How to Bring Tomato Plants Inside

If you live in a region with harsh winters or unpredictable weather, you may want to consider bringing your tomato plants inside. This can provide several benefits, such as protecting your plants from frost, harsh winds, or heavy rainfall. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bring tomato plants inside.

Choose the Right Time

The best time to bring your tomato plants inside is before the first frost. Once the temperature drops below 32°F (0°C), your plants will be at risk. Ideally, you should bring your plants inside at least two weeks before the expected frost date. This will give your plants enough time to adjust to their new environment and continue ripening their fruit.

Prep Your Plants

Before you bring your tomato plants inside, there are a few key prep steps you need to take. First, inspect your plants for any pests or diseases. If you notice any issues, treat them accordingly before bringing your plants inside. Next, prune your plants to remove any dead or damaged leaves or branches. This will help your plants focus their energy on growing healthy fruit. Finally, remove any stakes or cages that may be supporting your plants outdoors. This will make it easier to move them inside and provide them with proper support indoors.

Choose the Right Location

When bringing your tomato plants inside, you want to choose a location that provides them with enough light and warmth. Ideally, you should place your plants near a south-facing window that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. You may also want to provide supplemental light with grow lights if you don't have access to natural sunlight. In addition, make sure the room where you place your plants stays between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C) during the day and doesn't drop below 60°F (15°C) at night.

Provide Proper Care

Just like outdoor plants, tomato plants need proper care when brought indoors. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Water your plants regularly, but don't overwater them. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilize your plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Consider using a humidifier or mist your plants regularly to keep the air around them moist.

Prune your plants regularly to remove any dead or damaged leaves or branches.

Support your plants with stakes or cages to keep them from leaning or falling over.

Harvest Your Fruit

One of the advantages of bringing your plants inside is that you can continue to harvest fruit even when the weather outside is bad. Keep an eye on your plants and pick any ripe fruit as soon as they are ready. This will encourage your plants to continue ripening new fruit and will ensure you have a steady supply of fresh tomatoes throughout the winter months.

Conclusion

Bringing your tomato plants inside can be a great way to protect them from harsh weather and extend your growing season. By following these steps and providing proper care, you can enjoy a healthy crop of tomatoes all year round.