L-matoes

Wind is good for plants because it stimulates plant hormones which promote root and stem/trunk growth. Wind also stirs up carbon dioxide in the air, which results in increased photosynthesis. But, like most everything else, too much of a good thing is too much!

Wyoming rarely lacks for wind, but this summer has proved gustier than most. These rapidly propelled air particles have been good for wind energy production but hard on wildfire fighting efforts and just about every plant that’s already subject to drought and doesn’t need to lose any more moisture. Even well-watered trees, lawns, and gardens have suffered broken limbs, browning, and flattened stalks, respectively.

I’d hardened off our tomato sets before I planted them—they’d been exposed to some wind—but a few days after I moved them to their new digs, we had a strong gale that flattened a few of the plants. They’ve since compensated by bending skywards, their stems forming a capital L. Other than their crooked profiles, the L-matoes are as vigorous as their counterparts and are blossoming and setting on.

Are you feeling knocked down, blown over, and completely flattened? Take a tip from the L-matoes: rise up and blossom anyway!

“The Lord sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down.” –PSALM 145:14