Question
QUESTION: Hi Elyse; I'm just wondering about how to keep my container vegetables on my west-facing balcony as cool as possible?  It's getting warmer every day! I have organic compost mixed in with the potting soil, and have two plastic containers (one inside the other).  I have also mulched around half an inch of straw on the tomatoes.  

I have three tomatoes plants, one capsicum and a strawberry plant.

Thanks

ANSWER: Wattlegal:

You really don't want to keep those vegetables and berries cool - just keep the tomatoes out of the really hot sun - like if it gets over 90F (I don't know what that is Centigrade).

Some shade cloth or window screening can help with that, even an umbrella, or a large piece of cardboard. Keep them all well-watered, your double pots and straw mulch will help retain moisture. Don't forget that potted plants will need monthly feeding also.

Elyse

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Elyse.  If that is the case, would you recommend any watering DURING the afternoon?  I realise that the water would likely evaporate right there and then, but last year, I tended to water during the morning, and the plants would be fried at the end of the day.  What about during the evening?  It's very rarely humid here; just dry-hot.  

I also ended up with a lot of blossom-end rot, presumably because the plants were so dry :(

Thanks!

Answer
Yes, if the pots are dry by the end of the day then twice-a-day watering might be necessary. Blossom-end rot comes from uneven watering, so it's not just that they were dry, but the cycle of dry/wet/dry. Try adding some lime to your potting mix - you can sprinkle it on now, and work in in lightly. About 1/2 cup per plant should do.

Elyse