When Should I Plant Tomatoes in Missouri?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular fruits to grow in gardens across the United States, including Missouri. To have a successful crop, it's important to plant your tomato plants at the right time. Here's a guide to help you determine when to plant your tomatoes in Missouri.

Frost Dates in Missouri

Missouri's climate varies depending on the region, but most of the state's weather is classified as humid subtropical. This means that Missouri has hot, humid summers and cool winters. The best time to plant tomatoes is after the last frost in the spring, but the exact date can vary depending on where you live in the state.

In northern Missouri, the average date of the last frost is around April 15th. In central Missouri, it's around April 20th, and in southern Missouri, it's around April 10th. These are just averages, so be sure to pay attention to the weather forecast and adjust accordingly.

Types of Tomatoes to Plant

There are many different types of tomatoes to choose from, and the type you choose will determine how long it takes to mature. If you want to harvest your tomatoes early in the season, choose an early-maturing variety like 'Early Girl' or 'Celebrity.'

If you're willing to wait a bit longer for your tomatoes, try planting a mid-season variety like 'Big Beef' or 'Better Boy.' These varieties take a little longer to mature, but they tend to produce more fruit than early-maturing types.

Planting Your Tomatoes

When planting your tomatoes, it's important to choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Tomatoes need at least six hours of sun per day to produce fruit, so choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight.

Before planting, amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to help improve drainage and provide your plants with the nutrients they need. You'll also want to make sure your soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.8, which is the ideal range for tomatoes.

Plant your tomatoes about 2-3 feet apart, and be sure to water them regularly after planting. You may also want to add a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.

Caring for Your Tomatoes

Once your tomato plants are in the ground, it's important to care for them properly to ensure a good harvest. Be sure to water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. You'll also want to fertilize your plants every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

To help support your tomato plants and keep them healthy, you may want to consider staking or caging them. This will help keep the plants upright as they grow, and make it easier to harvest your tomatoes later on.

Finally, keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can affect your plants. Common tomato pests include aphids, hornworms, and tomato fruitworms, while diseases like blossom end rot and early blight can also be a problem. If you notice any signs of pest or disease damage, talk to your local garden center for advice on how to treat the problem.

Harvesting Your Tomatoes

Once your tomatoes start to ripen, it's time to harvest them! Depending on the type of tomato you're growing, they may be ready to pick anywhere from 50 to 100 days after planting. Look for tomatoes that are firm and fully colored, and pick them before they get too soft or start to rot.

To remove your tomatoes from the plant, hold them gently and twist them off the stem. Be sure to check your plants regularly for ripe fruit, as tomatoes can ripen quickly in warm weather. With a little care and attention, you'll be enjoying a bountiful harvest of fresh, juicy tomatoes in no time!