[hammers07]

I bought a tomato growhouse this year. A metal frame one with a plastic cover. Its a good size and takes fourfull size growbags. I have planted tomatoes,chilli peppers and capiscums as well as cucumber. Its all growing fine.

My problem is the high winds yesterday and today have forced me to remove the plastic cover as despite it being anchored down with pegs the wind has been that strong that its lifting the whole lot and sending it half way across the garden.

Its now blowing a gale and raining hard. I'm worried that too much rain
may kill some or all of the plants.  I'm worried about trying to move the growbags indoors.

What should I do ?

[millie C]

Oh dear - sounds like a bit of a nightmare - it's horrible when you've put loads of love and attention into your plants and the weather comes along and messes it all up. The only thing I thought of is that you could try covering up the plants with some fleece if you can find a way of anchoring it - it may not be so prone to being blown away as its kinda wind permeable, but should keep them from getting too exposed from the elements. You might be able to attach it to the original frame. May be worth a try - good luck!

[hammers07]

thanks for advice -what makes it worse is that rain is forcast for next 5 days in midlands and Im off to CYPRUS on wednesday for a weeks holiday. Just hope winds drop soon so i can get the growhouse cover back on again.

[mashbintater]

I know exactly how you feel regarding this wind. It's 20mph & very blustery in West Lancs & has been for the last couple of days.
I'd already grouped most of my tom plants in pots together, stuck 8ft tall canes in the ground at either corner and a couple in between. I wrapped large sheets of polythene around these and secured (or so I tried) with clothes pegs to the canes, and bricks at the bottom to exclude draughts as best I could. A sudden strong gust of wind sent many pegs pinging off the canes all over the place. Ultimately I noticed some of the leaves on the tom plants were getting more battered, (some leaves turning almost bluey colour) with the poly than the wind, so off came the poly. The plants incredibly seem to be holding their own, likewise I hope the wind drops soon, but not according to the local weather forecast  

[gobs]

Mine are also uncovered now, the cover was doing them more harm than good.

[mashbintater]

Ok the wind has dropped it's fine drizzle and the temperature mild, around15'C, would it be worth wrapping the poly back round the toms now, or would that be like shutting the gate once the horse has bolted? I don't want to induce mould or anything, what do you think? Thanks.

[gobs]

I'm personally only going to cover them again if it's near/freezing temp or very much blight like conditions.