Planting tomatoes in August might seem late in the season, but with the right care and planning, you can still enjoy a healthy harvest before the colder months arrive. While spring is typically considered the ideal time for planting tomatoes, August offers unique advantages — especially in regions with a mild autumn. By choosing the right tomato varieties and following key planting techniques, you can extend your growing season and enjoy fresh tomatoes well into the fall.
Why Plant Tomatoes in August?
Planting tomatoes in August comes with several benefits:
✅ Extended Growing Season: Warm soil and cooler nights create ideal growing conditions for tomatoes.
✅ Fast Growth: Many tomato varieties mature quickly, allowing you to harvest before the first frost.
✅ Fewer Pests: Late summer planting reduces the chances of pest infestations and disease.
✅ Mild Weather: August temperatures are typically warm enough to support strong growth without the intense heat of midsummer.
Best Tomato Varieties for August Planting
Selecting the right tomato variety is key to a successful late-season crop. Since the growing window is shorter, focus on fast-maturing or early-yielding types. Here are some ideal options:
🍅 Cherry Tomatoes
- Fast-growing and reliable
- Sweet and perfect for salads or snacking
🍅 Early Girl
- Matures in about 50-60 days
- Great for cooler weather and shorter growing seasons
🍅 Celebrity
- Disease-resistant and matures in 60-70 days
- Produces a steady crop of medium-sized tomatoes
🍅 Roma Tomatoes
- Ideal for sauces and cooking
- Matures in 70-80 days
🍅 Determinate Varieties
- Compact plants that produce fruit in a short period
- Easier to manage for late-season planting
Preparing to Plant Tomatoes in August
Proper preparation is essential to give your plants the best chance to thrive.
1. Pick a Sunny Spot
Tomatoes need 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.
- Choose a location with good airflow and direct sunlight.
- If planting in containers, position them where they’ll get consistent sun exposure.
2. Improve the Soil
Tomatoes grow best in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
- Mix in compost or aged manure to boost nutrients.
- Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
- If using containers, use high-quality potting mix designed for vegetables.
3. Water Before Planting
Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy before planting.
- Water thoroughly a day or two before planting to establish good moisture levels.
- Consistent moisture helps roots develop quickly.
4. Start with Healthy Seedlings
Since August planting allows less time for growth, start with healthy transplants rather than seeds.
- Look for strong plants with deep green leaves and no signs of disease.
- Avoid plants that look weak, yellow, or root-bound.
How to Plant Tomatoes in August
1. Dig Deep Holes
- Dig a hole deep enough to bury most of the stem, leaving just the top few leaves exposed.
- Tomatoes develop stronger roots when more of the stem is buried.
2. Provide Support
- Add a stake or tomato cage at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later.
- Tying the plant to the support helps prevent the stems from breaking under the weight of the fruit.
3. Water Well
- Water deeply right after planting to help the roots settle.
- Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
4. Add Mulch
- Apply a layer of mulch (such as straw, grass clippings, or leaves) around the base of the plant.
- Mulch helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and keep the soil temperature stable.
Caring for Tomatoes After Planting
Tomatoes planted in August need consistent care to thrive and produce a good harvest.
✅ 1. Water Consistently
Tomatoes need about 1-2 inches of water per week.
- Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation.
- Avoid getting the leaves wet to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
✅ 2. Fertilize Regularly
Tomatoes are heavy feeders and need consistent nutrients.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer or a tomato-specific blend every 2-3 weeks.
- If leaves turn yellow, increase nitrogen levels.
✅ 3. Prune for Stronger Growth
Pruning helps the plant focus energy on producing fruit rather than excess foliage.
- Remove suckers (small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches).
- Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to prevent disease.
✅ 4. Watch for Pests and Disease
While pest problems are less common in late summer, some can still appear.
- Keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms.
- Treat pests with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
- If you spot signs of disease, remove affected leaves immediately.
✅ 5. Protect from Cooler Nights
As fall approaches, nighttime temperatures may start to drop.
- Use row covers or blankets to protect plants from frost.
- If frost is expected, pick green tomatoes and let them ripen indoors.
Harvesting Late-Season Tomatoes
Tomatoes planted in August should be ready to harvest by October or early November, depending on the variety and local climate.
🍅 Signs of Ripeness:
- Full, even color (red, yellow, or orange depending on the variety)
- Slight softness when gently squeezed
- Fruit easily separates from the vine when twisted
🍅 Ripening Off the Vine
If frost threatens before your tomatoes are fully ripe:
- Pick them green and place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple.
- The ethylene gas released by the fruit will help speed up the ripening process.
- Keep them at room temperature until they fully ripen.
Common Challenges and Solutions
🔴 Blossom End Rot: Often caused by calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering. Maintain even soil moisture and add calcium if needed.
🔴 Cracking or Splitting: Results from inconsistent watering or rapid changes in temperature. Keep watering consistent.
🔴 Yellow Leaves: Can result from nutrient deficiencies or overwatering. Adjust feeding and watering as needed.
Why August Planting Works
Planting tomatoes in August takes advantage of warm soil and mild temperatures. The shorter days and cooler nights of early fall create ideal growing conditions, reducing stress on the plant and improving the flavor of the fruit. With proper care, tomatoes planted in late summer can produce well into the fall, extending your harvest season.
Conclusion
Planting tomatoes in August is a practical way to enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes even as the growing season winds down. By selecting the right varieties, preparing the soil properly, and providing consistent care, you can successfully grow and harvest a late-season tomato crop. With a little effort, you’ll be savoring sweet, juicy tomatoes well into autumn!