How to Net Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are popular garden plants that require care and attention to grow successfully. One important aspect of tomato care is the use of netting to protect plants from pests and weather conditions. In this article, we will discuss how to properly net your tomato plants to ensure their health and productivity.

Why Net Tomato Plants?

Tomato plants are vulnerable to a variety of pests, including birds, squirrels, and other animals that may damage or eat the fruit. Additionally, harsh weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rains can break or damage tomato plants. Netting provides a physical barrier that protects plants from these hazards and helps them grow to their full potential.

What You Will Need

To net your tomato plants, you will need a few basic materials:

Netting material (bird netting or fine mesh netting)

Garden stakes or poles

Garden twine or zip ties

Scissors

Steps for Netting Tomato Plants

Follow these steps to properly net your tomato plants:

Set up poles or stakes around each tomato plant. The poles should be tall enough to provide ample space for the tomato plant to grow.

Unroll the netting material and drape it over the poles, making sure it covers the entire plant.

Secure the netting to the poles with zip ties or garden twine. Make sure the netting is tight enough to prevent pests from getting through, but not so tight that it damages the plant.

Cut off any excess netting material and tuck it under the netting at the base of the plant. This will prevent pests from getting underneath the netting.

Tips for Netting Tomato Plants

Here are some additional tips to help you net your tomato plants successfully:

Make sure the netting is not touching the plant directly. This can cause damage to the delicate leaves and stem.

Check the netting regularly to ensure it is still secure and properly covering the plant.

Use caution when pruning your tomato plants. Make sure you do not accidentally cut the netting.

Remove the netting once the tomato plants have finished producing fruit. This will prevent the netting from becoming entangled in the plant and causing damage.

Conclusion

Netting your tomato plants is an important step in ensuring their health and productivity. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the right materials and techniques, you can protect your tomato plants from pests and weather conditions and promote their growth and development.