How Do I... Stop My Fruit and Veg From Getting Sunburnt?
Sun damage isn't just an issue for people – it can damage our fruit and vegetables too. Here's how to prevent it
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and garden questions. Here, horticulturist and Yates horticultural consultant Angie Thomas reveals how to protect your fruit and veg from suffering the effects of the sun.
Sunburnt tomatoes, photo by Angie Thomas
Which fruit and veg are most susceptible?
Soft-skinned fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant and cucumber, but pumpkins and melons are also susceptible. Fruit trees and plants such as apples and strawberries can also be damaged.
Which fruit and veg are most susceptible?
Soft-skinned fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant and cucumber, but pumpkins and melons are also susceptible. Fruit trees and plants such as apples and strawberries can also be damaged.
What happens?
The sunburn can start with a small patch of damaged, discoloured, bleached or papery skin (which appears on the side of the fruit that’s exposed to the hottest sun during the day). This can be superficial, but if left it can spread and cause the fruit to drop prematurely.
The best thing to do with sunburnt fruit or veg is pick them, if they’re ripe enough, cut off the damaged section and use the rest immediately. The effects of an initial sunburn will be localised, but if left out in the sun for further days, the damage will spread. Best to pick and enjoy!
The sunburn can start with a small patch of damaged, discoloured, bleached or papery skin (which appears on the side of the fruit that’s exposed to the hottest sun during the day). This can be superficial, but if left it can spread and cause the fruit to drop prematurely.
The best thing to do with sunburnt fruit or veg is pick them, if they’re ripe enough, cut off the damaged section and use the rest immediately. The effects of an initial sunburn will be localised, but if left out in the sun for further days, the damage will spread. Best to pick and enjoy!
When is the risk the highest?
Fruit and veg are most likely to suffer the effects of sun exposure during the hottest days of summer. But this isn’t the only danger period. We can get scorching days at the end of spring and the beginning of autumn, so be vigilant during these months too.
Fruit and veg are most likely to suffer the effects of sun exposure during the hottest days of summer. But this isn’t the only danger period. We can get scorching days at the end of spring and the beginning of autumn, so be vigilant during these months too.
How can I prevent it?
- If you’re growing susceptible plants in pots, such as potted tomatoes or strawberries, move the pot so it is protected from the harshest midday and afternoon sun. Somewhere on a verandah or patio that just gets the morning sun would be ideal.
- Out in the vegie patch, there are a few strategies to help reduce the chance of sunburn. You can erect a beach umbrella over the most susceptible plants, so that shade is cast over the plants during the hottest part of the day. Alternatively, make a wire, wooden or poly pipe frame, or use an arch, and drape some shade cloth over the frame to protect plants underneath.
What extra precautions should I take if a heatwave is on the way?
- The morning before high temperatures hit, water potted plants and garden beds deeply so that both the upper and lower layers of soil are moist. This helps plants stay hydrated and prevents the leaves from wilting, so that any fruit and vegies beneath them are protected from the harsh sun.
- Erect temporary shelters – beach umbrellas or shade cloth structures, for example.
- Spray Waterwise DroughtShield over sensitive foliage to help reduce moisture loss from leaves and reduce the effects of sunburn.
- Add organic matter to soil to help hold in moisture.
- Apply a mulch such as lucerne, pea or sugarcane straw or bark chips on garden beds and vegie patches to reduce moisture loss from the soil surface.
- At the beginning of summer apply a soil wetting agent, which helps to break down the waxy, water-repellent layer that can develop on soil and enable any rainfall or irrigation to more effectively penetrate down into the root zone of plants. This will help plants stay hydrated.
- When planning out your vegie patch, look to grow plants that are susceptible to sunburn on the southern or eastern side of tall, tougher plants so they can provide shade from the harsh afternoon sun. This year, I’ve grown tall sunflowers in my vegie patch for shading.
Tell us
If you found this story helpful, like it, save it, and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Read more ‘How Do I…’ stories
If you found this story helpful, like it, save it, and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Read more ‘How Do I…’ stories
Sponsored
Sponsored
Is sunburn really an issue for fruit and veg?
Yes! Particularly when the weather is very hot and dry. This year in my own garden I have sunburnt tomatoes, capsicum and pumpkins (even with their tough, thick skin), and I have heard of gardeners with burnt apples, cucumbers and even pineapples.