When to Plant Tomato Seeds in MO

If you're a gardener in Missouri, you may be wondering when is the best time to plant tomato seeds. The answer to that question depends on several factors, including your location within the state and the specific varieties of tomatoes you plan to grow. In general, Missouri falls within hardiness zones 5b and 6a, which means that the state experiences cold winter temperatures and mild summers. Here's what you need to know about planting tomato seeds in Missouri.

Start Indoors

Because Missouri's growing season is relatively short, most gardeners choose to start their tomato seeds indoors. The ideal time to start seeds indoors is about six to eight weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This usually falls in late April or early May for most parts of the state. Starting seeds indoors allows you to give your plants a head start on growth, so they're ready to be transplanted outside when the weather warms up.

Planting Outdoors

Once the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant your tomato seedlings outside. In Missouri, this generally occurs in late May or early June. When choosing a spot for your plants, look for a spot that gets full sun and has well-drained soil. Tomatoes also do best when there is consistent moisture, but not too much standing water. If you're unsure about your soil quality, consider adding compost or other organic matter to improve it.

Choosing the Right Varieties

When choosing tomato varieties for your Missouri garden, it's important to consider the region's climate. Because Missouri has cool winters and mild summers, look for varieties that are known to have a shorter growing season and can handle cooler temperatures. Some popular tomato varieties for Missouri include Early Girl, Celebrity, and Beefsteak. You may also want to consider container varieties like Cherry Tomatoes, which can be grown in smaller spaces and require less water.

Caring for Your Plants

When it comes to caring for your tomato plants, consistent moisture and good soil are key. Be sure to water your plants regularly and deeply, but avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can increase the risk of disease. You may also want to add a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

In addition to watering, be sure to provide your plants with support as they grow. Most tomato plants benefit from staking, caging, or trellising to keep their vines from falling to the ground. This also helps to increase air circulation around the plant, which can help reduce the risk of disease.

Harvesting Your Tomatoes

Once your tomato plants start producing fruit, be sure to keep an eye on them so they don't get overripe on the vine. Tomatoes can be picked when they're still green and allowed to ripen off the vine, but the flavor will be better if they're allowed to fully ripen on the plant. Simply twist or snip the tomato from the vine when it's ready. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest in Missouri!