When Do You Cover Tomato Plants Outside?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in the garden. Not only are they delicious but they are also easy to grow. However, protecting them from the unpredictable weather can be tricky. Covering your tomato plants is one way to protect them from harsh weather conditions. But when should you cover tomato plants outside? Let's find out.

Why Cover Tomato Plants?

Tomato plants are susceptible to various weather conditions such as frost, intense heat or heavy rains. Cold snaps can occur, even during late spring or early fall. In such cases, a simple cover can help protect your tomatoes from damage. But it's also important to remember that the wrong type of cover or the wrong timing can harm your tomato plants. Before covering your tomato plants, you should understand the weather conditions in your area and the best way to protect your plants from those conditions.

When to Cover Tomato Plants?

The timing of covering tomato plants is crucial. The best time to cover your tomato plants is during the late afternoon or early evening, when the sun is setting. This ensures that the tomato plants have absorbed enough sunlight and have had adequate time to dry off from any morning dew. Additionally, covering your tomato plants too early in the day can result in a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and potentially damaging the plants.

The timing of when to cover your tomato plants also depends on the expected weather conditions. If frost is expected, cover your tomato plants before nightfall to help preserve the warmth of the soil. If heavy rains are expected, cover your tomato plants before the rain to prevent damage to the fruit.

How to Cover Tomato Plants?

When covering your tomato plants, it's important to use the appropriate covering materials. There are a variety of materials that can be used, such as blankets, old sheet, special garden cloths, and plastic tarps. You should choose a material that provides adequate protection, but also allows for enough ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. In general, clear plastic tarps should be avoided as they can trap heat and cause fungal diseases.

When covering your tomato plants, make sure that the covering material is secure and won't blow away during heavy winds. You can use rocks or bricks to weigh down the edges of the covering material. It's also important to remove the covering material after the weather event has passed to prevent moisture buildup and fungal diseases.

Conclusion

Knowing when to cover tomato plants is crucial to their survival. The timing and type of covering material used can greatly impact the health of the tomato plants. By understanding the weather conditions in your area and using the appropriate covering materials, you can provide your tomato plants with the best protection possible. Remember to remove the covering material after the weather event has passed to prevent moisture buildup and fungal diseases. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a bountiful tomato harvest.