End-of-Season Tomato Care: Ripening Fruit Before Frost

Introduction

Tomatoes are annuals killed by frost. Fall care focuses on salvaging the remaining crop.

Frost Protection Techniques

Cover plants with blankets before sundown if frost is forecast; remove early morning. Temperatures below 40°F slow ripening and can cause internal fruit damage.

Ripening Tomatoes Off the Vine

Pick any tomatoes showing color and ripen indoors at room temperature.

Hanging Whole Plants

For cherry or Roma types, pull the entire plant and hang upside-down in a garage or basement. Fruit ripens on the vine with better flavor.

Conclusion

Protect from frost, pick colored fruit, and hang whole plants for the best late-season tomato harvest.