What to Do with Tomato Plants When the Temperature Drops

Tomato plants are a popular choice for many gardeners as they provide fresh and delicious fruit for eating and can be grown in a variety of climates. However, when the temperature drops, many gardeners wonder what to do with their tomato plants. Here are some tips for dealing with tomato plants during cold weather:

Protecting Your Tomatoes from Frost

Frost can kill tomato plants, so it's important to take measures to protect them. One way to do this is by covering the plants with blankets or tarps at night. Make sure to remove the coverings during the day, so the plants can get sunlight. Another option is to use a cold frame or greenhouse to keep the plants warm. If you are expecting a hard freeze, it's a good idea to pick all of the green tomatoes before the frost hits.

Watering Your Tomatoes in Cold Weather

During cold weather, it's best to water your tomato plants less frequently than you would in warmer weather. Overwatering can cause the plants to become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. On the other hand, underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. A good rule of thumb is to water your plants deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil is dry.

Pruning Your Tomato Plants in Cold Weather

Pruning your tomato plants can help to keep them healthy and promote fruit production. However, during cold weather, it's important to be cautious when pruning. Avoid pruning when the temperature is below 50°F as this can damage the plants. Instead, wait until the weather warms up before pruning.

Fertilizing Your Tomato Plants in Cold Weather

Fertilizing your tomato plants can help to keep them healthy and promote fruit production. However, during cold weather, it's best to avoid fertilizing as this can cause the plants to put energy into producing leaves instead of fruit. If you do fertilize, make sure to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid overstimulating the plants.

Harvesting Your Tomatoes in Cold Weather

When the temperature drops, it's important to harvest your tomatoes as soon as they are ripe. Leaving them on the vine can cause them to become damaged by frost or freezing temperatures. If you have green tomatoes that are not yet ripe, they can be harvested and stored in a cool, dark place to ripen. Alternatively, you can pick the green tomatoes before the frost hits and use them for recipes such as fried green tomatoes.

Conclusion

Taking care of your tomato plants during cold weather requires some extra effort, but it's worth it to keep your plants healthy and productive. By following these tips, you can protect your plants from frost, ensure they get the right amount of water, avoid damaging them with pruning and fertilization, and harvest your tomatoes before they get damaged by cold weather. With a little patience and care, your tomato plants can provide you with fresh, delicious fruit all season long.