Tomatoes were once commonly dry farmed in California, where they
received no irrigation water (or rainfall) at all. Such plants
are markedly sweeter than conventionally grown plants. This is
well worth trying if you have a lot of space, but a limited
amount of water for irrigation. In a dry garden, the plants must
be spaced further apart than in a conventional irrigated garden.
This eliminates competition with neighboring plants and gives
their roots more space to forage for water. A mulch is also
helpful, as it conserves moisture and keeps down thirsty weeds.
Most Tomato varieties are self-pollinated, so pollination isn’t
usually a problem. Often the first flowers fall off without
bearing fruit, especially if temperatures go below 60˚ F, or
above 90˚ F. In very hot weather you should water frequently to
keep the plants cool to encourage flowers and pollination. Fall
frost protection This is important, as an early frost will
usually kill unprotected Tomato plants. If you can help your
plants make it through t