Is July too Late to Plant Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are a popular crop in gardens around the world because they're delicious, healthy, and versatile. However, gardeners and farmers often wonder if it's too late to plant tomatoes in July. The answer is a bit complicated and depends on several factors. Let's explore this topic in more detail.

The Short Answer

If you're asking whether you can plant tomato seeds in July and get a healthy harvest before the end of the growing season, the answer is no. Tomatoes typically need 100-150 days to mature from seed to fruit, and most growing seasons aren't quite that long. However, there are some ways to plant tomatoes in July and still get a decent crop.

Planting Options

If you're starting from seed, you're not likely to have much success planting tomatoes in July. However, there are a couple of options for getting a late start on your tomato crop.

The first option is to buy tomato seedlings or small plants from a nursery or garden center. These plants are already several weeks old and have a head start on growing. By planting them in July, you can still expect to get fruit in late August or September, depending on your growing zone and climate.

The second option is to try planting tomatoes in a greenhouse or hoop house. These structures can extend the growing season by several weeks or even months, depending on your location. By starting your tomatoes in a greenhouse in the spring and then planting them outside in July, you can get a harvest in late summer or early fall.

Choosing the Right Variety

The success of your late-season tomato crop also depends on choosing the right variety. Some tomato varieties are better suited for short growing seasons or cooler climates, while others require a longer growing season and warmer temperatures to mature. Here are a few varieties that are worth trying if you're planting tomatoes in July:

Early Girl: This is a popular variety that's known for its early ripening. It matures in about 50-60 days and produces medium-sized, flavorful fruits.

Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are often the first to ripen and can be ready to harvest in as little as 60 days. They're also great for snacking, salads, and sauces.

Stupice: This variety is popular in cold climates because it can tolerate cooler temperatures and still produce ripe fruit. It matures in about 55-65 days and produces medium-sized, slightly tart tomatoes.

Planting Tips

When planting tomatoes in July, it's important to give them the best possible chance to thrive. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choose a sunny spot: Tomatoes need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to ripen properly.

Amend the soil: Tomatoes prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-6.8. If your soil is sandy, clayey, or nutrient-poor, it's a good idea to amend it with compost or other organic matter.

Water regularly: Tomatoes need consistent moisture to grow well. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on your climate and soil type.

Watch for pests and diseases: Tomatoes are susceptible to several pests and diseases, including tomato hornworms, aphids, and blight. Keep an eye out for signs of trouble, such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or holes in the leaves.

The Bottom Line

Planting tomatoes in July is certainly a challenge, but it's not impossible. With the right variety, planting method, and care, you can still get a decent harvest before the end of the growing season. However, your success will ultimately depend on your climate, soil, and local growing conditions. If you're unsure whether it's worth planting tomatoes in July, you can always wait until next year and start your seeds or seedlings earlier in the spring.