When to Plant Fall Tomatoes in Florida

Tomatoes are a beloved crop in Florida, and while they can be planted year-round, fall is the perfect time for an abundant harvest. However, knowing the right time to plant fall tomatoes is crucial for a successful crop. In this article, we’ll give you a breakdown of the best time to plant fall tomatoes in Florida and tips for a bountiful harvest.

Timing

The best time to plant fall tomatoes in Florida is between August and October. It’s important to plant your tomatoes early enough in this time frame to allow them to reach maturity before the first frost, which usually hits in November or December. This ensures that your crop will be abundant and healthy and will be able to survive the cooler temperatures. Additionally, planting earlier in the season will allow your tomatoes to avoid the intense heat of the summer, which can stunt their growth and limit their yield.

Preparation

Before you plant your fall tomatoes, it’s important to prepare the soil. Florida soil can be sandy and lacking in important nutrients, so you’ll want to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil to help your plants get the nutrients they need throughout the growing season.

Additionally, you’ll want to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage. Tomatoes require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, so choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun. If your soil doesn’t drain well, consider creating a raised bed or adding sand to the soil to improve drainage.

Planting

Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant your tomatoes. You can choose to start your plants from seed or purchase seedlings from a nursery. If you’re planting from seed, start them indoors six to eight weeks before the desired planting time. Once they’ve matured a little, transplant them to your garden. If you’re purchasing seedlings, choose plants that are healthy and well-established, with a strong root system.

When planting, dig a hole that’s deep enough to accommodate the entire root system of your plant. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, being careful not to bury the stem. Water the plant immediately after planting to help get it established.

Maintenance

Once your tomatoes are planted, it’s important to care for them properly to ensure a bountiful harvest. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Staking or caging your plants will help support the growing fruit and keep the plant from sprawling on the ground.

Additionally, keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Common tomato pests include aphids, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies, while diseases like blossom end rot and early blight can also affect your plants. Trimming off yellowing leaves and picking off diseased fruit can help prevent the spread of these issues.

Harvest

Tomatoes typically take 75 to 90 days to reach maturity, so plan your planting time accordingly. Once your fruit is ripe, remember to pick it frequently to encourage the plant to keep producing. Tomatoes will continue to ripen off the vine, so don’t be afraid to pick them when they’re still slightly green and leave them on your kitchen counter to ripen fully.

With a little preparation and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fall tomatoes in Florida. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, juicy tomatoes straight from your garden all autumn long.