What to do with Tomato Plants After a Hailstorm

Tomato plants are a staple in many home gardens, providing fresh and tasty produce throughout the summer months. However, tomato plants are also vulnerable to hailstorms, which can damage their leaves, stems, and fruit. If you've experienced a hailstorm and want to know what to do with your damaged tomato plants, read on for some helpful tips.

Assess the Damage

The first step in dealing with a hail-damaged tomato plant is to assess the damage. Take a close look at the plant to see how much damage there is. If only a few leaves or branches have been damaged, you may be able to salvage the plant. However, if most of the plant is damaged, it may be best to cut your losses and start over.

Prune the Damaged Parts

If you've determined that the tomato plant is salvageable, the next step is to prune the damaged parts. Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to remove any broken or damaged leaves, branches, or fruit. Be sure to cut the damaged parts back to healthy tissue to promote new growth.

Provide Support

If the hailstorm has damaged the stems of your tomato plant, you may need to provide some support to help the plant recover. Use bamboo stakes or tomato cages to prop up the damaged areas of the plant. Be sure to tie the plant to the stake or cage using soft string or garden twine to avoid damaging the stems further.

Water and Fertilize

In order to help your tomato plant recover from a hailstorm, it's important to give it the nutrients and moisture it needs to heal. Water the plant deeply to help it recover from the shock of the storm, and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer to encourage new growth. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.

Protect from Future Hailstorms

If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, it's important to take steps to protect your tomato plants from future damage. Build a simple shelter over the plants using PVC pipe or other materials to shield them from hailstones. You can also cover the plants with blankets or tarps if a storm is expected.

Overall, dealing with hail-damaged tomato plants can be a frustrating experience for any gardener. However, by following these simple steps, you can help your plants recover and produce a bountiful harvest.