With September barreling in, many vegetables are approaching the end of their production. And with the odd growing season that 2022 has been, some plants have produced better than others.
As a whole, tomatoes have not had the best growing season. "This year we're seeing a lot of growth of the plant, but not a tremendous amount of produce coming off the plant," notes Tom Kasper. "There's a couple things we can do to help."
Trimming off the top of the tomato plants (the parts that are not producing food) can encourage the plant to send nutrients to the vines that are bearing fruit. Focus on the fruit that is nearly ripe. Any tomatoes that are just starting to form will likely not have enough time in the season to reach full maturity.
Thinning out perennials is also on the to-do list. "As a gardener its a bit barbaric," says Kasper. "Often times you go at it with an old saw - cutting through the roots." This will help to prepare the plant for a healthy growing season starting in the spring.
