Looks like you are not watering *enough,*and also you should get some mulch around the base of these plants to keep the soil moist and cooler. Let the water really soak into the soil.
Highly recommend perusing CSU Extension website too!: [https://extension.colostate.edu/#gsc.tab=0](https://extension.colostate.edu/#gsc.tab=0)
Like other posters said, you're in dire need of water, mulch, and fertilizer. I really like using Neptune's Harvest fish and seaweed liquid fertilizer about once every two weeks. For mulch, I like using grass clippings (dry or fresh, doesn't matter) or straw. It will protect your soil and keep it from drying out too quickly.
I am a transplant from Ohio. I didn't fertilize my garden, ever, before I got here. The soil was rich enough to not worry about it.
The sun is so hot here, which means more water, which means more nutrients are needed! I have used Earth Boxes since I moved here and I love them! It is so easy to set up, fertilize for the season, and just keep it watered.
You can figure this out by doing little experiments. To understand watering, before you water check how wet or dry the soil is, either poke your finger in the soil or get a moisture meter. Dont just check the top, but be curious and check 2 inches down. Check soil under the plant and say four inches away.
Now water like you usually do. Come back in 30 minutes. Poke your finger or moisture meter in the same places? Did your watering fix the situation?
Two things can happen to make your watering ineffective.
1. When soil gets “bone dry” it can become hydrophobic
and repel water rather than absorb it so the water runs off
2. When you buy plants the soil is usually a lightweight potting mix. Your original garden soil is a heavy clay. Most often watering is keeping the clay wet and the little peat potting mix is drying out stressing the plant because it can’t get its roots into the wet soil.
With #2 this is only a problem if you bought plants. Starting from seed doesn’t have the same issue.
This is good advice. If you're already watering daily, you need to look at *how* you're watering. It's likely you need to water slower, for longer. The mulch will also help keep the soil surface cool and reduce evaporation.
Your plants don't look thirsty, though many say you should water more. Perhaps they need fertilizer, but be cautious with amount. I often overdo the fertilizing. Mulch is a great idea. Then try to water deeply every 2 days or so. Some light shade may help if they're truly full sun. The last tomato with spots, yellow radiating from a center, is something (fungal I'd guess) that may spread and become a problem. I wouldn't personally try to treat it but watch it and be prepared to sacrifice the plant if it takes over and wants to spread to others.
Looks like you are not watering *enough,*and also you should get some mulch around the base of these plants to keep the soil moist and cooler. Let the water really soak into the soil. Highly recommend perusing CSU Extension website too!: [https://extension.colostate.edu/#gsc.tab=0](https://extension.colostate.edu/#gsc.tab=0)
Thank you!
Just make sure the mulch isn’t touching the stem, it should be about an inch from the stems.
Thank you! Going to get mulch today
Let us see the results!
Water, mulch, fertilizer in that order, pronto.
Like other posters said, you're in dire need of water, mulch, and fertilizer. I really like using Neptune's Harvest fish and seaweed liquid fertilizer about once every two weeks. For mulch, I like using grass clippings (dry or fresh, doesn't matter) or straw. It will protect your soil and keep it from drying out too quickly.
I am a transplant from Ohio. I didn't fertilize my garden, ever, before I got here. The soil was rich enough to not worry about it. The sun is so hot here, which means more water, which means more nutrients are needed! I have used Earth Boxes since I moved here and I love them! It is so easy to set up, fertilize for the season, and just keep it watered.
Thank you everyone!!
You can figure this out by doing little experiments. To understand watering, before you water check how wet or dry the soil is, either poke your finger in the soil or get a moisture meter. Dont just check the top, but be curious and check 2 inches down. Check soil under the plant and say four inches away. Now water like you usually do. Come back in 30 minutes. Poke your finger or moisture meter in the same places? Did your watering fix the situation? Two things can happen to make your watering ineffective. 1. When soil gets “bone dry” it can become hydrophobic and repel water rather than absorb it so the water runs off 2. When you buy plants the soil is usually a lightweight potting mix. Your original garden soil is a heavy clay. Most often watering is keeping the clay wet and the little peat potting mix is drying out stressing the plant because it can’t get its roots into the wet soil. With #2 this is only a problem if you bought plants. Starting from seed doesn’t have the same issue.
This is good advice. If you're already watering daily, you need to look at *how* you're watering. It's likely you need to water slower, for longer. The mulch will also help keep the soil surface cool and reduce evaporation.
Where's the best place to get mulch this time of year?
Any garden center will have it
I use straw which they sell at garden centers such as Nicks.
I use EZ Straw from Tractor Supply as mulch. They sell big bags of it.
Also depends on what city you’re in. Some cities have free mulch piles you can go to get free mulch.
Garlic now The grasshoppers are out and eating. They hate garlic.
Lasagna gardening and worm casings!!! 💪💚
Your plants don't look thirsty, though many say you should water more. Perhaps they need fertilizer, but be cautious with amount. I often overdo the fertilizing. Mulch is a great idea. Then try to water deeply every 2 days or so. Some light shade may help if they're truly full sun. The last tomato with spots, yellow radiating from a center, is something (fungal I'd guess) that may spread and become a problem. I wouldn't personally try to treat it but watch it and be prepared to sacrifice the plant if it takes over and wants to spread to others.