wind burn on tomato plants

Protecting Tomato Plants from Wind Damage and Burn

Growing tomato plants outdoors exposes them to weather elements like wind. While a gentle breeze helps strengthen tomato plant stems, extremely windy conditions can damage plants. This is known as wind burn on tomato plants. Here’s what causes it and how to prevent wind damage.

What Is Wind Burn on Tomato Plants?

Wind burn refers to the drying out and damage to tomato plant leaves stems and fruit caused by hot, dry winds. It typically shows up as

  • Leaves curling up and appearing dried out or scorched
  • Margins and tips of leaves turning brown
  • Stems becoming brittle and discolored
  • Blossoms falling off without setting fruit
  • Cracking or markings on green tomatoes

Wind desiccates tomatoes by removing moisture faster than the roots can supply it Plus, the forceful gusts cause physical harm by whipping the plant around

Young tomato seedlings just planted in the garden are very susceptible to wind damage Their roots are not developed enough to supply moisture quickly to replace what the wind strips away.

Mature tomato plants can better withstand windy conditions. But prolonged hot, dry winds still take a toll through moisture loss, stem abrasions, and stressed roots.

Protecting Tomato Plants from Wind

Here are some tips to safeguard tomato plants from wind damage:

  • Choose a Sheltered Garden Site

Avoid exposing tomatoes to direct wind if possible. Plant them in a spot shielded by a wall, fence, or other structures that block prevailing winds.

  • Use Protective Barriers

Ring tomato plants with temporary wind barriers like shade cloth, burlap, or patterned plastic. This cuts wind speed while still permitting light and air circulation.

  • Stake Plants Securely

Insert tall sturdy stakes at least 1 foot deep and use plant ties to anchor stems. This prevents the wind from thrashing the plant around and damaging roots.

  • Apply Mulch

Spread 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants. This preserves soil moisture to counteract drying from wind. Straw, leaves, wood chips all work.

  • Water Thoroughly

Soak tomato plant root zones before and after windy periods. Deep watering replenishes lost moisture and helps tomatoes recover.

  • Avoid Over-Pruning

Prune only to remove suckers and lower branches touching the ground. Keeping more foliage provides protection against desiccating winds.

  • Consider Windbreaks

Use taller crops, trellises, shrubs, or trees as windbreaks to divert gusts away from the tomato patch.

  • Cover Small Plants

Shield young transplants with cloches, tunnels, milk jugs, etc. to conserve moisture until their roots establish. Ventilate to prevent overheating.

  • Pick Tomatoes Promptly

Harvest ripe tomatoes before winds cause cracking and bruising. Letting fruits over-ripen on the vine makes them extra vulnerable.

  • Accept Some Damage

A few dry, curled leaves or cracked tomatoes are a fair tradeoff for enjoying garden-fresh produce. The plant will continue to grow and produce.

  • Provide Aftercare

Following wind events, prune off any broken branches. Water deeply and feed with compost tea to help plants recover and perk up.

Is Wind Burn on Tomatoes Permanent?

Mature tomato plants are resilient and can bounce back after periodic wind damage. Remove any severely damaged leaves or branches. Keep the soil consistently moist. Within a week or two, new leaf growth should resume.

However, young seedlings are very sensitive to desiccating winds before their root system is established. Drying out at this stage can permanently stunt tomato plant development and reduce yields. It’s critical to take protective measures when acclimating tender transplants.

With preventative care and prompt remedial action, tomato plants can thrive even in windy garden conditions. Don’t let damaging winds deflate your plans for a bountiful tomato harvest!

What To Do With a Wind Blown Tomato Plant

FAQ

Can plants recover from windburn?

Usually after some time, the plants will recover on their own. Wind burn is very stressful on a plant. They usually end up curling their leaves under to try and protect themselves. This reaction is called “clawing”.

Will tomatoes recover from sunburn?

When suddenly set out in full blazing sun, the leaves can burn. Don’t worry: the plant will recover. Isn’t it interesting that leaves, like our winter skin, may react to that first sudden burst of sun? The bizarre shape of tomatoes like this may be brought on by cooler-than- normal weather.

How to protect tomatoes from strong winds?

You have two options: natural windbreaks, such as trees, or artificial windbreaks, like wall barriers, which can shield your tomato plants from direct exposure to the wind. Alternatively, if your garden lacks natural windbreaks, consider acquiring and installing HDPE windbreak netting.

Can tomato plants tolerate wind?

My biggest concern with my tomatoes in the spring is WIND protection. Most of my tomato fatality’s are caused by the wind. A sustained wind of just a few miles per hour can murder your young tomato plants very quickly.

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