With every summer downpour, the risk of brown rot infestation comes within reach. Of course, fungal spores flying towards them only germinate on wet tomato leaves. Indispensable outdoors: a tomato roof as rain protection. We present cheap solutions.

Minimum costs - maximum rain protection: the self-made version

The heart of a do-it-yourselfer also beats in most hobby gardeners. A little manual skill is enough to build a tomato roof as rain protection yourself. In order to protect eight tomato plants from moisture and thus from flying fungal spores, you need the following material:

  • 4 squared timbers, 2.5 meters long, 6 centimeters thick
  • 6 battens, 3 meters long
  • 6 square meters of stable greenhouse film

The squared timbers are sharpened at the bottom and driven about 50 centimeters deep into the ground, at a distance of 200 centimeters. Screw four battens lengthwise to two battens crosswise and fix them to the posts with an overhang of 50 centimeters at the front and back. The greenhouse film (€15.90) is stapled. Ideally, give the roof a 5 percent pitch to allow rainwater to run off.

STURDY AND REUSABLE: Ready-to-use tomato roof

If you keep hitting your 'green thumb' with a hammer, you choose a ready-made tomato roof from the trade. These models have the advantage of being constructed of stainless steel, sturdy ground anchors and a polycarbonate roof. Various versions have a telescopic system so that the tomato canopy grows with the plants.

All kinds of climbing aids, such as ropes or spiral rods, can be attached to the unbreakable roof supports. Alternatively, install a trellis in the middle under the roof. These durable constructions can be reused for many years. Compared to the 'homemade' brand, a ready-made kit pays for itself from season to season. It is important to note that all parts are meticulously disinfected before and after use.

tips and tricks

There is a clever alternative to ensure that the leaves do not get wet under the tomato canopy as rain protection due to splashing water. A disused flower pot is sunk into the ground next to each tomato plant. This is where you put the water instead of splashing it onto the ground.

Category:

Vegetable garden