Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Chicago?

If you're a Chicago gardener, you might be wondering whether it's too late to plant tomatoes. After all, Chicago's climate can be unpredictable, and the weather can turn chilly earlier than expected. But don't worry: depending on the variety of tomato you want to grow, it might not be too late at all.

What tomato varieties can be planted late in the season?

If it's already mid-June or early July, you've missed the window for planting early-maturing or determinate tomato varieties, which need 70-80 days to mature before the first frost. However, you can still plant some mid-to-later season tomato varieties:

Indeterminate tomatoes: These varieties continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season. They usually take longer to mature than determinate varieties, usually between 80-100 days.

Heirloom tomatoes: Many heirloom tomato varieties have a longer growing season and need anywhere from 80-100 days to mature.

Cherry tomatoes: These are usually the earliest tomato varieties to ripen, but you can still plant them in mid-July for a harvest in late August or early September.

How to plant late-season tomatoes?

When planting tomatoes late in the season, it's crucial to choose a suitable variety and provide the plants with the proper growing conditions. Follow these tips:

Choose a warm and sunny spot in your garden or yard that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.

Prepare the soil by adding compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.

Plant your tomatoes deeply by burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. This will encourage the plant to produce more roots and become more vigorous.

Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Tomatoes need consistent moisture to produce plump and juicy fruit.

Tips for extending the tomato season in Chicago

Chicago gardeners can take some steps to extend the tomato season and enjoy a bumper crop of juicy tomatoes, even if they planted late:

Cover the plants with row covers or blankets in early fall to protect them from frost and cold temperatures.

Use black plastic mulch or landscape fabric to warm up the soil and retain moisture.

Prune your indeterminate tomato plants to remove lower leaves and suckers that don't produce fruit. This will focus the plant's energy on ripening the remaining fruit.

Harvest your tomatoes regularly to encourage the plant to produce more fruit. Don't wait for them to fully ripen on the vine, as they will keep ripening after being picked.

In conclusion

So, is it too late to plant tomatoes in Chicago? It depends on the variety you choose and how long the season lasts. If you missed the window for planting early-maturing tomato varieties, you can still grow mid-to-late season varieties, such as indeterminate, heirloom, or cherry tomatoes. And with some care and attention, you can extend the tomato season and enjoy a bountiful harvest of juicy and flavorful fruits.