Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons, strawberries, eggplant, green beans and herbs all appreciated the moderate June temperatures experienced at DSAC. The average maximum temperature was 86.5° F, average minimum temperature was 64.5° F, and the monthly rainfall total was 6.35 inches. All of the crops were actively growing, setting and ripening fruit, and not suffering from any heat stress issues.
The month of growth can really be seen in the hydroponic cantaloupe plants in this photo. A month ago the melon vines were just starting to grow up the trellis string and maybe one fruit had been set. Now, those same vines are over nine feet tall, have lots of melons set, and fruit is ripening daily. Two-spotted spider mites were on multiple crops within the hydroponic tunnel so predator insects were ordered as the biological control option, and sachets were placed on affected plants throughout the tunnel.
Bell peppers have been harvested twice and provided many large and jumbo size fruit. The determinate tomato trial plots have also been harvested multiple times, and currently, little to no sunscald or white core have been present. Weekly applications of biostimulant continue to be made.
As expected, the tunnel that was planted late is experiencing a delay in harvest. A few tomatoes and peppers have been picked but steady early to mid-season harvests have not truly begun.