Tomatoes like lots of light and warmth to grow properly and produce delicious fruit. But that does not mean that they can only be grown in warm climates and during warm seasons of the year. Many a gardener enjoy the fruit of their labors even during the coldest weather by growing winter tomatoes.

One method of growing tomatoes indoors in winter is to have a greenhouse in which to do so. Greenhouses can provide controlled, warm environments even in the coldest climates. Some types of seeds have been developed specifically for use in greenhouses. But whatever kind of tomato seed you start with, they will need a warm environment that gets plenty of light. Depending on your location, this can be difficult to come by in winter months. Light and heat are the two main issues that keep tomatoes from being grown in winter.

But both of those challenges can be overcome in a greenhouse setting. Grow lights can supplement or replace natural light during winter. If focused on the plant for 16 to 18 hours a day, they can provide enough light for the tomatoes to grow even in naturally dark months.

Temperature is the other big concern. In winter, the temperature should be kept between 60?F (15.5?C) and 90?F (32?C). Any higher or lower and the plants could die. Especially in the winter, maintaining these temperatures may require a heater.

There are a few different types of heaters you may want to consider. Paraffin heaters are the most expensive, but are ideal for small greenhouses. Gas heaters are cheap, but can only be used in a well-ventilated greenhouse, as they emit smoke and fumes. Finally, electric heaters are the middle ground. They are affordable and do not emit any smoke or fumes. All that is needed is some sort of power source for the heater.

But you do not need to have a greenhouse in order to grow tomatoes in winter. The plants can be grown indoors just as successfully, using the same sorts of principles. Just as with a greenhouse, a grow lamp will be necessary. Ensure your home is warm and that the tomatoes will not be disturbed as they grow.  

Even with these preparations, it is best to grow the tomatoes in the sunniest, warmest part of the house, even in winter. Tomatoes can be planted deep in the soil, as roots will sprout from a buried stem. But they will need support when they get large enough to bear fruit, as they can become very heavy and large at this point. Pruning is also important. Removing extraneous suckers and leaves can help the plant grow by eliminating unnecessary growths that suck energy away from the main plant.

A major advantage to growing tomatoes in winter is having flavorful fruit at a time of the year when the fruit that is commercially available may not be as flavorful. Tomatoes grown in the home in winter will also be preservative free, since they will not need to be canned and shipped, and fresh. And they can be used for a variety of meals. Tomatoes can be eaten raw, baked, broiled, stuffed or made into paste, to name just a few methods.

So while it may take some careful monitoring and attentive care, tomatoes can be a rewarding winter crop that can be grown right in the home.