Question
Hello I Live in the High desert in southern california (U.S)and i recently planted cucumbers,watermelon,corn,tomatoes,canteloup,pumpkin,and carrots in small containers. At least 3 to 4 seeds are placed in each "hole". now they are begining to sprout but now all of them are dying. Im using good fertilizers and proper watering. But still, they are dying. This past week the temperature has been at a constant 100-103 F and the small seed starter containers are placed in full, direct sunlight. maybe the heat? why are my plants dying? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jimmie,
Thanx for your question.  I am very familiar with the Southern California High Desert. I lived up north in Monterey and traveled to Southern California many times.  My cousin lives near Victorville and I visit her almost every year and I enjoy Palm Springs.  Are you close to Lancaster or Palmdale?  My cousin works at Edwards.

It is difficult to grow vegetables in containers when you have such high heat and the air is so dry.  The air will dessicate (dry out) your containers quickly in that kind of heat.  You need to water in the morning and then later in the evening.  I lived in the Phoenix area for 3 years where it gets very hot, yet there is a lot of agriculture there.  But, there is a constant supply of water going to the crops.  Thats what you need.  One thing you might consider is the drip mechanisms that can be used with container gardening.  You can make your own too.  I saw some Laotian immigrants use 2-liter plastic pop bottles.  The bottles had several small holes in the bottoms and then they were buried close to the plant (in your case in a container) about 3 or 4 inches deep and then daily, the farmers would fill the bottles with water. The water would drain out very slowly but under ground too where it was slower to evaporate.  We do have a forum on Allexperts if you'd like to ask one of the vegetable experts?  I hope this helps.
Tom