Tomatoes are a staple in the vegetable garden.
To extend their harvest until fall, discover these three tips to implement from August.
Tip #1: Choose early and late varieties to spread out the harvest
Choosing the right tomato varieties is essential to ensure an abundant and sustainable harvest. There are many varieties adapted to different climates and seasons.
Early tomatoes: they ripen quickly and can be harvested from the beginning of summer. Examples: ‘Saint Pierre’, ‘Marmande’, ‘Beef Heart’.
Mid-season tomatoes: They ripen in summer and generally have a high yield. Examples: ‘Roma’, ‘Cerise’, ‘Crimean Black’.
Late tomatoes: these are ideal for extending the harvest until autumn. Examples: ‘Green Zebra’, ‘Pineapple’, ‘Rose de Berne’.
So think about diversifying your tomato plants in the vegetable garden to spread production over several months.
Tip #2 — Adopt good cultural practices to stimulate plant growth
To maximize tomato harvest time, it is essential to adopt good growing practices. Here are some tips to follow:
- Water regularly — Tomatoes need moist, well-drained soil. Water them every other day during dry spells, without wetting the foliage to avoid the development of diseases.
- Prune the plants — remove suckers (secondary branches) to promote fruit growth and aerate the foliage. This also helps limit the appearance of diseases and parasites.
- Mulch the soil — This technique consists of covering the soil around the plants with organic materials (straw, compost, bark, etc.). Mulching limits water evaporation, maintains a stable temperature and retains the nutrients necessary for plant growth.
Tip #3: Protect your plants from climatic hazards to ensure their survival until fall
Tomatoes are sensitive to climatic variations. To ensure a prolonged harvest, here are some tips:
Install a winter shelter or cover — this protects the plants from the cold, wind and autumn rains. Be sure to leave enough space between the plants to avoid humidity and diseases.
Planning an efficient drainage system — Well-drained soil prevents water accumulation, which can lead to diseases such as mildew. You can add sand or gravel to the bottom of planting holes to improve drainage.
Monitor for parasites and treat preventively — aphids, whiteflies and other pests can weaken your tomato plants. Use natural products (black soap, nettle manure, etc.) to treat your plants regularly.
By implementing these tips as early as August, you’ll increase your chances of enjoying delicious tomatoes well into the fall. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties and techniques to find the ones that work best for your garden and climate.
