Overwintering Vegetable Plants

Hot pepper plants can survive winter indoors under the right conditions.

By Charlie Nardozzi

It's tempting, I know. You've nursed that eggplant, tomato, or pepper plant all summer and fall, and now that frost is in the air and you've managed to keep it alive, you want to bring it indoors like a pampered pet. Some vegetables, such as eggplant and peppers, are technically perennials and can surive if they are not killed by frost, diseases, or insects; however, keeping them alive in winter in a northern climate is a challenge.

In a mild climate, it's easy to protect these plants from the cold. You may have to move them into a protected location during December and January's cold weather, but soon enough they can stay outdoors again to start to grow. In colder climates, they will have to be moved into a warm place for the winter months.

If you're up for the challenge, here's what to do. Select the healthiest plant you have, preferably one that has been grown in a container. Move it to a shady location outdoors while the weather is still warm, so it can get used to the lower light levels. Spray it with insecticidal soap to kill any aphids, whiteflies, or mealybugs on the leaves.

Start by bringing the plant inside during cold nights and then bring it back out during warm days. After a week of in and out, bring it indoors to stay. Keep it separate from your other houseplants and watch for any more insects that may hatch indoors. Move it outdoors to spray. Give it as much light as possible. You may be able to mature the last fruits on the plant, but unless you have a grow light, don't expect much growth or fruiting in winter. You may have to prune off errant or large branches to have the plant fit in your room. That's why it's easier try this technique with dwarf tomatoes or hot peppers. The goal is to just have it survive. Reduce watering to keep the soil barely moist. Come late winter, when there are signs of new growth, start watering more and adding a light liquid fertilizer. Once all danger of frost has passed, move the plant back outside for another season.