It's been a really hot and dry growing season, and it may have dampened the spirits of some gardeners.

Tom Kasper from Bending Birches Greenhouse said, "Part of the challenge with the heat was, that a lot of vegetables start as tiny transplants or seeds. And they need continual water. The root stems haven't developed, and aren't ready for the heat, and certainly not the dryness."

His advice is to water often, and in the morning, before the heat of the day. If you're growing in containers, water those every day and add food.

Another problem, is small in size, but big in impact. "The other thing we've seen is an explosion of pests. The increased temperatures have lead to greater populations of grasshoppers, leaf hoppers, cabbage loopers and more," Kasper said.

Still, he is seeing success with their produce. "We've already harvested about 50 pounds," he said. It's donated to the Open Hands Food project, which sends their fresh, organic food to the Damiano Center.

You're welcome to come and volunteer every Wednesday, with harvest, thinning, and more.

Bending Birches is located at 5996 Cant Road in Duluth. The volunteer efforts are every Wednesday from 3-5pm.

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/news/challenge-gardens-dry-hot-growing-season-bending-birches/6170370/