As we begin the hottest month of summer, I noticed that watering my garden has become more important. I’ve taken caution to water my plants in the morning and evening, and even opened up shade on our southern facing deck to avoid the yellow crumbling of the leaves.

The mid afternoon sun reflects off the glass of the house windows and fries the tender plants with out the help our umbrella. The benefits of these extra efforts are veggies and flowers we can enjo...