What to do with Hail Damaged Tomato Plants

Hail is a common natural disaster that can cause significant damage to gardens and crops, including tomato plants. Tomato plants that have been hit by hail can have broken stems, damaged fruit, and shredded leaves. However, there are steps that gardeners can take to help their tomato plants recover from hail damage.

Evaluate the Damage

The first step is to evaluate the damage to the tomato plants. Hail damage can range from minor to severe, and the severity of the damage will determine the course of action. If the tomato plants have only minor damage, such as small tears in the leaves or a few broken stems, they may recover with minimal intervention. However, if the plants have significant damage, such as broken or split stems or large areas of shredded leaves, they may require more intensive treatment.

Prune the Tomato Plants

After evaluating the damage, the next step is to prune the tomato plants. Pruning should be done selectively, removing only the damaged parts of the plant. Broken stems should be cut back to healthy tissue, and shredded leaves should be removed. Pruning helps the tomato plants conserve energy and focus on growing healthy new leaves and stems.

Stake the Tomato Plants

If the tomato plants have been hit by hail, they may be at risk of falling over. To prevent this, gardeners should stake the tomato plants. Stakes should be placed in the ground next to each plant, and the plant should be tied to the stake with soft twine or fabric. This will keep the plant upright and prevent broken stems.

Provide Adequate Water and Fertilizer

Hail can damage the root systems of tomato plants, which can affect their ability to absorb water and nutrients. To help the plants recover, gardeners should provide adequate water and fertilizer. Water the plants deeply and regularly, and consider adding a balanced fertilizer to the soil. This will provide the plants with the nutrients they need to produce healthy new growth.

Use Protective Netting

To prevent hail damage in the future, gardeners can consider using protective netting. Netting can be draped over the tomato plants and secured with stakes or weights. This will prevent hail from hitting the plants directly and causing damage. Protective netting can be left in place throughout the growing season, but should be removed when the plants begin to flower to allow for pollination.

Conclusion

Tomato plants that have been hit by hail can recover with proper care and attention from gardeners. By evaluating the damage, pruning the plants, staking them for support, providing adequate water and fertilizer, and using protective netting, gardeners can help their tomato plants recover and continue to produce healthy fruit. With a little effort, hail damage to tomato plants can be mitigated and even prevented in the future.