Knowledgebase
Inside growing tomatoes #915046
Asked August 23, 2025, 11:29 AM EDT
Merrimack County New Hampshire
Expert Response
Dear Nancy,
Thank you so much for reaching out to the UNH Extension Infoline. Our growing season is not quite over yet, so there is still time for your tomatoes to grow.
Once the growing season is over , and if your tomatoes have not produced fruit, you may bring them in, however this may require much work that may not yield the benefits you are seeking.
If you decide to bring them in, you need to make sure that the container is large enough for the plant. You will need to help with pollination by shaking the plant or using an oscillating fan.
Below is a link to a UNH Extension resource on container gardening.
https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource000610_Rep632.pdf
Below is a link for a resource on growing tomatoes indoors- they suggest varieties specific to container gardening.
https://extension.usu.edu/archive/can-you-grow-tomatoes-in-the-winter
The plants will need 8-10 hours of direct natural light or 16-18 hours of artificial light.
Below is a resource on the different lighting options available with the pros and cons of each type. Just remember that flowering and fruiting rely on a redder wavelength.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lighting-indoor-plants
I hope this information is helpful. Please reach out if you have any further questions.