Should I let them go?

[desertgirl]

Temps are running from 50-70s. Should I let my tomatoes die off for the winter? We have a raised bed garden, so I might be able to keep them rather warm...

 

[Broke Down Ranch]

50-70 is still warm enough. Just might take a little longer for fruit to set. I always let my tomatoes go right up until they start saying there'll be a frost. Then I get out there and pick everything, even the little greenies.

 

[desertgirl]

Thanks!!!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I also let mine go as long as they will. I find the flavor and texture changes with the cool weather. They may not taste as "crisp" to me as a heat of the summer tomato but they are still better than anything I can get at the store.

 

[patandchickens]

If it's regularly getting below 50 at night I'd pick off any blossoms/buds, possibly also any really tiny fruits depending on how long til frost, so that the plant can put maximum energy into growing/ripening what's set already.

I do not personally believe in taking in the last tomatoes to ripen indoors (or make fried green tomatoes, or whatever ya prefer) until frost actually threatens. You *can*, of course, but it just seems wasteful to me

And actually I usually ride out the early frosts with boxes and bedsheets, although in a warmer climate this can occur so late that you're so sick of tomatoes that you just give up rather than go to all that hassle

Pat

 

[Broke Down Ranch]

If it's regularly getting below 50 at night I'd pick off any blossoms/buds, possibly also any really tiny fruits depending on how long til frost, so that the plant can put maximum energy into growing/ripening what's set already.

I do not personally believe in taking in the last tomatoes to ripen indoors (or make fried green tomatoes, or whatever ya prefer) until frost actually threatens. You *can*, of course, but it just seems wasteful to me

And actually I usually ride out the early frosts with boxes and bedsheets, although in a warmer climate this can occur so late that you're so sick of tomatoes that you just give up rather than go to all that hassle

Pat

Is there such a thing?

I SO dread a winter with no fresh tomatoes

 

[desertgirl]

You said it!

i think we will trim them down so all their energy can go to fruiting, then cover them with plastic (square foot garden) and see how long we can let 'em go.

THANKS!