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When planting tomatoes, start them indoors five to eight weeks before planting them in the ground following the last frost. Make sure to check your USDA growing zone to determine your last frost date, as tomatoes are sensitive to low temperatures. It’s crucial to give seedlings enough space and support structures to thrive. Tomatoes have a wide growth range of 60 to 100 days, making it challenging to decide when to plant them. To help answer this, organic vegetable gardening expert Adam Weiss, founder of Pike Lane Gardens, provides insights.
Best Time to Plant Tomatoes
For optimal results, begin growing tomatoes in spring to avoid the last frost. Adam Weiss recommends planting tomatoes in two stages: start with indoor seeds, and then transplant the seedlings outdoors five to eight weeks later.
Seeds vs. Seedlings
Tomato seeds are viable for up to five years, while seedlings have sprouted above the soil and are ready for transplanting into the garden.
When to Plant Tomatoes Indoors
Start tomato seeds indoors five to eight weeks before planting them in the ground to ensure a successful growth process.
When to Plant Tomatoes Outdoors
Consider outdoor temperatures rather than the calendar when deciding to plant tomatoes. Wait until the soil temperature reaches around 70°F before planting seedlings outdoors to avoid frost conditions.
Frost Dates for Planting Tomatoes
Consult your local USDA hardiness zone to determine the last and first frost dates each year, as tomatoes are sensitive to frost. Protective measures like cloches and row covers can help, but the best approach is to avoid frost altogether.
Frost Dates and Tomato Planting Tips
Last Frost Date First Frost Date
1 May 22 to June 4 August 25 to 31
2 May 15 to 22 September 1 to 8
3 May 1 to 16 September 8 to 15
4 April 24 to May 12 September 21 to October 7
5 April 7 to 30 October 13 to October 21
6 April 1 to 21 October 17 to 31
7 March 22 to April 3 October 29 to November 15
8 March 13 to 28 November 7 to 29
9 February 6 to 28 November 25 to December 13
10 to 13 No frost No frost
Tips for Planting and Growing Tomatoes
Are you a fan of Sungolds, cherry tomatoes, beefsteaks, or green zebras? No matter the type of tomato you enjoy planting, Weiss has these suggestions for a successful harvest:
– Provide ample space: Ensure there is at least 24 inches of distance between each tomato plant to allow for sufficient sunlight, strong root growth, and space. If space is limited, consider planting fewer tomatoes.
– Opt for seedlings: Always plant tomatoes as seedlings for optimal harvesting results.
– Plant seedlings deeply: Plant the tomato seedlings deeper in the ground compared to other plants, at least 6 inches deep. You can bury the plant up to the first set of leaves. This way, the lower stem will produce additional roots, improving the plant’s health.
– Establish support early: Decide on the type of trellis or support structure you want for your tomatoes, such as a tomato cage or stake, well before planting. Installing the support structure early is essential to prevent damage to the plant later on.
– Water deeply: Tomatoes have deep roots, so water deeply two to three times a week at the base of each plant. To ensure the right amount of water, Weiss suggests counting slowly to 20 while watering each tomato plant.
For more detailed information, visit the original article on The Spruce.
