[BeggerJohn]

Everyone on the plots, London area, is complaining about how the dry weather has affected results. I was just wondering what ideas for dry conditions any other growers have. Even the spuds are parched here. However the peas, beans and courgettes were unstoppable. Cabbage did well but not cauliflower. Beets fine parsnips not. Carrots are okay under insect net so we are going to install new high beds for them next season.
Any suggestions for hardy crops next year if dry conditions persist?

[daisy1990]

You are meant to have success with anything that would naturally thrive in that climate, so any mediterranean veg should do well.  Many seed supplier do a range of mediterranean veg seeds so would start with these- lots of the beans are lovely

[Snoop]

Speaking as someone who trudges to and fro around her vegetable patch for at least an hour a day, watering cans in hand, I can vouch for the fact that Mediterranean vegetables still need watering. I get through about 230 litres a day.

If you're growing Mediterranean vegetables in the ground, they will need less water. But then you're in a bind in the UK, because lots of people try and grow them in greenhouses just in case the weather is bad.

My toms in the ground get a litre and a half a day, the pepper plants and aubergines around a litre. This is regarded as stingy by the locals and insufficient for the plants to truly thrive. I don't have the water resources to give them more.

[catllar]

Speaking as someone who trudges to and fro around her vegetable patch for at least an hour a day, watering cans in hand, I can vouch for the fact that Mediterranean vegetables still need watering. I get through about 230 litres a day.

If you're growing Mediterranean vegetables in the ground, they will need less water. But then you're in a bind in the UK, because lots of people try and grow them in greenhouses just in case the weather is bad.

My toms in the ground get a litre and a half a day, the pepper plants and aubergines around a litre. This is regarded as stingy by the locals and insufficient for the plants to truly thrive. I don't have the water resources to give them more.

I totally agree - Med veges still need watering, and a lot of it too!I've given up, as I said in another thread. I was watering for half an hour morning and night though individually placed drippers and the results are not good.. I have a friend who has access to free well water (We are on metered mains) and she waters nearly 4 hours per day.