Hey everyone! I'm new to gardening and this is my first year trying it out in zone 3b. Lately, the temperatures have been in the 50s during the day and dropping to the high 30s at night. I have tomatoes growing in raised beds, but I'm worried that they might freeze. My plants are pretty big, so I can't really cover them up easily. Should I go ahead and pick my green tomatoes before the cold hits?
3 Answers
A brief dip into the 30s typically isn't a huge deal. If it’s just for a night, I would spray them with water and cover them with a tarp. However, if there’s a longer cold spell or snow expected, I recommend trimming the leaves of the plants with green tomatoes and hanging the vines upside down in a cool, dark place—they’ll continue to ripen nicely over time!
Tomatoes need warmer nights (around 50 degrees) to mature well. Cold and moisture increases the risk of blight. If your tomatoes are starting to yellow a bit, they can ripen indoors, but green ones are great for making verde sauce later on!
If you don’t have any clear plastic, you’re in a bit of a tricky situation. Those high 30s can definitely halt growth, and even with plastic, some of the tips might still get damaged. I recommend reaching out to a local master gardener service; they could provide specific tips for your area.
Good idea! Local experts usually have great advice tailored to your specific climate. They might suggest some covers or precautions you can take.
That’s a smart technique! I've done that before, and it works like a charm. Sometimes letting them ripen on the vine slowly gives them a better flavor too.