Shading Tomatoes in Hot Weather
Sunburned and sunscalded tomatoes—this is what happens without shade protection
During sunny hot weather, the afternoon sun can sunburn and sunscald your tomatoes. Make some shade for that especially hot after-2 p.m. sun if you can.
Use 50% Shade Cloth
50% shade cloth works well and is simple to use. Most shade cloth sold in big box stores is about 75%—that filters out too much sun. 50% is better and easily purchased online.
How to Install
Cut strips about 2-3 feet wide and 6 feet tall. Hang these strips on the outside of cages to shield plants from the hot, blistering sun. You may need 2 strips per plant.
Leave the shade cloth hanging on cages 24/7 for the rest of the season. This helps prevent sunscald and sunburn.
Shade cloth strips hung on the hot sun side of cages—simple and effective
When to Pick Early
If you see tomatoes getting sunburned, sometimes it's best to pick them a little early and let them finish ripening inside.
When it gets really hot, many tomato plants stop producing red pigment. Instead of turning red, tomatoes will ripen an orange color.
Complete Hot Weather Protection
Shade cloth is one part of protecting tomatoes in extreme heat. Combine it with proper watering, mulching, and heat-tolerant varieties for best results.
Read our complete hot weather protection guide →
Next Steps
Complete hot weather strategy →
Master watering in heat →
Choose heat-tolerant varieties →
Dave Freed / 
The Tomato Guy
Prevention Starts Here
Healthy plants resist pests naturally. Master the fundamentals of proper care.
Learn The Basics →Popular Guides
Want growing tips delivered to your inbox? Get my free tips