Can Tomato Plants Survive a Light Frost?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants to grow in home gardens. However, with fall approaching, many gardeners wonder if their tomato plants can survive a light frost. The answer is yes, but with some caveats.

What is a Light Frost?

A light frost occurs when temperature drops below freezing, but only for a short period of time. This can happen in the late fall or early spring, and usually lasts for a few hours. While a light frost can damage some plants, others are more tolerant.

Tomato Plants and Frost Tolerance

Tomato plants are relatively sensitive to frost. They are tropical plants and thrive in warm temperatures. However, some tomato varieties are more tolerant of cold weather than others. Determinate tomatoes, for example, are usually more frost tolerant than indeterminate tomatoes.

If your tomato plants are exposed to a light frost, the leaves and stems may become damaged. However, the fruit should be okay as long as it is not exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended period of time. If the fruit does freeze, it may become soft and mushy.

Protecting Tomato Plants from Frost

If you are expecting a light frost, there are some steps you can take to protect your tomato plants. One option is to cover the plants with blankets, tarps, or other protective materials. This will help to trap in heat and prevent the plants from freezing.

You can also water the plants the night before a frost is expected. Moist soil retains more heat than dry soil, which can help to protect the plants. However, be sure not to water the plants during the frost, as this can cause ice to form on the leaves and damage the plant.

Preparing Tomato Plants for Winter

If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may need to take additional steps to protect your tomato plants. In the fall, remove any remaining fruit from the plants, and then prune back the stems to about 12 inches. This will help to prevent damage from snow and ice accumulation.

Next, cover the plants with straw or other organic material to provide insulation. Be sure to remove the covering in the spring when the weather begins to warm up. Some gardeners also choose to dig up their tomato plants and store them indoors over the winter.

The Bottom Line

While tomato plants are relatively sensitive to frost, they can survive a light frost if proper precautions are taken. Choose frost-tolerant tomato varieties, cover the plants with protective materials, and water the plants the night before a frost is expected. With some planning and care, you can continue to enjoy fresh homegrown tomatoes even as the weather begins to cool down.