Redding gardeners need to take the heat into consideration to ensure growing delicious fruits and vegetables.
For example, tomato and sweet pepper pollen does not work when the highs are above 95F. Â Fruit already set will continue to grow.
A mistake I have made in the past is to increase watering and fertilize. Â Instead, be patient. Â The pollen will start working again, and you will fill your freezer by November.
The places with delta breeze have fewer days with highs above 95F.
Flamingo and Gypsy are sweet pepper varieties which are supposed to be heat tolerant.
One of the master gardeners at the farmers market told me he was disappointed with the four varieties of heat resistant tomatoes he planted this year.
If anyone has had success with heat resistant tomatoes, please leave a comment.
This time of year, cut back on your watering, mulch and use shade cloth. Â If plants wilt in the afternoon, check them again in the morning. Â Only water if the plants are wilted in the morning.
The saying is “irrigated tomatoes taste watery”. Â For many fruits, the flavor is more concentrated if the plants are dry.
Prune plums, peaches, apricots after harvest, so they will need less water. Â Only water if the leaves start to yellow.
I welcome your tips for successful north-state gardening.
David Kerr is a retired hospital laboratory supervisor from Scottsdale, AZ.  He’s been an avid gardener since 1954 in Dearborn, MI, Ann Arbor, MI, Reading, PA, Oakland, Scottsdale, AZ, and finally, Redding.  Ann Arbor Farmers Market is his favorite place on Earth.
