Hot Climate Garden Vegetables Eggplant. By definition dry farming is non-irrigated agriculture in a climate where there is 20 inches of rain or less a year. Many non-drought tolerant desert plants may be susceptible to scalding and tip burn. The University of Florida has introduced many for growers in hot climates. No wonder. Vegetables require water to germinate, grow, and fruit. Container gardening gives you even more flexibility in warm climates because it allows you to move tender heat-loving vegetables like peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes indoors during frosty nights, as well as move heat-averse veggies like salad greens to a shadier spot when temperatures rise. Most of the vegetables we are familiar with are most comfortable in a European or North American climate. Dry gardening–called dry farming on a grander scale–is a strategy for gardening where rainfall and irrigation water are in short supply. Even readers in subtropical climates struggle with growing vegetables in hot weather. It’s advisable to protect vegetable and flowers that grow in a desert climate from extreme heat and light by using an awning or shade cloth. Give ‘Arkansas Traveler’, ‘Brandywine’, and ‘San Marzano’ a try. We're all familiar with tropical fruits and exotic herbs and spices. Look for hybrid varieties bred for the deep South. The Best Hot Weather Vegetable Plants. 18 Top Tips for Gardening in Dry Climate Conditions. For years I’ve endured all sorts of harsh growing conditions in my gardens. Envision hot summer days, warm nights and warm-season vegetables offering their bounty -- glowing tomatoes, fiery hot … Some heirlooms stand up to heat well also. A part of the nightshade family, this vegetable has several names around the world: brinjal eggplant, aubergine, melongene, brinjal or guinea squash. When growing plants in desert climates the amount of light can be an issue in that there is plenty of it! Cherry tomatoes ‘Sungold’ and ‘Jasper’ are recommended for long hot summers. Other nightshades include tomatoes and potatoes.