What to Do with Cherry Tomato Plants in Winter

Cherry tomato plants are a popular choice among home gardeners due to their ease of maintenance and the abundance of fruit they produce. However, when winter rolls around, many gardeners are left wondering what to do with their cherry tomato plants. Here are some tips for taking care of your cherry tomato plants during the winter months:

Bring them Indoors

If you have the space inside your home, consider bringing your cherry tomato plants indoors for the winter. They will need plenty of light, so be sure to place them near a sunny window or provide them with grow lights. You may also need to adjust the temperature and humidity levels in the room to ensure that they continue to thrive.

Prune and Move Them Outside

If you don't have space indoors or prefer not to bring your cherry tomato plants inside, you can still take steps to protect them from winter weather. Pruning your plants back to the main stem and covering them with frost cloth or burlap can help keep them alive through the winter. Be sure to move them to a protected area, such as a shed or garage, where they will be shielded from wind and extreme temperatures.

Harvest Remaining Tomatoes

If you have any remaining cherry tomatoes on your plants when winter arrives, be sure to harvest them before the first frost. Tomatoes that are exposed to frost will quickly become mushy and inedible, so it's best to pick them as soon as possible. You can leave the unripe tomatoes on the plant and continue to harvest them as they ripen over time.

Consider Saving Seeds

If you had a particularly successful crop of cherry tomatoes, you may want to consider saving the seeds for next year's garden. To do this, simply scoop out the seeds and pulp from a ripe tomato and spread them out on a paper towel to dry. Once the seeds are dry, store them in a sealed container until you're ready to plant them in the spring.

Conclusion

With a little planning and care, you can keep your cherry tomato plants healthy through the winter months. Whether you choose to bring them indoors or prune and cover them outdoors, be sure to take the necessary steps to protect them from the cold and ensure that they continue to thrive. And don't forget to harvest any remaining tomatoes and consider saving the seeds for next year's garden!