Too much of a good thing

We had a really hot July; high 90s here, and 100+ in the city; and it has taught me a valuable lesson: even sun-loving plants can be overwhelmed by intense sunlight. Most of our vegetables were dying before they could be harvested. The tomatoes were bursting themselves because they were taking in so much water it would rupture the skin of the tomato fruit.

Within a few days, this basil plant went from looking green, and totally healthy, to what you see here. Part of this was due to inconsistent watering (we didn't get the timers up until mid July)

We covered our garden with shade-cloth. This allows some of the daylight to reach the plants, but will reflex back most of it.

These peppers were turning black and falling off the plant. But thanks to the shade cloth, they are now producing healthy, colorful vegetables.