but no, expected high of 90 became a reality of 102. <sigh>

OH well.

Tom

I am so glad we got rain last night.

It was so hot my waterholes broke in many spots.

[MrsJustice]

Originally Posted by janezee

I have, babice. Thanks for asking.

I spent all last week putting 43 tomatoes in the ground, potting up another 10 or so, and building another raised bed that has 36 peppers and tomatoes in it under cover. I spent today, which got up to 67º, mowing the lawn and getting it ready for the next 3 raised beds, which I hope to have done this week, and be done with the hoop house on Friday. Then the rest of the long season tomatoes can go in their final growing spot, whether in the ground or in pots. Depends if I have enough compost or not. I only have half a yard left.

The pots in the little tunnel are really appreciating the heat, and the tomatoes in the ground seem to be in shock. Heat, sun, and unlimited toe room. I'm sure they'll jump right up as soon as we hit 75º. Maybe next month!

I just can't believe it's so cold here when everyone else in the lower 48 is so darn HOT!!!!!


j

I am so proud of you, because many people there do not plant so late in the season because of your short growing season.

Please keep us up-dated about your tomatoes.

75 is a heat wave for Washington State!!!

[Wi-sunflower]

Babice, go for it.

I still have more than 1/2 of my tomatoes to get planted. We got 4 rows in yesterday and will do 2 or 3 more today.

I figure I have the plants. Maybe I won't get stuff from ALL of them. But with the weather as hot as it's supposed to be for at least the next month, they will make up for the late planting.

My bigger issue is keeping them watered. That's why we are going a bit slow. We are pre watering the furrow, Watering a row as soon as we get it planted and then watering every day on the new stuff til it looks OK from day to day (about 2 weeks on the last stuff in the heat).

Carol

[babice]

Originally Posted by MrsJustice

It was so hot my waterholes broke in many spots.

[[[blink, blink]]] babice trying to figure out if that was a joke or...what a water hole is....

[janezee]

Me, too, babice!

Mrs. J, please explain to us about the waterholes breaking! I'm totally confounded!

That's like that new thing, nowcast, which I'd also never heard of before yesterday.

j

[janezee]

Mrs. J, thanks for the words of encouragement. It's been really challenging to keep on keeping on. But I am still determined to have some tomatoes, even if the late ones never make it on the vine, I hope some will at least make it to blushing before it gets too cold or the blight comes on.

Today it's foggy and cool again, so I'll be in the garden all day. I started work on the hoop house yesterday, and hope to have it done on the weekend with help from my neighbors putting up the cattle panels and plastic. I'm building four long beds 12" high on the inside to hold the panels up higher, so I have more space underneath. Pictures to follow soon, I hope!

j