Shade, planting different types of tomatoes, and patience are all needed when hot days drag on and we're waiting for our fresh tomatoes! Photo: Canva
SALT LAKE CITY — High heat temperatures can have a bad effect on vegetable plants, especially more delicate plants like tomatoes.
So, KSL Greenhouse host Taun Beddes offered some tips on taking care of your tomatoes to ensure they maintain their fruit and quality. Taun said consistent temperatures above 95 degrees prevent tomato plants from ripening.
According to Taun, giving tomatoes some shade is key, and you can use shade cloths if “you want about 20-30% shade”. By using shade cloths you can reduce the temperature on the tomatoes by about 20 to 30 degrees, and you may get tomatoes 4 weeks sooner than expected.
A great tip to maximize the season is to buy a variety of tomatoes that are more heat tolerant, although Beddes warns they might not be as good as the more popular tomatoes.
If it is too hot, wait for cooler temperatures for the tomatoes to ripen, Taun Said.
“It needs to be below 90 (degrees) during the day and between 55 and 65 (degrees) at night.”
To hear more tips make sure you listen to the podcast below!
The KSL Greenhouse is on every Saturday from 8-11 a.m. You can follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.