During the summer I enjoy growing tomatoes and herbs on my back patio. Usually by this time of year those fresh plants are nothing more than a memory. But about a week ago, I went to look at my ailing tomato plant, and found new leaves and at least 3 growing tomatoes. Fearing for the cold, I brought the plant inside the house. I hoped that it would make it at least long enough to harvest the developing fruit. Well, a week later, there are 9 tomatoes growing and many more flowers!
So now I’m wondering how to care for this plant so it lasts as long as possible. I’ve been watering as usual, and have the plant near a fluorescent light. My thumb is far from green, so I’d love to hear any tips you have to help my tomato plant survive!
Tara! you’re very cute.
Hi Tara.
In theory, it’s possible to grow your tomato inside forever. What you need to do is put your light on a timer so the tomato gets about 16 hours a day of light. Fluorescent light only simulates high noon on an overcast day, so to get the light thetomato needs, it’ll need a lot more of it.
What would also help is if you got a “full spectrum” light. It would have both warm light and cool light. Regular fluorescents usually have just one or the other. Full spectrum lights simulate sunlight better–and they’re not terribly expensive. If you have a fluorescent light that has 2 tubes, you just put in a warm tube in one side and a cool tube in the other and you have a “full spectrum” light.
You’ll also probably want to feed the tomato to keep it going as the days get shorter. Miracle gro is fine, or, if you’re organic, kelp is a great fertilizer.
Good luck and happy growing–and eating, I hope!
1) prevent thermal shock to the roots– shouldn’t be an issue really if they are inside.
2) Keep cats away from the pot–”Hmmm, what a cool new litterbox”
3)Tomatoes love light– the more direct sun, the better. If you REALLY want them to thrive and survive, give them lots more light.
4) Give them a rest from light– they don’t really sleep, but they do want to produce more fruit this late in the season– their last chance to produce seeds before they die. The amount of light they get is a cue that the end is near– less light = shorter days = winter’s coming.
5) Avoid the tendancy to over-water– let the soil dry down to about 1″ from the surface– the leaves will tell you they need more water when they start to droop.
6) Avoid fertilizers; they are tricky in potted plants– if you use feertilizers, you will have to rinse the soil by drowning the plant once a month (if you have a pot that drains really well and a sandy mixture– don’t rinse if your soil is “peaty” or squishy when wet.
7) Show us pictures of the fruits of your labors!!
Tara,
You’re not alone with the new growth on your tomato plant. I work on a farm in New Milford and we’re experiencing the same thing on all of ours as well. With over 300 tomato plants, we can’t exactly bring them inside to protect them, but with there being no frost as of yet this year, they’re still doing unexpectedly well. Not only are the tomato plants showing new growth, but just yesterday we pulled out yellow squash, zuchini, cucumbers, 8 ball sqaush, and believe it or not, watermelons! Earlier this summer we actualy feared for the survival of our crop due to increased ozone damage to the plant leaves and fruits, however it seems the plants were stronger than global warming this year.