GARDEN Q&A - ASK THE EXPERTS

Q - What is the proper way to put tomato plants to bed for the winter?

A - Protect your plants during our occasional winter freezes by covering with frost cloth, burlap or other cover. There is no need to do anything else, says Olin Miller, an MCCE Master Gardener. In spring, when plants begin to grow and leaf out again, trim off any bare stems. However, it is often best to start over each spring with fresh plants. Although tomato plants can be kept over winter, fruit quality seems to decline each year.