Tip: Tomatoes and Peppers in Cold Weather

Here in central Florida we're experiencing cold nights getting down to the 40's. For those still growing tomatoes and peppers, our most cold sensitive veggies, don't worry! You do not need to cover your plants at these temperatures. The best thing you can do is harvest all of your tomatoes and peppers that are of size, or beginning to ripen to color. Your green tomatoes of size can be left on the counter, and will continue to ripen to perfecting within two weeks. Your peppers can be stored on the counter for a couple days, but then can be put in the fridge to store. Cold temperatures, much like a fridge, can change the consistency and flavor of tomatoes. Early harvesting not only helps keep your tomatoes delicious, but also helps give the plant some relief as it goes through a stressful time. The rest of our cold loving veggies will enjoy this cold snap.