How can I protect my tomato plants from constant sun?

Question

No matter where I plant my tomatoes, (raised beds), I lose the majority of them due to constant sun. I'd be thankful for some advice on projects that would block some of the hottest hours of the day. We had a beautiful oak tree that had to be removed due to rot, leaving no trees for shade. Thanks to all who might want to pass on your expert advice.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I thinks a simple wooden trellis with a fabric 'sunscren' would be pretty easy to implement and not cost too much. these sunscreen are available in different shading factors http://growerssolution.com/page/GS/CTGY/SC?t=shade_cloth_screen_ppc&gclid=CPvdgb-63rUCFfBDMgodpBIAmw

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Alice Houle in @Jim McGovern post, info has been shared about planting them next to the house so they don't get too hot - http://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/raised-garden-beds/my-vegetable-garden-1045798 - he may be able to provide more information, he has an awsome garden.

Alice Houle · Answer

Thanks to both replies. I'll take both of your advice, and work on creating a setup somehow close to the backside of the house. Trellis' was a great idea.

Douglas Hunt · Answer

If you can find an old Bimini top from a boat you can do what this Hometalk member did: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/my-idea-for-a-lil-shade-the-top-is-adjustable-and-folds-into-it-self-nicely-the-top-190969

Jeanette S · Answer

My brother-in-law built a frame from PVC Pipe with little effort. He then laid out building timbers to hold opened bags of Miracle Grow top soil and planted his tomatoes in them...no building of beds, no tilling of soil. He then hooked a hose to it, punched holes in it and made a sprinkler too. All you need for shade would be drop cloth thrown over this kind of frame. Easy gardening.

Jim McGovern · Answer

Thank you Gail for mentioning my garden. You've stated exactly what I do. When the sun passes over the house just after noon it creates shade on my tomato plants. In Ga. as in NC it gets so hot and dry in the summertime. Alice, I am fortunate that my house sits with the back pointed mostly NW. Otherwise my tomatoes might be planted on the front or side of my house.

How can I protect my tomato plants from constant sun?

My Vegetable Garden

My idea for a lil shade, the top is adjustable and folds into it self nicely. the top is the bimini top from my boat

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How can I protect my tomato plants from constant sun?

My Vegetable Garden

My idea for a lil shade, the top is adjustable and folds into it self nicely. the top is the bimini top from my boat

Suggested Project Book