Question:Β We live in the Tanque Verde area. In the spring I planted a tomato seedling in very good soil in the planter next to the house on the patio. It grew quite tall and produced tomatoes. I missed the weather forecast for our first frost, and the leaves wilted. Since then Iβve hung frost cloth from the eaves every evening, which traps the heat from the house. Last week when it was 26 on the patio it was 40 inside the frost cloth. Since it was wilted I cut the plant down, intending to uproot it, but noticed new green shoots coming from the bottom. Any hope for the plant, or should I start over in the spring?
Answer:Β As you saw, even if the temperatures are below freezing for a short time, some plants will die back above the soil and still be alive below ground. It is best to cover frost-sensitive plants when possible. In many cases, protecting plants with frost cloth can make the difference between survival and starting over. Your tomato could be fine since you are seeing new growth now. Time will tell for your plant and for many others. Patience is a virtue when determining how much damage your plants suffered. Some plants will not show new life until mid-spring.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed toΒ tucsongardensage@gmail.com
