I have wrapped my tomatoes with a plastic bag, to keep insects out and away from them. Is this a good or bad idea? and will it still produce like normal, if not better? Any advice/opinions would be appreciated. Regards, Caveman Plastic bag over tomatoes for protection ( photo / image / picture from Caveman's Garden )
bad idea, in my opinion. The plastic won't let the tomato breathe and will allow moisture to build a prime environment for fungus to grow in and rot the tomato.
I wouldn't use plastic either I'm afraid. As Carolyn has said fungus could grow and ruin your tomatoes.
I must agree that growing a tomato enclosed in a plastic bag is a poor idea. You might better plant beneficial-attracting plants near your tomatoes, or spray with an organic spray for the "bugs" attacking your tomatoes. You are also keeping out the beneficial insects, such as the wasp that lays its eggs on tomato hornworms, and cause the hornworm to die. Mother Nature doesn't use plastic !
Thank you all so much for the good advice! I am going to remove the bags right away. I am glad somebody told me, otherwise I would have left them there. I have planted flowers around my tomatoes, that keep away bugs, I'll have to wait and see if they do the trick. So far, my tomato plants and fruits are in good shape. I hope it stays this way. Thanks again, Caveman
Can you not get an insecticide there ? If not,, can you get pet supplies or livestock sprays? Are you growing organic ? A plastic bag will literally cook the tomato if the weather is warm.
Yes I do get sprays and such, to keep insects away, but I'm not using them, I'm trying to grow organic. I have planted some flowers that keep insects away, so I hope they will work. So far I have not had any problems with insects
I agree with the others; yet with regards to keeping insects away, consider electrifying your plants by applying about 1 to 5 volts DC to your pots using a cell phone charger attached to some steel or iron nails. The electricity has an effect of boosting immune function in the plant and accentuating the plants ability to keep insects away.
If bugs become a problem you could use mosquito netting provided the plant is getting enough sun. Even that will shade the tomato enough to slow ripening.
