Your soil looks dry and low in humus. Top dress with some compost and lay down some mulch. A bit of manure or bone meal mixed in wouldn't be a bad idea. I use organic mulch like shredded leaves or grass clippings on top. Mulch should help the soil absorb and retain moisture better. Also water every 1-3 days depending on rainfall. Dont do poles, they like hemp string. Drive stakes into the ground and run string up to your fence and back down a few times.