How To Prevent Frost on Tomato Plants

One of the worst things that can happen to a batch of tomatoes is the onset of cold weather and freezing temperatures. Frost can quickly ruin a tomato crop. However, there are steps you can take to protect your garden.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Blankets or old bed sheets
• Stakes
• Light bulbs

Instructions

1. Throw away any tomatoes that are already frozen. Any frozen tomatoes will not regenerate.

2. Place any full-grown tomatoes, which will have a light green color, indoors so they can ripen.

3. Water the tomatoes the night before a frost occurs. Wet, moist soil will retain more heat than dry soil and will also bring heat to the soil's surface faster.

4. Cover the tomatoes. This will keep the soil around the plants heated and prevent them from frosting. Fabrics such as heavy blankets or old bed sheets are the most effective, but other materials, such as plastic, can also be used. The blankets can be laid directly over the tomatoes or supported by stakes. Remove the covering the next morning before sunrise.

   If temperatures are going to be extremely low, plug in some light bulbs or Christmas lights and place them under the covering near the plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch weather reports so you will be aware of any frosts coming to your area. If a forecast predicts a cool night with low humidity, then a frost is likely. Watch out for warm weather as well, as temperatures often get lower at nightfall.

• Know the first frost date for your area.

• Plant your tomatoes before a predicted frost. Early summer, which is around mid-June, is a good time. Night temperatures have generally risen at that point, making it safe to leave tomatoes outside.

References

• Garden Junkie's Blog: Preventing Frost Damage
• New Mexico State University: Saving Tomato Plants From the Frost?
• Gardeners' World: Preventing Tomato Frost Damage