What to Do If Tomato Plants Get Frost

Tomatoes are a warm-weather crop that are vulnerable to frost, which can damage or even kill the plants if they are not protected. Frost can occur in the late spring or early fall when temperatures drop below freezing overnight. If you live in a cooler climate or are experiencing unusual weather, it's important to be prepared in case your tomato plants get frost. Here are some tips on what to do if your plants are impacted:

Assess the Damage

The first step after experiencing frost is to assess the damage to your plants. The leaves of a tomato plant that has been damaged by frost will appear wilted, dark, or black. It won't be long before the whole plant turns brown and dies. If the damage is minor and has only affected the leaves, there is a chance that the plant can recover, but if the damage is severe, the plant may not survive.

Cover the Plants

If you know that frost is coming, or if you wake up to frost on your tomato plants, your first priority should be to protect the plants. If you have not already planted your tomatoes, try to do so late enough in the spring that there is little chance of frost. If frost is in the forecast, cover your plants with blankets or tarps, or bring them inside if they are in containers.

Water the Plants

If your plants have been affected by frost, it's important to water them as soon as possible. Water helps to strengthen the plant and make it less susceptible to further damage. However, be careful not to water the plants too much, as this can cause the roots to become waterlogged and make the situation worse.

Prune the Plants

If there is minimal damage to your plants, you can help them recover by pruning away any damaged or dead leaves. This will help the plant focus its energy on producing healthy new growth. However, if the plant has been severely damaged by frost, pruning may not help and could even be harmful.

Wait and Monitor

Once you've done what you can to help your plants recover from the frost, it's important to wait and monitor them for a few days. If the plant is going to recover, you should see new growth within a week or so. If no new growth appears after a week, the plant may not recover and you may need to replace it.

In Conclusion

Frost can be devastating to tomato plants, but with the right care, you can help them recover. Whether it's covering the plants, watering them, pruning away damage, or waiting and monitoring, there are steps you can take to protect your plants and increase their chances of survival.