How to Keep Tomato Transplants in Hot Sun

Although tomato plants need full sunlight to thrive and grow large in the garden, too much sun may not be healthy for them. During the initial period immediately after transplanting them into the garden, keep tomato transplants protected from the hot sun. With simple measures to block the hottest rays, you can ensure that new tomato plants get a strong start in the garden.

Wood stakes (2 feet long)
Hammer
Newspaper, cardboard or burlap
Staple gun (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Determine which side of the tomato transplants faces the south. You must shield the tomatoes from the strongest effects of the sun on this side.
- 2
  Drive one wood stake 2 to 4 inches into the soil about 4 to 6 inches away from each tomato plant. Use the hammer to pound each stake into the south side of the tomato plants.
- 3
  Place the newspaper, cardboard or burlap against the stake to shield the tomatoes from the southern sun exposure. The piece of shield material you use should cover the area from the soil to the top of the stake, stopping at the point where the stake ends. This will provide shelter from the hottest southern sun.
- 4
  Staple the shield material to the stake to keep it from blowing away, if necessary.
- 5
  Use the sun shields for the first week after transplanting tomato plants outdoors. Remove the stakes and shields after this time.

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