Luckily most gardeners only had their tomato plants in the ground for a few weeks when Irma blew by. They were about two feet tall when twisted and blown about a lot, but some how they have survived. Now the question - Do I keep these or get new ones?
Most of the plants still look good and in a week are making new growth. They have lost some leaves and new shoots but the main plant is rooted in the soil and growing. I vote to leave the plants in the ground and continue good care. You have too much invested in the root system and often the variety to start over again.
Windblown plants do need to be attached to a trellis of some sorts. I like hoops made from concrete reinforcement wire. Often only the tops of the plants are left to continue growth and the plants are a bit wobbly. Secure them in place with ties and let them grow on.
Most likely the nutrients have been washed out of the soil and a fertilizer application is needed. Use either a water soluble type to apply every other week, granules to apply every three to four weeks or a slow release product that may feed the tomato plants for the rest of the season. Next do not forget a mulch to keep the weeds down and extend the time between waterings for in ground plantings.
With some good growth your tomato plants should recover and be ready to flower in early October. This is the time the temperatures moderate and flower and fruit set can begin. Curiously it is also the time poinsettias plus Christmas and Holiday cactus initiate the flowering process too.
