Introduction

As autumn approaches, it's time to start thinking about what to do with tomato plants. Whether you're an avid gardener or just starting out, these tips will help you make the most of your tomato plants during the fall season.

Harvest Your Tomatoes

The first thing you should do with your tomato plants in the fall is to harvest any remaining tomatoes. Check your plants regularly and remove any tomatoes that are currently ripe or almost ripe, and bring them indoors. If the temperature is likely to drop below 50°F (10°C) in your area, it's best to harvest all remaining tomatoes, even if they are still green. Remember to handle your tomatoes gently to avoid bruising them.

Prune Your Tomato Plants

To optimize your tomato plants' growth during the fall season, you should prune the plants. Begin by trimming the plants back slightly to help them focus their energy on producing fruit. Remove any leaves or branches that show signs of disease or are growing vertically instead of horizontally. This will help prevent diseases and allow air to circulate more freely through the plants.

Protect Your Tomato Plants From Frost

Tomato plants can be severely damaged or even killed by frost. To protect your plants, cover them with blankets, tarpaulins or other protective materials. Be sure to remove these covers during the day to allow the plant to breathe and receive sunlight. Alternatively, if you have a small number of tomato plants, you can lift them from the ground and transplant them into large pots. Keep the pots indoors or in a greenhouse and enjoy fresh tomatoes into the winter season.

Prevent Diseases

As mentioned, careful plant pruning can help prevent diseases. However, additional steps can be taken to reduce the risk of disease. Fungal infections can be prevented by using a copper fungicide spray on the tomato plants' leaves. You can also increase air circulation by spacing your plants out.

Final Thoughts

Tomato plants are a great addition to any garden, and with proper care, they can last well into the fall season. Remember to harvest ripe tomatoes, prune the plants, protect them from frost and prevent diseases. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the season and even into winter.