In the last 3 months weve received an excessive amount of rain, and with that our tomato season has suffered as a bit of a consequence.
In February we received around 1300mm of rain. We had just planted our tomatoes and they seemed to do OK all things considering. Fast forward to May, we received another 400mm of rain. This time the tomato plants were far more established and were close to starting to ripen. After inspecting the damage I found a few issues from the excessive rain which you can watch in the video below.
Tomatoes are one of the most beloved vegetables to grow in home gardens However, heavy rainfall can wreak havoc on tomato plants if left exposed. As a tomato gardener, you may be wondering, “Should I cover my tomato plants when it rains?” This comprehensive guide will provide key insights to help you make the right decision for your plants
Why Rain Can Damage Tomato Plants
Before deciding whether to cover or not it’s important to understand how rainfall negatively impacts tomato plants
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Diseases: Wet foliage is a breeding ground for fungal diseases like early blight, late blight, leaf mold and botrytis. These can quickly spread in rainy conditions.
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Fruit cracking: Heavy rainfall can cause tomatoes to swell and crack open. Cracks allow disease organisms to enter and ruin the tomato.
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Bruising: Big raindrops pummel and bruise delicate fruit and foliage. Bruises damage ripening tomatoes and make them unsellable.
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Soil erosion: Hard rain can wash away topsoil and expose plant roots. This affects the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water.
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Leaf loss: Driving rain strips away leaves and damages branches. Defoliation stresses plants and limits photosynthesis.
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Root rot: Excess moisture prevents oxygen from reaching plant roots, causing them to rot. This inhibits nutrient uptake and makes plants vulnerable.
As you can see, rain can wreak havoc on your tomato crop. Protecting the plants keeps them healthy and productive.
Benefits of Covering Tomato Plants in Rain
Covering tomato plants when it rains provides multiple benefits:
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Prevents fungal diseases like early and late blight from taking hold
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Reduces fruit splitting, cracking and bruising during storms
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Protects foliage and branches from damage by driving rain
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Avoids soil erosion and runoff around plant bases
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Maintains optimal moisture levels in soil to prevent waterlogging
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Creates a barrier against driving wind that can batter plants
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Allows you to control rainwater exposure and avoid overwatering
By keeping plants dry during downpours, you’ll enjoy stronger, higher-yielding plants. Protecting tomatoes from excessive rain gives you greater control over plant health.
When to Cover Tomato Plants
The best time to cover tomato plants is before a heavy rain or thunderstorm arrives. This prevents the plants from getting pounded and soaked.
Monitor weather forecasts so you can plan ahead. If showers are predicted, get your covers or shelters in place early. It’s much easier to prevent damage rather than deal with the aftermath.
During light or intermittent rains, covers may not be necessary. But it’s better to err on the side of caution when heavy rains are expected.
In damp climates, having covers ready to go is advised. Protecting plants from regular rainfall keeps diseases at bay over the long run.
How to Cover Tomato Plants in Rain
You have several options when it comes to covering your tomatoes in wet weather:
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Plastic sheeting or tarps: These waterproof covers are inexpensive and provide full protection. Use hooks, bricks or boards to secure the edges.
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Remay fabric row covers: This lightweight polyester lets in air and light while forming a rain barrier. The fabric diffuses pounding rain.
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Umbrellas: Use large patio umbrellas over container tomatoes to divert rain. Or place umbrellas upside down between rows in a garden.
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Cloches: These bell-shaped covers sit over individual plants, shielding them while allowing light and air flow.
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Cold frames: Enclose plants in bottomless cold frames covered with plastic sheeting or glass panes. Lift the lids for ventilation.
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Greenhouses: Full greenhouses keep plants bone dry and protect against cold temperatures as well.
Choose a cover that fits your space and budget. Even improvised covers like tarps or old shower curtains work in a pinch! The goal is to form a physical barrier.
Risks of Not Covering Plants in Rain
Now that you know the benefits of covering plants, consider the risks of leaving them exposed:
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High likelihood of diseases like early blight, late blight, leaf mold and fungal spot
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Increased fruit splitting, cracks and bruising
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Greater risk of branches breaking from driving rain
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More defoliation due to stripped leaves
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Higher soil erosion and nutrient leaching
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Potential root rot issues from waterlogged soil
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Stunted growth, lower yields and reduced fruit quality
Unprotected plants won’t reach their full potential. Why spend months caring for plants only to lose much of the harvest? Avoidable damage is disheartening.
Caring for Covered Plants
Follow these tips when your tomato plants are covered in wet weather:
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Check plants for pests like hornworms and aphids which thrive under covers
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Water carefully, as covered plants need less moisture. Let soil dry out between waterings.
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Ensure good air circulation under covers to prevent diseases – lift covers if humidity builds up
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Monitor for signs of disease like leaf spots and promptly remove affected foliage
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Support covered plants with stakes and cages to prevent branches breaking
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Remove covers as soon as the rain passes to avoid overheating plants on sunny days
With a little oversight, your covered tomatoes will thrive!
Alternative Protection Methods
If fully covering plants isn’t practical, consider these alternative protection strategies:
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Build raised beds to improve drainage and minimize puddling
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Use drip irrigation to carefully control water to plants’ roots
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Increase spacing between plants to encourage air circulation
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Stake and prune plants for better structure to shed rain
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Use fans to keep air moving under plant canopies
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Add organic mulch around plants to absorb excess moisture and prevent soil splashing
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Treat preventatively with fungicides to discourage disease (follow product instructions)
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Grow blight-resistant tomato varieties which tolerate rain better
A multi-pronged approach keeps plants healthier if full covers aren’t feasible. Even small changes make a difference.
During rainy spells, tomato plants are highly vulnerable to damage and disease. Covering your plants when heavy rain hits is strongly advised to protect your crop. Choose an appropriate cover like plastic sheeting, cloches or row cover fabric to act as a barrier. Keep plants protected until the rain passes, then remove covers promptly. A little effort up front prevents heartache later if your tomato crop is ravaged. Pay attention to the weather and don’t get caught off guard. With some sensible precautions, your treasured tomato plants will continue thriving through the storms!
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In the last 3 months weve received an excessive amount of rain, and with that our tomato season has suffered as a bit of a consequence.
In February we received around 1300mm of rain. We had just planted our tomatoes and they seemed to do OK all things considering. Fast forward to May, we received another 400mm of rain. This time the tomato plants were far more established and were close to starting to ripen. After inspecting the damage I found a few issues from the excessive rain which you can watch in the video below.
What to do when you’ve had a bad tomato season
Try again! Well plant more seeds and go again with our growing. You never know what the next season will bring.
And dont waste those green tomatoes, there are many recipes out there that can help you make the most of that harvest.
5 Tips to Save Your Vegetable Garden After Too Much Rain
FAQ
Is heavy rain bad for tomato plants?
Usually, one heavy rainfall won’t kill healthy tomato plants in just a matter of days. However, if this year’s heavy rains had kept your soil pretty consistently wet, then Ike could have been “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and finished them off.
What temperature should you cover your tomato plants?
Tomatoes don’t like temperatures below 50° and temperatures below 45° can damage them. I would definitely cover or bring them inside if potted.
Should I cover my plants if it rains too much?
Coverage. It helps if you cover your plants with items such as buckets, pots, and other containers. This gives them a shield that protects them from damage that would be caused by rain and wind. The coverings you use have to be weighed down because it helps them stay in place.
Do tomato plants like to stay wet?
Watering Tomato plants like to be moist but not soaking wet, so water them accordingly. As noted above, you can use peat moss when planting to help with water retention. Mulching is also a great practice to help keep the moisture levels high and wards of invasive weeds.
Should tomato plants be under cover during the rain?
If your tomatoes are in pots or containers, you should consider bringing them under cover during the rain, but you don’t always need to do so. If you can judge how your tomato plants are doing, you should know whether you need to bring them inside or if you can let them enjoy the rainfall where they are.
When should you cover tomato plants?
When to Cover Your Tomato Plants Cover your tomato plants during rain showers to shield them from potential harm. It’s best to cover them before heavy rain or storms to prevent overwatering and protect the plants from diseases that thrive in wet conditions.
How do you protect tomato plants from rain?
If possible, use floating row covers to help shield the tomato plants from heavy rain and strong winds. Lastly, planting tomatoes in containers with drainage holes can also help keep their roots dry and prevent them from being over-saturated with water.
Can Tomato plants withstand rain?
Plant the tomatoes in the area with good drainage capacity. Add additional soil or compost around the base of the plant to cover the exposed roots. Tomato plants may withstand rainfall if planted in an area with good drainage capacity. One experienced gardener recommends adding additional soil or compost around the base of the tomato plants.
Do tomato plants need to be covered?
If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, you may want to cover your tomato plants to protect them from wind and hail damage. If you are growing delicate tomato varieties, you may want to cover them to protect them from the elements. If your tomato plants are large, you may want to cover them to prevent them from being blown over by the wind.
When should I remove the cover from my tomato plants?
Answer: You should remove the cover from your tomato plants when the weather has stabilized and there is no longer a chance of heavy rain. This is usually when the weather has been dry for several days. What are the benefits of covering my tomato plants? Protection from rain: Covering your tomato plants can help to protect them from the rain.