How to Save Sunburned Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are a staple that many gardeners enjoy cultivating. However, when the sun is too intense, tomato plants can suffer from sunburn. Since sunburned tomatoes don't taste good, it's essential to know how to save them. Here are a few tips to help save sunburned tomato plants.

1. Provide Shade

If you notice that your tomato plants are getting too much sun, you need to provide shade to protect them from further damage. There are various ways to provide shade for your tomato plants, including:

Placing a shade cloth over the plants

Building a trellis or arbor to provide partial shade

Planting taller plants nearby to provide natural shade

Remember to remove the shade cloth or other temporary shade sources during cooler parts of the day to allow the plants to get enough sun and prevent mold or rot.

2. Water Your Tomato Plants Regularly

Tomato plants need plenty of water to stay healthy and productive, especially in hot weather. Sunburned tomato plants will benefit from regular watering to help them recover. Water your plants deeply and consistently to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Check the soil daily to see if it needs water, and adjust accordingly.

3. Prune the Affected Leaves

If your tomato plants have suffered sunburn, the affected leaves may turn yellow or brown. These leaves will not recover, and it's best to remove them. By pruning off the affected leaves, you help the plant focus its energy on producing healthy new foliage.

4. Apply Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an excellent natural remedy for sunburned plants. It has cooling properties that can help soothe the damaged area and reduce inflammation. To use aloe vera for your sunburned tomato plants, follow these simple steps:

Cut a leaf from your aloe vera plant

Scrape out the gel from the leaf

Apply the gel to the sunburned portion of the tomato plant, concentrating on the affected areas.

Repeat this process twice a day until you see some improvement in the plant's health.

5. Use Fertilizer

Using fertilizer can help your sunburned tomato plants recover more quickly. A balanced fertilizer will provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause more harm than good.

Final Thoughts

Sunburned tomato plants can be saved if you act quickly and follow the right steps. Providing shade, watering regularly, pruning affected leaves, applying aloe vera, and using fertilizer are all effective ways to help your tomato plants recover from sunburn. With a little care, your sunburned tomato plants will recover and produce tasty, healthy fruits once again!