Introduction

Tomatoes are an essential crop for a home gardener, and it can be tough to see them punished by rainy weather. Rainfall can damage the plants and infect them with diseases like fungus or blight. Many people don’t know how to protect their tomato plants from rain besides creating a makeshift cover. This article will explore some tips to protect plants from rain and keep them healthy and productive.

Shade Cloth and Tarps

Simple covers made of tarp or shade cloth can help to keep rain off tomato plants. This technique is not ideal for gardeners who want their plants to have full sun exposure. Full exposure to the sun is necessary for proper growth and development for most plants. You can still use shade cloth to cover the plant during the rainiest times of the year. The cover can help reduce damage to plants caused by rain and can help keep the soil moist. Plus, the shade cloth’s design will still let in the needed amount of sunlight.

Create Drainage around the Plant

Another way to keep rain off tomato plants is to carefully create drainage. When your garden has been hit by heavy rain, it can be a problem to see puddles forming around your plants. These puddles can cause the soil around the plants to become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. To avoid this title of situations create small trenches or furrows around the plants allowing the water to drain quickly out of the plant.

Use Mulch to Keep Rain Off Tomato Plants

A covering of mulch can also help keep rain off tomato plants, but it must be done right. Applying too much mulch can prevent growth and inhibit a proper amount of water to reach the plant. You also want to use the right type of mulch, and the good news is that there are several that can work well for a homegrown tomato plot. Some to consider include shredded leaves, straw or hay, and grass clippings.

Use a Raised Bed Cover

Another option to keep rain off tomato plants is to use a raised bed cover. Raised bed covers come in a range of options that are durable and functional. This option comes with a lot of benefits, including allowing you to start plants earlier in the season and keeping out small animals that would nibble on your plants. Vegetables grown in raised bed covers can get a head start before they are moved to the garden. These systems can also protect your plants from extreme temperatures, rain, and unfavorable weather.

Proper Soil Management

Proper soil management is always important for success when you are growing any kind of plant. When it comes to tomatoes, getting the right nutrients is crucial for healthy growth. The right combination of organic matter, pH levels, and needed nutrients should be considered. Some great choices to consider to improve soil quality can include compost, well-rotted manure, and bone meal. You should enrich your soil with these organics before planting. Then you can work extra manure into your soil, adding much-needed nutrients to it.

Conclusion

Tomato plants are among the most important crops in your garden, and keeping rain off them can be a challenge. Nonetheless, it’s absolutely necessary to prevent fungal diseases and root rot, which can wreak havoc on your tomatoes. We hope that these tips can help you give your plants the care they need to thrive, even during heavy rain periods.