With every summer downpour, the risk of brown rot infestation becomes within reach. Of course, incoming fungal spores only germinate on wet tomato leaves. Indispensable in the open field: a tomato canopy as protection from the rain. We present affordable solutions.
How to build or buy a tomato canopy as a rain shelter?
A tomato roof as rain protection can either be built yourself or purchased ready-made. Homemade tomato roofs consist of squared timbers, roof battens and greenhouse film; finished models use stainless steel, ground anchors and polycarbonate roofs. Both variants protect tomatoes from rain and brown rot.
Minimal costs – maximum rain protection: The self-made version
Most hobby gardeners also have the heart of a do-it-yourselfer. All it takes is a little manual skill to build a tomato roof yourself as rain protection. To protect eight tomato plants from moisture and thus the incoming fungal spores, you need the following material:
- 4 squared timbers, 2.5 meters long, 6 centimeters thick
- 6 roof battens, 3 meters long
- 6 square meters of stable greenhouse film
The squared timbers are sharpened at the bottom and driven into the ground about 50 centimeters deep, at a distance of 200 centimeters. Screw four roof battens lengthways to two battens crosswise and fix them to the posts with an overhang of 50 centimeters at the front and back. The greenhouse film is stapled. Ideally, you should give the roof a 5 percent slope so that rainwater can drain away.
Stable and reusable: ready-to-use tomato roof
If you constantly hit your 'green thumb' with a hammer, choose a ready-assembled tomato roof (€249.00 at Amazon) from the store. These models have the advantage of being constructed of stainless steel, sturdy ground anchors and a polycarbonate roof. Different versions have a telescopic system so that the tomato canopy grows up with the plants.
All kinds of climbing aids, such as ropes or spiral rods, can be attached to the break-proof roof racks. Alternatively, install a trellis in the middle under the roof. These durable constructions can be reused for many years. Compared to the 'home-made brand', a prefabricated kit pays for itself from season to season. It is important to carefully disinfect all parts before and after use.
Tips & Tricks
So that the leaves under the tomato canopy as rain protection don't get wet due to splashing irrigation water, there is a clever alternative. A used flower pot is sunk into the ground next to each tomato plant. Put the water in here instead of letting it splash onto the ground.
