Yes, you can definitely till those fallen tomatoes into the soil at the end of the season. Here are a few reasons why and things to consider:
Nutrient Return: By tilling the tomatoes into the soil, you're allowing them to decompose and return their nutrients to the soil, benefiting the next crop you plant.
Disease Concerns: Since you mentioned that the tomatoes don't appear to have been diseased and tasted good, there's minimal risk in tilling them in. However, it's always a good practice to keep an eye out for any signs of diseases in your garden. If any plants showed signs of disease during the growing season, it's best to remove and dispose of those specific plants and fruits away from the garden.
Seeds Germination: One thing to be aware of is that tomatoes have seeds, and by tilling them into the soil, you might find some surprise tomato plants sprouting up next season. If you're okay with some potentially rogue tomato plants, this isn't an issue. If you want to prevent this, you might consider picking up as many of the fallen tomatoes as possible before tilling.
Soil Structure: Tilling does help mix organic matter (like your tomatoes) into the soil, but it's worth noting that frequent and deep tilling can disrupt soil structure and harm beneficial soil organisms over time. Consider no-till or reduced-till gardening methods in the future if you're concerned about maintaining a healthy soil ecosystem.
Other Garden Residue: Since you've removed tomato cages and root balls, you've already prepped your garden well. Make sure other garden debris, like larger stems or uncomposted plant materials, is broken down or removed before tilling to ensure an even soil texture for the next planting.
In conclusion, it's perfectly fine to till those fallen tomatoes into your garden soil. They'll break down and contribute organic matter and nutrients back to the soil, supporting future crops. Just be mindful of potential volunteer tomato plants next season!
