What to Do with Tomato Plants in September

September is a critical month for tomato plants. As the weather turns cooler and the days shorten, it's important to take steps to help your plants stay healthy and produce a bumper crop. Here are some tips on what to do with your tomato plants in September.

Harvest Your Tomatoes

The first thing you should do in September is harvest as many ripe tomatoes as possible. Tomato plants will slow down their production as the weather gets cooler, so it's important to gather as many tomatoes as possible before they stop growing. Of course, if you're growing determinate tomatoes, they will stop growing naturally, so you won't need to worry about them.

Prune Your Tomato Plants

September is also a good time to prune your tomato plants. If you notice any dead or yellowing leaves, remove them so that they don't sap nutrients from the healthy branches. You can also trim back any branches that are blocking sunlight from reaching the fruit, as this can promote fungal growth.

Water Your Tomato Plants Regularly

As the weather gets cooler, your tomato plants won't need as much water as they did in the summer. However, it's still important to water them regularly to help them stay healthy and produce new fruit. Make sure you water at the base of the plant, rather than from above, as this can promote fungal growth.

Fertilize Your Tomato Plants

September is also a good time to give your tomato plants a fertilizer boost. By adding some compost or a slow-release fertilizer to the soil, you can help your plants stay healthy and produce new growth. Make sure you follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as too much fertilizer can damage your plants.

Protect Your Tomato Plants from Frost

Finally, as the nights get colder, it's important to protect your tomato plants from frost. If the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius), your plants could be damaged or even killed. You can cover your plants with blankets or plastic sheeting to help keep them warm. Alternatively, you can bring your plants inside if you have space.

By following these tips, you can help your tomato plants stay healthy and productive through September and into the fall. With a little bit of care, you'll be able to enjoy fresh, delicious tomatoes long after summer has ended.