Alternative to greenhouse

Discussion in 'Tools And Equipment' started by Bee, May 1, 2025.

  1. Bee

    Bee Apprentice Gardener

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    I bought 5 tomato plug plants amd my friend gave me 5 more plug plants. I have a small garden so there is not enough space in my flower bed. I usually plant them in pots. But this time I have 10 plants. Though there is space for pots in my garden but when its heavy rain I can't bring all of them in my home ( I used to take 4 to 5 plants inside in last summer in case of heavy rain). Greenhouse is an option but garden size is small so small greenhouse can be bought however tomato plants grow bigger and bigger especially in July and small greenhouse will not do the job. Now how can I protect my plants from heavy rain ( right now I can bring them in as they are small but In July they will need protection)? They just need some shade some or waterproof thing !
     
  2. Butterfly6

    Butterfly6 Total Gardener

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    I would have thought moving them next to a wall or fence would be enough?
    When I didn’t have a GH, I grew mine in pots outside but didn’t worry about moving them due to heavy rain
     
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    • Pete8

      Pete8 Total Gardener

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      I used to grow tomatoes outside for many years before I got a greenhouse.
      Never had any significant problems with rain, though hail could do a little damage.
      They were planted in pots and positioned behind the back of my shed facing south and performed very well.

      upload_2025-5-1_8-50-18.jpeg
       
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        After planting out, either in pots or the ground, I don't protect tomato plants from rain.
        Admittedly later in the summer the rain does help spread blight but it's a risk you take when growing outside.
         
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        • Alisa

          Alisa Super Gardener

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          As an option, some kind of roof can be crafted. Wood for support and a piece of polycarbonate sheet on top. Just need it to be strong enough to take the wind.
          Googled image as an example:
          upload_2025-5-1_9-16-1.png
           
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          • JennyJB

            JennyJB Total Gardener

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            I always grow my tomatoes outside in pots, standing by the side of the garage against the south-facing wall. The tomatoes get tied in to long canes and the canes get tied to a couple of wires strung horizontally on the wall. That's enough to stop them getting broken by wind/rain. The water from the rain is never a problem.
             
          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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            I've never had an issue with heavy rain affecting my outside tomatoes, or any other established pot plants come to think of it. They don't need shading from the sun. I'd just risk it once big enough @Bee
             
          • john558

            john558 Total Gardener

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            I use these well anchored down. IMG_20230628_145401.jpg
             
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