Pepper, cucumber, squash and tomato plants need even soil moisture to prevent blossom end rot. Black or brown leathery patches develop on the blossom end of the fruit. Uneven moisture levels cause a calcium deficiency in the fruits. Keep evenly watered and put mulch around the plants to hold moisture. The leaves of the affected plant curl upwards and the plant will be stunted.
Pollination often suffers when temperatures are high.
Bell peppers, tomatoes and squash are most commonly affected. Flowers dry up and fall off, leaving no developing fruit. Keep plants watered and healthy and fruit production will resume when the temperatures drop. Fertilize lawns monthly through the summer. Bermuda grass needs to be watered about every 3 days during the heat of the summer.