Q&A: Why don’t I have tons of tomatoes yet?
The themes of the past couple of weeks in our clients’ gardens have been: 1.) “We are getting so many cucumbers and making jars and jars of pickles!” and 2.) “Are my tomato plants OK? I thought I’d be harvesting baskets full by now.” So if you're eagerly waiting for your tomato plants to burst with fruit, you're definitely not alone. And the short answer is YES, your plants are probably OK. We’re right in the heart of tomato season now, when plants tend to really start producing and reward your patience with an abundance of fruit. As long as your plants are healthy and well-watered, you'll likely see a big wave of tomatoes ripening as we move through August and into September.
We garden geeks can never just leave it at a short answer though, can we? Let’s talk a little more about why it might feel like your tomatoes are taking their sweet (and acidic) time.
Every Variety Has Its Own Timeline
It's important to remember that different tomato varieties have different timelines for ripening. For instance, Cherokee Purple tomatoes often take around 80 to 85 days to mature, while Sun Golds (pictured) can start ripening in as little as 55 to 65 days. So, if your tomatoes are taking their time, that’s totally normal. Plus, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, August marks the peak of the growing season, so the best is definitely yet to come.
Your Garden Isn’t Behind — It’s Just on Its Own Schedule
If you’re seeing friends post tomato hauls online, don’t panic. A lot of factors affect when tomatoes start producing: when they were planted, how much sunlight they get, the soil they’re growing in, and even slight microclimates in the yard. And let’s not forget — we’ve had some serious heat waves lately. When temperatures climb above 90–95°F, tomato plants often pause fruit production. As things ease back into the 80s, you’ll likely see a fresh flush of blossoms and fruit. All these factors are worth understanding, but some can’t be changed, so they may simply help to set your expectations.
Check the Receipts
I know I’m always harping on this, but keeping garden records really pays off. A quick scroll through my camera roll reminded me that I was proudly snapping tomato harvest photos on September 1st last year — and even into November some years! I also track what I pick each day, and sure enough, last July’s tomato tally was pretty slim. But by August, I was harvesting a dozen or more each week. When you keep notes or photos year to year, you start to notice these patterns. It’s easy to forget just how long tomatoes take to hit their peak — and your records can offer a helpful reality check (and a little boost of hope) when you’re staring at a plant full of green fruit.
Green Means Go
And while you’re waiting for those tomatoes to fully ripen, why not have a little fun with the green ones? Green tomatoes are a delicious treat in their own right. You can try your hand at making classic fried green tomatoes with a crispy cornmeal crust, or get adventurous and whip up a tangy green tomato chutney. Both options are a great way to enjoy your tomatoes and provide a delicious reminder that good things are happening — even if they’re still green.
