Wading Pool Tomatoes (PIX)

[Rebbetzin]

For years and years I have tried to grow tomatoes. And it is so hot and dry here that they are never very happy and don't produce many tomatoes. This year, I came up with what I am hoping will be a solution to the extreme heat and lack of humidity.

What I did was put my Tomato Plants in a wading pool with shade cloth over the top of them.

They are able to get early morning sun and are sheltered from the afternoon sun. The shadecloth keeps in some of the humidity and with the pots sitting in water, the soil stays evenly moist.

I still have to water them twice a day on the hottest of day. But, now they don't dry out between waterings which causes them to be too stressed. They have lots of flowers and I hope to this year actually get some decent tomatoes.

 

[abifae]

Ooohhh! I'm going to try that next year!!!

 

[sunsaver]

Nice! Homemade self watering containers! Contrary to popular belief, tomatoes like full sun in norther climes only. In the heat of the south or southwest, shade cloth or tree canopy in the afternoon is a must. Congrats!

 

[Dawn419]

My tomatoes are going to be contacting your tomatoes to tell yours how abused they are here!

 

[JRmom]

Nice! Sunsaver is right. My tomatoes did great this year planted in a part of the garden that is partially shaded. I initially thought about trimming the tree that provides the shade, but I'm glad I didn't.

 

[valmom]

SS must be right- up here the trick is getting them warm and sunny enough. Good idea, though- they look happy.