Your crops will appreciate a layer of straw or leaf mulch at their bases. Again, this helps retain water. And bare soil only means a spot for weed seeds to germinate and grow quickly!
Vegetable crops are among the heaviest of water lovers in the plant kingdom. To get a good harvest, you will have to supplementally water this year. Be sure to yank old crops that have gone to seed or wilted out in the heat: lettuce, radish, cilantro, spinach, and peas come to mind. Replant with heat lovers like summer squash, beans and basil. There are also heat-tolerant lettuce varieties such as ‘Parris Island Cos.’ Use row covers on metal hoops to protect new transplants or young seed sprouts from the excessive heat. Lift the row covers daily to check on your plants and to determine if they need watering, then do so!
