Growing Tomatoes Successfully Despite Challenging Temperatures | Ripe with Flavor Even After Freezing

Tomato growing can be a challenging and rewarding experience. This summer was especially difficult for many tomato growers due to the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, which necessitated replacing most of the plants. Despite the challenges, some tomato plants managed to thrive in late September and early October, setting lots of fruit. Unfortunately, with temperatures falling below 50 two to three nights a week, there is little chance that these tomatoes will have time to ripen before freezing weather arrives.

Fortunately, there are ways to help your tomatoes ripen even in cooler temperatures. If it's warm during the day and the plants are still healthy, you can leave them on the plant for another couple weeks as the nighttime temperatures start to approach 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if the plants are diseased or if it's raining, they will probably be better off finishing indoors.

When harvesting tomatoes, it's important to remove all blossoms, smallish fruit, and suckers from the plant. This will help ensure that the remaining tomatoes get enough nutrients and energy to ripen properly. It's also important to note that tomato flavor and ripening can be affected by cooler nights that get down around 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. In this case, the tomatoes may have a more shallow sour taste and more green streaks mixed with reds.

Overall, it's important to take into consideration both temperature and disease when deciding whether to harvest your tomatoes indoors or outdoors. With careful monitoring and attention to detail, you can ensure that your tomatoes reach their full potential and provide you with a delicious end-of-season harvest!

If you're looking for a way to extend the life of your tomatoes, consider using a row cover or cold frame. These structures can help protect your plants from frost and provide extra warmth during the day. You can also use a wall-o-water around each plant to help keep the soil warm and prevent the fruit from freezing. Additionally, you can use a plastic sheeting or tarp over the entire garden bed to help retain heat and moisture.

Finally, if you have already harvested your tomatoes, there are still ways to enjoy them even after they've been frozen. Tomatoes can be used in soups, sauces, and stews, as well as in salsas and other dishes. They can also be dried or canned for later use.

Tomato growing is an enjoyable experience that can provide delicious rewards at the end of the season. With careful monitoring and attention to detail, you can ensure that your tomatoes reach their full potential and provide you with a delicious end-of-season harvest! With the right techniques and a bit of luck, you can enjoy your tomatoes even when temperatures fall below 50 two to three nights a week.