HERB - Sagging plants

[RAISYA@aol.com]

Brian,

Sorry, I was gone over the weekend.  From your description, your garden only 
gets about 4 1/2 hours of direct sun a day, this MIGHT be causing some 
sun-loving plants to become a bit "leggy".  But in this climate, usually 
plants don't need as much direct sunlight.  I've grown plants that normally 
prefer 6 - 8 hours of direct sun in the partial shade of taller plants, and 
they've thrived.  If the plants perk up in the evening on their own, then 
it's probably a normal reaction to the heat.

Yes, watering less frequently but deeply is important to the development of a 
good root system.  A plant that is watered frequently, particularly if it's a 
shallow watering, may develop only shallow roots.  The surface heats up more 
and dries out faster.  A plant with a deep root system not only tolerates 
heat and drought better, it tends to be healthier because it has access to 
more nutrients.  Mulch is important as well, it shields the ground from 
heating up, and slows water evaporation, besides the weed control.  I usually 
limit daily watering of transplants to 2 weeks.

Most gardening books are written for a very different climate, I strongly 
recommend WARM CLIMATE GARDENING by Barbara Pleasant for anyone living in a 
hot climate.

Hope this helps!
Raisya
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