Heat, humidity, and harvest. My best tomato season yet.

Last July was one of the hottest recorded in Philly in the last 151 years, and it brought a unique set of challenges to the garden with scorching temperatures and high humidity. Safety became essential for routine tasks like pruning tomato plants, weeding, and turning compost. Despite the extreme conditions, my tomato season was the most successful yet. With temperatures reaching 100℉ at times, I used drip irrigation and a hose timer to deliver a precise amount of water in the morning and evening. I somehow maintained minimal pest and disease pressure, and only witnessed blossom end rot once.

Pruning techniques like removing inward-facing leaves and controlling the number of suckers enhanced the airflow and reduced hiding spots for pests.

A curious experiment with a sprawling, unidentified, volunteer tomato plant yielded my wife’s favorite small globe-shaped red tomatoes. At the end of summer I topped all my tomatoes, redirecting their energy for a final harvest before Fall.

Reflecting on my success, I credit the meticulous planning done in the cold days of January and February, huddled under a blanket with my dog, mapping out each garden bed.