Growing your own tomatoes is a joy like no other, isn’t it?
There’s something truly satisfying about plucking a ripe, juicy tomato straight from the vine and savoring its fresh flavor.
But as winter approaches, you might be wondering how to protect your beloved tomato plants from the cold.
Don’t worry, winterizing your tomatoes is simpler than you might think!
Why Winterize Tomatoes?

Winterizing your tomato plants isn’t just about survival it’s about thriving.
By taking a few proactive steps, you can extend your harvest season and even preserve your plants for the next growing cycle.
This means more delicious tomatoes for you and a head start when spring rolls around.
Understanding Tomato Plants
Annual vs. Perennial
Did you know that tomatoes are technically perennial plants in their native tropical climates?
In most regions, they’re grown as annuals due to colder winters.
However, with proper care, you can overwinter your tomato plants and enjoy an earlier and potentially more abundant harvest next year.
Challenges in Winter

Tomatoes are sensitive to cold temperatures and frost. Frost can damage the plant cells, leading to wilted leaves, blackened stems, and ultimately, plant death.
Reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures also slow down growth and fruit production.
Preparing Your Tomato Plants
Harvest Remaining Tomatoes

Before the first frost hits, make sure to harvest all ripe and nearly ripe tomatoes.
Green tomatoes can ripen indoors if placed in a warm area or wrapped in newspaper. This way, you won’t lose any fruit to unexpected cold snaps.
Prune and Clean

Remove any dead or diseased foliage from your plants. Pruning helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases overwintering on your plants.
It also encourages healthier growth when the warmer weather returns.
Methods to Winterize Tomatoes
1. Overwintering in a Greenhouse

Why Use a Greenhouse?
A greenhouse provides a controlled environment that shields your tomato plants from harsh winter conditions.
By maintaining optimal temperatures and humidity levels, you can extend your growing season and potentially enjoy fresh tomatoes year-round.
Overwintering in a greenhouse also reduces the risk of frost damage and allows for better management of pests and diseases.
How to Overwinter Tomatoes in a Greenhouse
Overwintering your tomato plants in a greenhouse offers them a protective environment against the harsh winter elements.
By keeping the greenhouse temperatures between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) during the day and not below 50°F (10°C) at night, you create an ideal climate for continued growth.
Maximize natural sunlight by positioning your plants strategically, and use supplemental grow lights if necessary to provide at least 8-10 hours of light daily.
Water your tomatoes only when the top inch of soil feels dry to prevent root rot from overwatering.
Ensure proper ventilation to maintain air circulation and reduce humidity, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Regularly check for pests and remove any dead foliage to keep your plants healthy.
By following these steps, you can successfully overwinter your tomatoes in a greenhouse and enjoy fresh produce even during the colder months.
2. Using Row Covers or Frost Blankets

Protective Covers
Row covers and frost blankets provide a physical barrier against frost, wind, and even some pests.
They’re made from lightweight, breathable fabric that allows light and water to reach your plants while keeping the cold out.
Installation Tips
- Timing is Key: Cover your plants before nightfall to trap the day’s heat.
- Secure the Edges: Use rocks, bricks, or garden staples to keep the cover in place.
- Monitor the Weather: Remove or ventilate the covers during milder days to prevent overheating.
3. Bringing Tomatoes Indoors

Potted Plants
If your tomato plants are in containers or small enough to transplant, consider bringing them indoors.
This method is ideal if you have a sunroom or a sunny window that receives at least 6-8 hours of light per day.
Indoor Care
- Light Requirements: Place your plants near a south-facing window or supplement with grow lights.
- Water Wisely: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, avoiding overwatering.
- Temperature Control: Keep the indoor temperature between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) for optimal growth.
4. Overwintering Cuttings

Taking Cuttings
Overwintering tomato cuttings is a space-saving method to keep your favorite varieties alive until spring. It’s also a fun way to clone your best-performing plants.
Rooting Process
- Select Healthy Stems: Choose vigorous, disease-free stems about 6 inches long.
- Prep the Cuttings: Remove leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Root in Water or Soil: Place the cuttings in a jar of water or plant them in moist potting soil.
- Provide Care: Keep them in a warm spot with indirect light and watch for root development over the next few weeks.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Choosing Hardy Varieties
Opt for cold-tolerant tomato varieties like ‘Glacier,’ ‘Stupice,’ or ‘Siberian’ if you live in a region with shorter growing seasons or cooler temperatures. These varieties are bred to withstand cooler conditions.
Monitoring Weather
Keep an eye on your local weather forecasts, especially as winter approaches. This will help you take timely action to protect your plants from unexpected frosts. Stay updated with frost advisories from the National Weather Service.
Regular Maintenance
Even after winterizing, continue to check on your plants periodically. Look out for signs of stress, pests, or diseases, and address any issues promptly to keep your plants healthy.
Embrace the Chill – Keep Your Tomatoes Thriving This Winter

By taking steps like harvesting remaining fruits, mulching the base, using protective covers, bringing plants indoors, or overwintering cuttings, you’re giving your tomato plants the best chance to survive during the winter months.
Overwintering your tomatoes might seem like extra work, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Want More?
Thank you for taking the time to safeguard your tomato plants this winter!
If you’re committed to keeping your entire garden thriving, you might also want to check out our tips on winterizing your strawberry plants, ferns, dahlias, hydrangeas, hostas and geraniums.
These guides provide easy-to-follow strategies to ensure your plants are ready to flourish come spring.