Repurposed Blog Post: Growing Fall Tomatoes in South Louisiana

Originally published in InRegister Magazine, September 2025. Republished with permission.

When most gardeners think of tomatoes, they picture spring planting and summer harvests. In South Louisiana, however, fall is actually one of the best times to grow tomatoes—and often yields the sweetest, most flavorful fruit of the year.

Our brutal summer heat and humidity make spring-planted tomatoes struggle by July, but cooler fall nights (especially November and December) combined with warm days create near-perfect growing conditions. The lower disease pressure and fewer pests also mean healthier plants and cleaner fruit.

Variety selection is key Choose heat-tolerant, disease-resistant varieties that finish in 60–75 days from transplant. My top picks:

• Phoenix – excellent heat setter
• Solar Fire – bred for the South
• Florida 91 – reliable producer
• Celebrity – disease resistance + great flavor
• Sun Leaper – another strong heat setter

Timing is everything Start seeds indoors July 15–August 1, or buy transplants in early August. Aim to have plants in the ground by mid-to-late August so they’re fruiting when temperatures drop. This gives you ripe tomatoes from late October through December (and sometimes into early January if frost holds off).

Planting tips for success

• Choose a full-sun spot with good drainage
• Amend soil with compost and a balanced fertilizer
• Plant deep—bury the stem up to the first set of leaves for stronger roots
• Mulch heavily to retain moisture and keep soil cool
• Stake or cage immediately—fall tomatoes grow fast

Pest and disease watch Fall brings fewer problems, but scout for:

• Early blight (yellowing lower leaves)
• Spider mites (tiny webs on undersides)
• Stink bugs (cloudy spots on fruit)

Harvest bonus Fall tomatoes often taste sweeter because cooler nights increase sugar content. Many gardeners swear their best-tasting tomatoes of the year come in November and December.

So don’t put away those tomato cages just yet—fall is your second (and often better) chance at homegrown Louisiana tomatoes.

Ready for Your Best Tomato Season Yet?

Want a complete fall vegetable plan tailored to your Baton Rouge yard? I offer one-on-one consultations and custom Landscape Playbooks that include exact planting calendars, variety recommendations, and monthly care checklists. Book your fall garden session at RousesHorticulture.com or follow @rousehorticulture for daily tips!