When Can Tomato Plants Go in Unheated Greenhouse?

Tomatoes are a popular fruit to grow due to their delicious taste and numerous health benefits. If you want to grow tomatoes in an unheated greenhouse, you'll need to know when to put them in. In this article, we'll discuss when tomato plants can go in an unheated greenhouse and everything else you need to know to grow healthy tomato plants.

What is an Unheated Greenhouse?

An unheated greenhouse is precisely what it sounds like, a greenhouse that is not heated. The greenhouse relies on natural sunlight and insulation to keep plants warm during colder months. Unheated greenhouses are ideal for starting seedlings or growing cold-hardy plants that can withstand low temperatures.

When Can You Put Tomato Plants in an Unheated Greenhouse?

The optimal time to put tomato plants in an unheated greenhouse is in the spring when the temperature outside is consistently above 50°F (10°C). Tomatoes are a warm-season fruit and will not grow well in cold temperatures. If you put tomato plants in your unheated greenhouse too early, they could be stunted or die because of the cold.

When you decide to put tomato plants in your unheated greenhouse, make sure you have enough light inside. Tomatoes need a minimum of eight hours of sunlight daily to grow healthy and produce fruit. If your unheated greenhouse does not receive enough light, you may need to consider adding supplemental lighting.

Preparing Your Unheated Greenhouse for Tomato Plants

Before putting tomato plants in your unheated greenhouse, make sure it is adequately prepared. Here are the steps you need to take to get your greenhouse ready:

Clean Your Greenhouse: Remove any debris, weeds and old plants from your greenhouse. This ensures your tomato plants don't have to compete for nutrients and sunlight.

Disinfect Your Greenhouse: Disinfect your greenhouse to eliminate any pathogens or bacteria that could harm your plants. To disinfect your greenhouse, use a mixture of bleach and water and spray it on all surfaces.

Prepare the Soil: Tomato plants require well-draining soil to grow healthy. Make sure your soil is adequately prepared and contains organic matter, such as compost or manure, to provide your plants with the necessary nutrients. You can also add some slow-release fertilizer to the soil for additional nutrients.

Water Your Plants: Before planting your tomato plants, water them thoroughly to prevent transplant shock. This ensures your plants get enough water during the first few days after planting.

Caring for Tomato Plants in an Unheated Greenhouse

Once your tomato plants are in your unheated greenhouse, they require regular maintenance to grow healthy. Here are some tips for caring for tomato plants in an unheated greenhouse:

Watering: Tomatoes require consistent watering to grow healthy. Water your plants once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Temperature: If the temperature inside your unheated greenhouse drops below 50°F (10°C), you may need to add additional insulation or heat to keep your plants warm.

Pruning: Tomato plants require regular pruning to promote healthy growth and fruit development. Remove any old or diseased foliage to prevent the spread of disease.

Pest Control: Keep an eye out for any pests that could harm your tomato plants, such as aphids or tomato hornworms. You can use natural pest control methods, such as companion planting or using insecticidal soap, to keep pests at bay.

In Conclusion

If you're looking to grow tomato plants in an unheated greenhouse, the optimal time to put them in is in the spring when the temperature outside is consistently above 50°F (10°C). Make sure to prepare your greenhouse adequately before planting, and regularly maintain your plants by watering, pruning, and controlling pests. With these tips, you can grow healthy tomato plants that produce plenty of delicious fruit.