Question
Mike -

Recently, along with my son, planted some tomato plants in San Jose, california . Going gangbusters until yesterday warmer than the past 5 days - mid 80's most of leaves curled up dried out? Too much sun? In just one day!  I thought alot of sun was good but they are sitting in middle of cement patio. Obviously, do not want to lose plants but more than anything my 4 year old son is very upset :) Any help would be appreciated

Thanks
Jerry  

Answer
Jerry, you didn't say how long ago you planted the tomatoes, but like all seedlings, they need to be hardened off before transplanted into the garden.

Hardening-off is a process of acclimating plants to the outdoor conditions.  This is usually a one week process the entails setting the plants out for a few hours the first day, and then a little longer every day after for approximately one week.  At that point, the foliage can endure the weather and not suffer from transplant shock.

In this case, it sounds like the plants suffered from sun scald.  This condition will result in the leaves curling, but is not fatal.  Place some cheese cloth over the plants for a few days to shield them from the direct sunlight.  Once they recover, you can remove the cloth.  Also, be sure to water only when needed, and then very deeply.  Shallow watering causes the roots to reach for the surface which will adversely affect production.

By the way, it's great that you are teaching gardening to your son.  It's a great hobby that the two of you can share for many years to come.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike