Read by Michael Flamel

Snowstorms and BLTs Don’t Mix—or Do They?

I used to think that tomato season ended with the last hummingbird flight south, when my garden surrendered to frost and the final, tragic batch of green tomatoes came inside to ripen on the windowsill. But that was before I discovered greenhouse-grown tomatoes in the dead of Winter—a revelation I owe to a group of determined community gardeners who weren’t about to let Winter stand between them and their local food bank.

Picture it: a snowy Saturday morning, and I was dropping off canned goods at the food pantry when I noticed a hand-lettered sign that read: Fresh Tomatoes Today – Grown Right Here. I raised an eyebrow, then my eyebrows raised me. That’s how I found myself inside a greenhouse that felt like a tropical getaway, surrounded by the sweet scent of ripe tomatoes while my boots were still wet with slush.

Naturally, I had questions.

How Does Winter Tomato Greenhousing Work?

At its simplest, a greenhouse traps heat and light—like a little sunroom for plants. Tomatoes thrive in warm, consistent temperatures, so a well-insulated greenhouse can trick them into thinking it’s July even when the lawn is buried under a foot of snow.

To make this magic happen, you need:

• A greenhouse structure: polycarbonate panels or glass over a wood or metal frame
• Ventilation and fans: to keep humidity in check and prevent fungal problems
• Heating: electric, propane, or solar-powered heat
• Grow lights (optional): for very short Winter days, especially up north

Let’s Talk Tomato Varieties for Winter Greenhouses

Not all tomatoes are created equal when it comes to growing under glass. The best Winter greenhouse tomatoes are:

• Sungold – A sweet, prolific cherry tomato that’s practically sunshine in fruit form.
• Trust – A Dutch hybrid bred specifically for greenhouse use, disease-resistant and flavorful.
• Cherokee Purple – An heirloom that loves the controlled climate and rewards with rich, smoky flavor.
• Gardener’s Delight – A British favorite that does well in cooler temperatures.

For smaller spaces, dwarf determinate varieties like Tiny Tim or Patio Princess will do just fine in containers or raised beds inside your greenhouse.

What Does It Cost to Grow Tomatoes in a Winter Greenhouse?

Let’s break it down like a tomato seedling under a grow lamp:

If you’re smart about passive solar design, such as adding thermal mass (like water barrels) and using solar air heaters, you can significantly reduce your energy costs. Bonus: You’ll feel like a tomato-growing wizard.

Greenhouse Tomato Companions—Tomato Buddies That Love the Heat

Tomatoes don’t like being lonely. Here are some great greenhouse companions:

• Basil – They love the same conditions, and basil boosts tomato flavor. Plus, pesto!
• Marigolds – Natural pest repellents that brighten up your greenhouse.
• Chives and garlic – Help deter aphids and whiteflies
• Lettuce and spinach – These quick growers make great underplantings while tomato vines climb upward.

Tip: Avoid planting cabbage family crops (broccoli, kale, etc.) with tomatoes—they don’t get along.

Fun Facts About Greenhouse Tomatoes

1. The first heated greenhouse in America was built in 1737. Tomatoes have been reaping the benefits ever since.
2. Commercial greenhouses in Iceland use volcanic geothermal energy to grow tomatoes year-round—even during 20-hour nights!
3. Greenhouse tomatoes often have longer fruiting periods, giving you more tomatoes over time than outdoor vines.
4. Tomatoes are technically berries, so yes—you’re growing a berry bush in the middle of Winter.

Tips and Tricks for Greenhouse Winter Success

• Pollinate by hand: No bees? No problem. Gently shake flower clusters or use a soft paintbrush.
• Watch for condensation: Use a fan to avoid mold and mildew.
• Use deep mulch: It helps regulate soil temperature and moisture.
• Give them a cuddle: Okay, not literally. But check daily to monitor for pests, blossoms, and sneaky yellowing leaves.

Closing Thoughts from a Tomato-Enthralled Convert

Now, I can’t imagine a January without fresh tomato slices on my grilled cheese or a little tomato salad with a drizzle of olive oil and flaked sea salt while the world outside shivers. The joy of stepping into a warm, vibrant greenhouse in the middle of a blizzard is about as close to magic as gardening gets.

If you’ve ever mourned the end of tomato season, take it from me and the community gardeners who first inspired me—with a bit of effort, you can have your tomatoes and eat them too, all Winter long. ❖