Planting tomatoes in September can be a rewarding experience, extending the harvest season and enjoying fresh, homegrown tomatoes well into the fall. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about planting tomatoes in September, from choosing the right varieties to protecting your plants from early frosts.
Want to enjoy fresh tomatoes beyond the typical summer harvest? Planting tomatoes in September is possible with the right approach. This guide provides expert tips and tricks for a successful late-season tomato crop.
JUMP TO TOPIC
- 1 Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties for a September Planting
- 2 Starting Seeds Indoors vs. Transplanting Seedlings
- 3 Preparing Your Garden Bed for September Tomatoes
- 4 Planting and Caring for Your September Tomatoes
- 5 Protecting Your Tomatoes from Early Frosts
- 6 Common Pests and Diseases to Watch For
- 7 FAQs about Planting Tomatoes in September
- 8 Picking and Enjoying Your September Tomatoes
- 9 Conclusion
Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties for a September Planting
Not all tomato varieties are suitable for a September planting. Shorter-season varieties are crucial to ensure the fruit has time to ripen before the first frost. Look for varieties with a maturity date of 60-75 days, such as:
Early Girl: A popular and reliable choice known for its prolific production and sweet flavor.
Roma: A determinate variety (bush type) perfect for making sauces and pastes.
Stupice: An extremely early variety with small, tangy fruits.
Cherry Tomatoes (various types): Often ripen quickly and provide a burst of flavor.
Starting Seeds Indoors vs. Transplanting Seedlings
You have two options for planting tomatoes in September: starting seeds indoors or transplanting established seedlings.
Starting Seeds Indoors:
Timing is Key: Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the average first frost date in your area. You can find this information online or through your local agricultural extension office.
Seed Starting Mix: Use a high-quality seed starting mix for optimal germination and growth.
Light and Warmth: Provide adequate light using a grow lamp and maintain a consistent temperature around 75-80°F.
Transplanting Seedlings:
Select Healthy Plants: Choose sturdy seedlings with dark green foliage and no signs of disease or pests.
Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting to avoid shock. This process typically takes about a week.
Preparing Your Garden Bed for September Tomatoes
Proper soil preparation is essential for healthy tomato plants:
Sunlight: Tomatoes require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a sunny location in your garden.
Soil Drainage: Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Soil pH: Tomatoes thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. You can test your soil pH and amend it accordingly.
Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting to provide essential nutrients.
Planting and Caring for Your September Tomatoes
Spacing: Space tomato plants according to their mature size, typically 18-24 inches apart.
Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Supporting the Plants: Stake or cage indeterminate varieties to keep the fruit off the ground.
Protecting Your Tomatoes from Early Frosts
One of the biggest challenges with planting tomatoes in September is protecting them from frost. Here are some strategies:
Row Covers: Use floating row covers to protect plants from light frosts. These covers allow sunlight and water to reach the plants while providing insulation.
Wall O’ Water: These individual plant protectors are filled with water and provide excellent frost protection.
Cold Frames: If you have a cold frame, you can extend the growing season even further.
Harvesting Green Tomatoes: If a hard frost is predicted, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and ripen them indoors.
Common Pests and Diseases to Watch For
Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from tomato plants. Control them with insecticidal soap or by introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Tomato Hornworms: Large green caterpillars that can quickly defoliate tomato plants. Handpick them or use a biological insecticide like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Blight: Fungal diseases like early blight and late blight can affect tomato plants. Practice good garden hygiene and apply a preventative fungicide if necessary. (Link to a relevant article on blight prevention)
FAQs about Planting Tomatoes in September
Q: Can I plant any type of tomato in September?
A: No, it’s best to choose short-season varieties that will mature before the first frost.
Q: How do I protect my tomato plants from frost?
A: Use row covers, Wall O’ Water, or cold frames to protect your plants from frost damage.
Q: What should I do if my tomato plants get blight?
A: Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation. You may need to apply a fungicide.
Picking and Enjoying Your September Tomatoes
Once your tomatoes reach their mature color and feel slightly soft to the touch, they are ready to harvest. Enjoy your fresh, homegrown tomatoes in salads, sauces, or simply sliced and eaten on their own!
Conclusion
Planting tomatoes in September can be a successful endeavor with careful planning and execution. By choosing the right varieties, protecting plants from frost, and following these expert tips and tricks, you can extend your tomato harvest and enjoy the delicious taste of homegrown tomatoes well into the fall.