How to Protect Tomato Plants with Netting

Tomatoes are a gardener's delight, but they're also a favorite among pests and diseases. To protect your tomato plants and ensure a bountiful harvest, consider using netting as a protective barrier. Netting not only keeps pests at bay but also supports your plants and can even protect them from harsh weather conditions.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of covering your tomato plants with netting, from choosing the right type to applying it correctly. Let's dive in and make your tomato garden a fortress of protection!

Choosing the Right Netting for Your Tomato Plants

Before you head to the garden center, it's crucial to understand the different types of netting available and their uses.

Cage netting and floating row covers are the most common types used for tomato plants. Cage netting is rigid and provides structural support, while floating row covers are lightweight, breathable, and designed to protect against pests and light frost.

Cage Netting

Cage netting is ideal for indeterminate tomato varieties that grow tall and require staking or caging. It provides excellent support and keeps fruits off the ground, reducing the risk of rot and disease.

When choosing cage netting, consider the size of your tomato plants and the size of the holes. For tomatoes, a hole size of 2" x 4" or 1" x 2" is usually sufficient. Also, ensure the netting is sturdy and made of durable materials like galvanized steel or heavy-duty plastic.

Floating Row Covers

Floating row covers are perfect for protecting young tomato plants from pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cutworms. They can also provide some frost protection in early spring or late fall.

When selecting a floating row cover, opt for one made of lightweight, breathable fabric like spunbonded polyester or polypropylene. Ensure it's fine enough to keep pests out but allows light, water, and air to pass through.

Applying Netting to Your Tomato Plants

Now that you've chosen the right netting for your tomato plants, it's time to apply it. The process differs slightly between cage netting and floating row covers.

For both types, it's best to apply the netting when your tomato plants are young and small. This makes the process easier and less stressful for the plants.

Applying Cage Netting

To apply cage netting, follow these steps:

1. Measure and cut the netting to the desired size, ensuring it's tall enough to accommodate your tomato plants' growth.
2. Place the netting over the tomato plant, centering it as much as possible.
3. Secure the netting to the ground using stakes or U-shaped pins. Ensure it's taut and stable to provide adequate support.
4. As your tomato plants grow, gently weave their stems through the netting to provide additional support.

Applying Floating Row Covers

To apply a floating row cover, follow these steps:

1. Measure and cut the row cover to the desired size, ensuring it's long enough to cover your tomato plants and extend a few inches beyond them.
2. Lay the row cover over the tomato plants, ensuring it's flat and smooth.
3. Secure the row cover to the ground using stakes or U-shaped pins. Ensure it's taut and stable, but don't pull it too tight as this can damage the fabric.
4. If using row covers for frost protection, ensure they're in place before nightfall. In the morning, remove the covers to allow sunlight and heat to reach the plants.

Remember, it's crucial to monitor your tomato plants regularly when using netting. While netting provides excellent protection, it can also trap heat and humidity, creating an ideal environment for fungal diseases. If you notice any signs of disease, remove the netting immediately to allow for better air circulation.

Using netting to protect your tomato plants is a proactive step towards a healthy and productive harvest. By choosing the right netting and applying it correctly, you're creating a safe haven for your plants to grow and thrive. Happy gardening!