By Michelle Fabio

We’re not the only ones who need protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Fruits and vegetables are also feeling the burn and the effects are shown in sunspots, blemishes and blisters on their skins, which can turn into decreased sales at the market.

And so one California company is testing an SPF 45 product specially designed to deflect ultraviolet and infrared light from plants but allowing photosynthesis rays they need to ripen.

Tests have taken place in Australia, Chile and California so far, and have shown increased yields because of less heat-related stress on the plants.

When plants get too hot, they Read the rest of this entry »

By Michelle Fabio

As winter winds down, you’re thinking of starting your seeds indoors and already envisioning enjoying a big, juicy tomato in the summer heat.

But sometimes animals come between us and our tomatoes, don’t they?

What’s a tomato grower to do?

First of all, if something is eating your tomatoes, the usual suspects are rabbits, deer, rodents (squirrels), or even caterpillars. Be aware that many states and countries have laws against trapping and/or killing wild animals, and anyway, that’s not something that Tomato Casual would recommend.

So the following are some ideas for preventing animals from stealing your tomatoes; depending on the size of the critter involved, some may work better than others, so use your judgment.

(1) Cages or other physical barriers around the plants. Chicken wire and mesh will work, but just be sure to also cover the tops of the plants otherwise the tomato stealers may just learn to take the tomatoes from the top rather than from the sides. And thank you for the free workout!

(2) Noisemakers and other distractions. Suggestions include Read the rest of this entry »