How Late to Plant Tomatoes in Oregon

Tomatoes are one of the most popular fruits (yes, fruits!) grown in Oregon. They are easy to care for, and with a little effort, they can produce an abundance of delicious fruit. However, planting tomatoes at the wrong time can cause problems, leading to a poor crop or even no crop at all. So, how late is too late to plant tomatoes in Oregon?

Understanding Oregon's Climate

Before we can answer the question of when to plant tomatoes, we need to understand Oregon's climate. The state's climate varies greatly depending on where you are. The coastal areas have a mild, wet climate, while the inland areas have a more arid climate. The state also experiences heavy winter rains and a dry summer season.

The ideal time to plant tomatoes in Oregon is in early May, after the threat of frost has passed. However, if you live in an area with a milder climate, such as Portland or the Willamette Valley, you can plant a little earlier, in late April. In these areas, the soil is usually warm enough to support tomato plants by this time.

Planting Too Late

Planting tomatoes too late in the season can cause several problems. One of the biggest issues is that the tomatoes may not have enough time to fruit before the first frost. Tomatoes typically take 60-90 days to mature, depending on the variety. If you plant your tomatoes in late July, for example, you might not see any fruit until October. By that time, there is a good chance that the first frost of the season will have already occurred, which would kill the plants and any unripe fruit.

Another issue with planting tomatoes too late is that the plants may not have time to establish themselves before the stress of summer sets in. Tomato plants need time to develop a strong root system and establish themselves in the soil before they can handle the heat and drought of summer. If the plants are not well-established before the hot weather hits, they may suffer from water stress, which can lead to a poor crop or even death.

Planting Indoors

One way to get around the problem of planting tomatoes too late is to start your plants indoors. Tomato seeds can be started indoors in late February or early March. By the time the weather warms up enough to plant them outside, they will be well-established and ready to go. Starting tomatoes indoors can also give you a head start on the growing season, which can be a big advantage in areas with short growing seasons, such as the Oregon coast.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the ideal time to plant tomatoes in Oregon is in early May, after the threat of frost has passed. However, if you live in an area with milder weather, such as Portland or the Willamette Valley, you can plant a little earlier. Planting tomatoes too late in the season can cause several problems, including a poor crop or no crop at all. However, starting your plants indoors can give you a head start on the growing season, and help you avoid planting too late.

With a little planning and care, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of delicious tomatoes in Oregon. Happy planting!