Photos and description courtesy of Adam Saunders, of the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture. A massive heat wave has settled in over much of the country. This creates challenges for all people, but especially gardeners. Tomatoes are a staple crop for gardeners but the hot weather can cause the flowers to fall off before they get pollinated and lead to a failed crop. Check out these pictures that show a-frame shade structures over tomatoes. They are built out of lumber, have a 7 ft wide white cotton row cover, and are anchored with rot-resistant wood stakes. Notice how the covered plants have healthier flowers, better vertical growth and more fruit on the vine (hard to see in photo).
Tomato plant left in the sun.
Tomato Plant in the shade.
Lucky you. That system would not remain up as long as it took me to install it in out hot, dry winds here in SW Oklahoma where we often have winds in excess of 65 or 70 MPH
Happy gardening
Posted by pobept | July 5, 2012, 3:05 pm