Calhoun County, AL – The 2026 gardening season has presented Alabama gardeners with an unusual combination of weather challenges, beginning with excessive spring rainfall, flooding, and waterlogged soil. Those early conditions made it difficult for many home gardeners to establish healthy vegetable gardens before the arrival of summer heat.
When periods of heavy rain are expected, planting in containers or raised beds can provide better drainage and improved airflow, helping prevent soggy soil that can stunt root development. Spring remains the most important time to establish strong root systems, as delaying planting can leave vegetables struggling once high temperatures arrive.
This year’s second major challenge has been the extreme summer heat, with heat index values potentially reaching 107 degrees in July. Vegetables that were planted late or failed to develop mature root systems are especially vulnerable under these conditions.
To help plants survive prolonged heat, gardeners should apply a thick layer of mulch and water deeply several times each week. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward while maintaining consistent soil moisture, reducing stress during periods of extreme temperatures. Rather than allowing the weather to dictate the outcome of the garden, proactive watering and mulching can significantly improve plant health.
Plant spacing also plays a role in protecting crops. Growing vegetables slightly closer together allows their foliage to create natural shade, helping shield surrounding plants from intense afternoon sun. Watering should always be done early in the morning or during the evening, when temperatures are cooler. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as rapid evaporation limits effectiveness, and overhead watering can contribute to disease and leaf damage. Whenever possible, water at the base of the plant instead of wetting the foliage.
Gardeners should also avoid fertilizing once daytime temperatures consistently exceed 85 degrees. Many fertilizers can burn plants under extreme heat. Instead, long-lasting organic amendments such as blood meal can be incorporated into the soil at planting time to provide nutrients over several months. During cooler portions of the growing season, supplemental feeding with fish emulsion can be added weekly as part of a regular watering routine.
Among the vegetable varieties that continue to perform well year after year are:
- German Queen tomatoes
- Crookneck squash
- Marketmore 76 cucumbers
- Clemson okra
- Peaches & Cream corn
- Kentucky Wonder green beans
While 2026 has tested even experienced gardeners, careful planning, consistent watering, proper mulching, and selecting dependable varieties can help produce a successful harvest despite challenging weather conditions.
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, a raised bed garden, and an in-ground garden. Both her surnames are from agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions, including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com
