How Low is too low?

[newatthiskat]

We are having a cold front move through our area today. I am needing to know how cold can it get before unprotected tomato plants are damaged? We are looking at 45 or so tonight with rains. I think it is supposed to get to a low of 42 tomorrow night. Is this too low? Would it help if I throw a tarp over during the night?

[gwnorth]

You'll be fine at 42, probably right down to freezing, 32, in fact. The plants will survive unless they are hit with real frost. Cool and cold nights do, however, affect the quality of the fruit - flavour and even texture
will suffer at extended lower temperatures. A night or two or three may not be noticeable. And, as has been said so often, they're still a lot better than store-bought tomatoes!

[Worth1]

I agree.
My plants started out in the cold and they will go out in the cold.

Worth

[newatthiskat]

I really appreciate the replies! I guess I can stop Freaking out and go to bed LOL. Night shift psych nurse! I think it is rubbing off on me. Someone threatened my life because I would not let them smoke and all I could think about is darn I am going to loose my tomatoes.
Kat