Fall Tomato Success: Extending the Harvest Season

Your fall tomatoes thrived after summer survival and cutback—classic Southern gardening success! Cooler temperatures are the secret.

Why Fall Tomatoes Excel

• Lower day/night temps keep blossoms viable longer.
• Better pollination in mild conditions.
• Cooler nights improve fruit set and ripening quality.
• Reduced disease pressure vs. humid summer.

Proven Strategy

1. Keep spring plants alive through summer with water/mulch.
2. Cut back hard in late July/early August.
3. Fertilize and water for fall flush.
4. Harvest until frost.

Green Tomato Ripening

Before frost, pick all green tomatoes. Store in single layers in crumpled newspaper in a cool (55-65°F), dark place. Bring a few out weekly to ripen on a sunny windowsill. Check regularly for rot.

Reader Success Story

Jane B. in Commerce, GA: Planted 'Early Girl' cuttings August 1. Lost only 2 of 14 plants. Harvested ripe tomatoes daily until cold nights. Stored ~70 green tomatoes for extended ripening.

Jane Bedell