Uncover straightforward techniques that will empower you to not only maximize your tomato yield, but also extend the growing season deep into late autumn. Tomatoes, the crown jewels of the garden, need not be relinquished to the approaching fall chill.
Reduce watering as fall nears, which promotes quicker ripening. Prune older leaves and encourage new blossoms to redirect energy for faster maturation.
Continue to train your plants vertically to save space, enhance airflow, expose foliage to sunlight, and direct energy toward fruiting. Pinch off growing tips a month before frost to redirect energy to ripening existing fruits.
Boost Growth with Root PruningPruning roots, just like trimming leaves, encourages ripening. In midsummer, gently chop a circle in the ground around the plant’s base, about 12 inches (30 cm) from the stem. This prompts the roots to focus on the area close to the stem, resulting in more vigorous growth and larger yields.
Use organic mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature. Black landscape fabric also captures heat and warms the soil, extending growth.
Not all tomato varieties can yield for an extended period. Determinate types produce a burst of fruit within a limited window, while indeterminate types, with good care, can keep yielding until frost. Next Spring opt for indeterminate varieties of tomatoes for an extended harvest.
With these simple tips, your garden will thrive beyond summer and you can celebrate the luscious taste of tomatoes all the way until the frost’s first kiss.
Rimante Varkalaite-Bakiene
World Tomato Society Tomato Database Manager
Great article, thank you for all the tips! I did not know about the root pruning, I’m going to do that for my tomato plants this week.
This is great information, thank you. I am pretty new to gardening and didn’t know there was so much I could do at the end of the season to get more tomatoes. Going to try it all, but may wait a week or so to root prune. Do I need to water anymore after I root prune?
FiFi, You’re welcome! I’m glad you found the article helpful. Root pruning can indeed benefit tomato plants. Happy gardening!
Thank you, happy gardening to you too!
John Smith, you’re very welcome! It’s fantastic that you’re eager to explore new techniques in gardening. After root pruning, it’s generally a good idea to reduce watering. Keep an eye on your plants and adjust the watering based on their needs. Usually, I don’t water plants after root pruning.
I also did not know about root pruning and may yet try it. I prefer indeterminate varieties, and have to prop them up as they are sprawling all over the place. I do have a couple of determinate plants, and while they are bountiful, aren’t as resistant to disease and insects. They seem more subject to cracking, too.
I moved halfway across the world, from Interior Alaska where it is dry and the summer days are long, to Germany, where it rains frequently and the days are short but summer is much longer. It has been a difficult adjustment. I’m encountering problems I’ve never seen before in my garden, like black spot and cracking (catfacing was the worst issue I had).
Deirdre Helfferich, gardening in a new environment certainly brings its own set of learning experiences, but it sounds like you’re adapting and learning quickly. Regarding the issues you’re encountering, black spot and cracking can be common in wetter climates. To combat black spot, regular pruning of affected leaves, good air circulation, and using disease-resistant varieties can be helpful. For cracking, maintaining consistent moisture levels in the soil can reduce this issue, but it’s often challenging in variable climates. Mulching can also assist in keeping soil moisture levels stable. If you ever have more questions or need advice, don’t hesitate to ask in the Forum or research in the Database, feel free to ask questions there also.
Thanks for a great article.I live in zone 9B. I love the idea of root pruning. Common sense tells me the shorter roots should maintain water easier. I will try mulching also, as we just broke a month of daily 110 degrees plus. Happy gardening!
Sheila Ply, thank you for your kind words! Zone 9B can be quite challenging, but root pruning and mulching should definitely help with water retention. Be sure to monitor your plants closely and adjust your watering regimen according to their specific requirements. Wishing you a joyful gardening experience!
I used to live in ZONE 9B and I truly miss my red clay soil (Northern CA) but I had no idea about ROOT PRUNING! Thank you so much!
G