Progress on my later New Mexico plant out. With row cover wrapped

[bryanccfshr]

Being in northwest New Mexico last frost averages May 21 I planted this bed a few days before. Very hot and high altitude sun, high dry winds and the bugs that get blown around in them spreading curly leaf virus, are my challenges, heat and sunlight can be an advantage if regulated, also, its desert, weeds are not much of a problem using drip.

I use agribon 19 over my Texas tomatoes cages, I plan on keeping it up until after monsoon season in July. I am getting good blooms. Not shown.
Quick video of one bed and plant.
https://vimeo.com/220570292

[friedgreen51]

Your plants really look good. Hope the weather will cooperate. One big weather challenge we have in the southeast is that the weather heats up quickly in June, and it can get too hot for good pollination.

[bryanccfshr]

Yes I used to be done by late May in Texas. Now I am just planting out at that time. I produce all the way to first frost in mid to late October. Very dry except the July monsoons were the violent hail storms can occur.. The covers will help with that this year, they mainly help by keeping the dry wind from accelerating evaporation from the plants. It's like air mulch.

[Spartanburg123]

Originally Posted by friedgreen51

Your plants really look good. Hope the weather will cooperate. One big weather challenge we have in the southeast is that the weather heats up quickly in June, and it can get too hot for good pollination.

Agree! I've been buzzing those blossoms like a fiend trying to get good pollination and fruit set. That part seems to be my biggest problem. Getting the little ovaries to swell and set into a fruit before the big SC heat in July and August.

[Spartanburg123]

Very nice looking plants Bryan! Best of luck to you!