To reap a plentiful harvest, your tomato plant is always going to need some care and attention, such as regular fertilizer and pruning of diseased stems. But to protect you tomato plant during times of extreme heat and drought, you'll need to take some extra measures. Otherwise, your plant might die or fail to develop those tasty, fresh, juicy fruits you love to enjoy during tomato season.
Apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch, such as shredded bark or chopped leaves, around the base of your tomato plant and extend it 1 to 2 inches beyond the canopy to cover the entire root zone. For a container-grown tomato plant, spread 1 to 2 inches of mulch on top of the soil. Mulch helps keep the soil cool, which helps maintain moisture and prevent the roots from dying in the extreme heat. You can also bury the container in soil or wrap a blanket around it to help maintain moisture and regulate temperatures.
Move a container-grown tomato plant to an area that receives morning sun only. Keep the plant in a shady spot during the afternoon. If nighttime temperatures remain above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, move a flowering tomato plant indoors, in a garage or another cooler area at night; otherwise fruit could fail to set. For a tomato plant grown in the garden, move a structure or a large drought-tolerant container plant to block the afternoon sun. You can also build a frame around your tomato plant and cover it with a shade cloth.
Water the tomato plant every morning, and check the soil again in mid to late afternoon to determine if you should water it again. If the soil is dry 1/2 to 1 inch deep, it needs water. When you water, water deeply with at least 1 inch of water. For a container-grown tomato, slowly water and stop once you see it drip out the drainage hole.
Things You Will Need
- Garden hose
- Shade cloth
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