Winter Tomatoes

Most people would enjoy having fresh tomatoes year round. Tomatoes are sometimes grown in the winter in a greenhouse, but this can be expensive with the costs of heating and supplemental lighting, and few people own a greenhouse. The most likely option for hobbyists who want home-grown, year-round tomatoes is to grow them in containers indoors. Consider this information.

* Learn the basics of starting seeds indoors. Most tomato varieties suitable for indoor use are often only available as seeds. See the fact sheet in the related links for more information, but pay closer attention to starting seeds than the actual planting dates given in the document. In our situation, the tomato plant will be kept indoors, and the planting date is not important.

* Choose a bright location, such as a south or west-facing window, to maximize the amount of sun the tomatoes receive. The window should not be excessively drafty. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can harm tomatoes. Additionally, temperatures consistently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit may inhibit fruit set. Otherwise, grow tomatoes under cool-white florescent light. If using compact florescent style bulbs, make sure they are at least 100 watt equivalent or greater. In all situations, make sure that the tops of the plants stay within 3-6 inches of the bulbs. Additionally, adjustable desk lamps or inexpensive shop light fixtures suspended from chains are commonly used to suspend lights. Do not purchase more expensive, specialized grow lights or systems.

* Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the root system. The smallest varieties, pots that hold the equivalent of around 1 gallon of soil, are sufficient. For larger varieties, the volume should be at least 2-3 gallons. It is better that the pot be too large than too small. Additionally, as long as the container has drainage holes, the material it is made from is less important.

* Always grow indoor plants in a good peat moss-based potting soil, never soil from the yard. Fertilize with a well-balanced houseplant fertilizer. Whether it is granular or liquid, follow the package instructions. When watering, allow the soil to dry out moderately between irrigations. Beginners have a tendency to overwater.

* Smaller tomato varieties are best suited for indoor growing. These often only grow 1-2 feet around. A few varieties that may work well include Tiny Tim, Micro Tom, Terenzo or Lizzano. These are not often found locally, but seeds can be found online.

* How big individual plants eventually get and how well-cared for they are strongly influences production. Larger, well-maintained plants are more productive but may be more maintenance. The smallest varieties are fun but more of a novelty. These will produce enough fruit for an occasional salad or similar, though. Growing tomatoes indoors can be fun and rewarding, especially during the dreary winter months.