I have been out of town a lot over the past few weeks and one thing is consistent across much of the state, we all need water.

The forecast has looked positive over the past week and looks even better for the next 10 days but the truth is the truth. Many of us in Adams County are still just above one inch of rainfall since the end of May. I wish I had a crystal ball and could see into the future but based on statistics I would say continue planning for the worst and hoping for the best. Even with a good soaking for a day or two we will still be far below our rainfall needs for this time of the year. Now is when you have to look forward to the future and accept the fact that sometimes it just takes time to work things out.

Q: Are there any positives to the dry weather?

A: Some people say there is no positive to the drought, but some great positives are an absence of high numbers of mosquitoes and less frequent grass cutting. In addition, the current environment conditions have also greatly reduced the problems we normally face with lawn diseases and insects this time of the year. However I am sure me like many of you would gladly trade all these problems for about six inches of rainfall.

Q: My tomatoes appear to be slowing down and are having trouble, should I go ahead and remove them from the garden?

A: We have received this call a few times over the last few weeks. As temperatures begin to soar tomatoes, bell peppers, lima beans and snap beans may sometimes stop producing fruit temporarily. As temperatures begin to reach into the upper 90s, pollen is killed and the stigma (female receptacle for the pollen) dries up. This is only a temporary problem that will solve itself. You do not need to start pulling up the garden. As temperatures begin to lower they will start producing fruit again.

We are still seeing numerous cases of blossom end rot particularly in tomatoes. This is usually due to calcium deficiencies, excessive nitrogen, or excessive water. Local lawn and garden centers, like Stine, have a product called Rot Stop that is a calcium spray you mix with water and drench the leaves. If used according to the label it usually has a rapid response and future tomatoes should be fine.

Q: What should I do with my crowded bulbs in the flower beds?

A: I know it may not seem logical in the summer heat but now is the time to divide crowded iris plants. I would wait until after the next shower when they have a little boost and then start the dividing process. Cut the leaf blades into a small fan shapes and reset the divided clumps in a sunny, well-drained location. Plant the rhizomes no deeper than 1 inch. Transplanting now will makes sure that the roots are established before winter. You can also divide and relocate other plants like daffodils and lilies now while the yellow foliage is still slightly attached on those losing their color.

David Carter is the director of the Adams County Extension Service. He can be reached at 601-445-8201.