Marianne's Response

Watering tomatoes for a desert garden

I recently moved from Indiana to Tucson Az. I gardened years ago. I am starting to attempt “Big Boy” Tomatoes. I bought two from Home Depot and started two from seed. I also have six plants of Kentucky Wonder green beans that appear to love it here so far. My question is this. It has just started to get over 100 degrees here. what is the proper amount of watering? I usually cover the tomatoes with a tarp in the heat of the afternoon. If I get nothing I will try again this Fall (the second planting season here). These first few seasons will be part of the learning curve. I have my first 3 tomatoes, 1 almost ripe. 1 of my plants is that healthy green, the others are not. Am I over watering? HELP! Larry Mc

Posted by Larry Mccauley on June 1, 2014

Marianne's Response

It sounds like you are on your way to becoming a desert farmer. I do not have any personal experience gardening in your heat zone so I suggest you talk to local growers at Farmer's Markets, nurseries or garden clubs. Your area extension agent is the best qualified to offer specific growing advice for your area. Tomatoes like consistent water so I have a hunch your are doing just fine. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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