Every year my tomato plants start off great in June, but by July and August I notice production slowing down. The plants are still alive and growing, but they aren't setting as much fruit as they were earlier in the season.

Over the last few years I've found a few things that seem to make a huge difference:

🍅 Deep watering instead of quick daily watering

🍅 Adding mulch around the base of plants

🍅 Feeding consistently through summer

🍅 Harvesting ripe tomatoes as soon as they are ready

🍅 Improving airflow around crowded plants

🍅 Removing yellow or diseased leaves

🍅 Supporting heavy branches before they break

🍅 Watching for powdery mildew and other disease issues

I've also noticed container tomatoes seem to need more frequent feeding and watering compared to plants growing in the ground.

I recently put together a detailed guide covering 15 things that have helped increase my tomato harvests during the hottest part of summer:

🍅 [https://www.trailingpetunia.com/blogs/news/how-to-increase-tomato-yields-in-july-and-august-15-proven-tips-for-bigger-harvests-before-fall](https://www.trailingpetunia.com/blogs/news/how-to-increase-tomato-yields-in-july-and-august-15-proven-tips-for-bigger-harvests-before-fall)

One variety I've had good luck with is:

🍅 [https://www.trailingpetunia.com/products/tomato-seeds-25-seeds-tomato-marzito-f1-variety](https://www.trailingpetunia.com/products/tomato-seeds-25-seeds-tomato-marzito-f1-variety)

I'm curious what other gardeners do when tomato production starts slowing down in midsummer.

What has made the biggest difference for you?

* More fertilizer?
* Shade cloth?
* Pruning?
* Different tomato varieties?
* Better watering practices?

I'd love to hear what's working in your garden this year.

My Tomato Plants Always Slow Down in July and August — What Actually Increases Yields?