As we transition from spring into the intense summer heat, your garden can go from thriving to struggling almost overnight. In this episode of The Compost Pile, David Pool and Aaron Barnhill are joined by Paul Lemoine to break down the biggest challenges gardeners face this time of year—and how to stay ahead of them.

We cover essential tips for managing watering, preventing plant stress, dealing with rising pest pressure, and understanding why crops like tomatoes suddenly stop producing. Learn how heat, humidity, and soil conditions all work together—and what you can do to adapt your gardening practices for success in Zone 9a and similar climates.

From stink bugs and blight to shade cloth and supplemental feeding, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice to help your garden thrive through the toughest part of the seaso ...