Ethan Clarke
Covering tomato plants with plastic is a common practice among gardeners to protect them from pests, wind, rain, and frost. Some sources suggest that using a clear plastic bag or sheet to cover the plants can create a mini-greenhouse effect, trapping heat and potentially keeping out insect pests. However, others are concerned about the possible disadvantages of this method, such as overheating the plants and preventing pollination by bees. Gardeners in regions prone to blight have found success in using red plastic sheets or Wall 'o Water to protect their tomato plants. Additionally, using trash bags, old bedsheets, or inverted buckets and milk jugs with the bottoms cut off can help shield tomato plants from frost damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for covering tomatoes with plastic | To protect from frost, blight, wind, and rain |
| Types of plastic used | Clear plastic bags, red plastic sheets, trash bags, plastic cages |
| Advantages | Keeping plants warmer, protecting from insect pests, preventing leaf loss |
| Disadvantages | Overheating plants, preventing pollination by bees, difficulty in watering |
| Additional considerations | Gradually expose plants to sunlight after removing plastic |
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What You'll Learn
Covering tomatoes with plastic bags
To cover your tomatoes with plastic, you can use a clear plastic garbage bag or a plastic bag from the grocery store. Place the bag over the tomato plant, cage, or pot, and secure it in place. Ensure that the bag does not touch the leaves of the tomato plant, as this can cause issues. Poke a few holes in the bag to allow for airflow and to prevent condensation build-up.
If you are covering your tomatoes to protect them from frost, it is important to do so before the temperatures drop. You can also use old bedsheets or buckets with the bottoms cut off as an alternative to plastic. Another option is to use red plastic, as some gardeners have reported success in preventing blight by using this coloured plastic.
When using plastic bags to cover your tomatoes, gradually expose the plants to sunlight by removing the top portion of the plastic as the temperature rises. This will prevent any damage caused by sudden exposure to direct sunlight. Additionally, remember to remove the plastic completely once the risk of frost or extreme weather has passed, as the plants will need access to fresh air and pollinators.
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Using red plastic sheets
To use red plastic sheets, start by spreading the sheet out and cutting an 'X' where you want to place your tomato plant. Allow several feet of red plastic to be visible on either side of the plant or row. This will maximise the amount of light reflected from the plastic to the plant. The specific colour of red plastic is important, and you should choose a product that has been developed and tested for this purpose.
Red plastic mulch provides similar benefits to black plastic mulch, including warming the soil, preventing erosion, and retaining moisture. However, red plastic mulch is thinner and allows more light to pass through, promoting plant growth and development. It also reduces nematode damage by suppressing root knot nematodes, which are worms that feed on tomato root systems.
When using red plastic mulch, it is important to consider your watering method. While the mulch forms a strong barrier, water can pool on its surface and eventually penetrate. Look for products with micro-perforations to allow water and air to reach the soil more easily, and consider running a drip hose underneath the plastic to ensure adequate water delivery.
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Protecting tomatoes from blight
Blight is a common fungal disease that can destroy tomato plants by killing the tissue of their leaves, stems, and fruits. The disease is caused by fungal spores that are carried by insects, wind, water, and animals from infected plants, and then deposited on the soil. Once it infiltrates a garden, it's very difficult to manage due to its rapid spread.
Mulching
Mulching is a technique that involves blanketing plants with materials that eventually enrich the soil. It helps to prevent blight by acting as a barrier that stops soil from splashing onto the plants. It also helps to retain moisture and keep weeds down. Recommended mulching materials include straw, leaf mulch, newspaper, horticultural plastic, or fabric. However, it is important to note that mulching too early can slow the growth of tomato plants and make them ripen late. Therefore, it is recommended to wait at least a month after planting before mulching.
Insulated Plant Protectors
Insulated plant protectors, also known as Season Starters™, are rings of vertical plastic tubes filled with water that form a warming enclosure around individual tomato plants. The water inside the tubes is warmed by the sun during the day, keeping the plant and soil warm. These protectors allow sunlight, light, water, and air to pass through while also enabling pollination once flowers begin to form. However, it is important to remove the protectors when night temperatures increase in late spring or early summer to avoid creating an environment that promotes the growth of fungi.
Tomato Cages with Row Cover Fabric
Tomato cages can be wrapped in row cover fabric, such as Harvest Guard®, to help warm the air and soil around the plants. This method provides protection from frost and cold damage and is easy to work with. However, it may not keep the plants as warm as insulated plant protectors.
Shelters with Ultraviolet-Resistant Plastic
Building small shelters with 2-by-2 stakes and gables covered in ultraviolet-resistant plastic can protect tomato plants from blight. The tops of the shelters can be lifted off to facilitate fruit harvesting. However, it is important to ensure proper air circulation to avoid creating conditions favorable for fungal growth.
While covering tomato plants with plastic can provide protection from heavy rains, wind, or hail, it is important to be cautious. Non-translucent plastic can block essential sunlight, and plastic in general can prevent air circulation and increase temperatures, creating an ideal environment for fungi. Therefore, it is recommended to use thin, clear plastic with an open top for air circulation, and to remove the plastic when warmer weather arrives.
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Pros and cons of plastic covering
Covering tomato plants with plastic is a common practice with several benefits and drawbacks.
One of the main advantages of using plastic to cover tomato plants is protecting them from the elements, such as heavy rain, wind, hail, and frost. In particular, covering tomato plants with plastic can help prevent frost damage, which is a common issue for tomato growers. Additionally, plastic coverings can create a mini-greenhouse effect, keeping the plants warmer and potentially extending the growing season. This is especially beneficial for those in colder climates, as it allows them to start planting earlier in the spring and protects the plants from unexpected cold snaps.
Another benefit of plastic coverings is pest control. By covering tomato plants with plastic, gardeners can protect them from insect pests and birds, which can damage the plants and spread diseases. Additionally, plastic coverings can help prevent the spread of fungal diseases, as they block the wind and rain that may carry fungal spores.
However, there are also several drawbacks to consider when using plastic to cover tomato plants. One significant issue is the lack of air circulation, which can increase the temperature and humidity around the plants, creating favourable conditions for fungal growth. This can lead to fungal diseases, such as late blight, which can severely damage or even kill the plants. Additionally, the increased temperature under the plastic covering can lead to overheating, especially in warmer climates, potentially scorching the plants.
Another disadvantage of plastic coverings is their environmental impact. Plastic is not biodegradable and often ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. While biodegradable plastic mulches are being developed, they may not be as readily available or affordable for all gardeners.
Furthermore, while plastic coverings can protect plants from pests, they may also isolate them from beneficial insects, such as bees, which are essential for pollination. This can impact fruit production and reduce yields. Additionally, plastic coverings can make watering more challenging, as they block rainfall and require alternative irrigation methods, such as soaker hoses or hand watering at the base of each plant.
In conclusion, while covering tomato plants with plastic can offer protection from the elements and pests, it is important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks, including the risk of fungal diseases, overheating, environmental concerns, and the impact on pollination and watering. Experimentation and careful monitoring are key to successfully using plastic coverings for tomato plants, ensuring that the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.
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Alternatives to plastic covering
While plastic coverings are often used to protect tomato plants from frost, insects, heavy rain, wind, and hail, they can also cause problems. Covering tomato plants with plastic can prevent air circulation and increase temperatures, creating an environment where fungi can thrive and kill the plant. Additionally, non-translucent plastic can block sunlight, which is essential for tomato production.
Aluminum or Heavy Wire Screening
As suggested by Michigan State University Extension, using aluminum or heavy wire screening can protect your tomato plants from birds without the risks associated with plastic coverings.
Chemical or Natural Insecticides
If your tomato plants are infested with insects, consider using chemical or natural insecticides to manage the problem. This can be an alternative to using plastic coverings to keep insects out.
Old Bed Sheets
You can use old bed sheets to cover your tomato plants before temperatures drop. This alternative provides protection from frost without the risk of blocking sunlight or creating a humid environment for fungi to grow.
Trash Bags
Using trash bags to cover tomato plants can provide protection from frost. However, similar to plastic coverings, it is important to be cautious of the potential for increased temperatures and blocked airflow.
Raised Beds with Red Plastic Sheets
In regions like Seattle, where tomatoes are more susceptible to blight, consider growing your tomatoes in raised beds. Cover the bed under and around the plants with red plastic sheets to protect them from blight. While this method uses plastic, it is a more targeted approach that may reduce the risks associated with covering individual plants with plastic.
Photo-Degradable Embossed Black Plastic Mulch
If you prefer to use plastic, consider using photo-degradable options that are designed to break down into H2O, CO2, and biomass. This type of mulch can be laid under tomato plants to suppress weeds and promote crop growth while reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Covering tomatoes with plastic can protect them from blight, high winds, frost, and pests. It can also keep them warm.
Clear plastic bags or red plastic sheets can be used to cover tomato plants.
You can place a clear plastic bag or sheet over a tomato cage or bed of plants. If using a bag, pierce a few holes in it first to prevent overheating.
