When to Plant Tomatoes in Delaware

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable, loved for their juicy flavor and versatility in cooking. If you live in Delaware and wish to grow your own tomatoes, it is important to know the right time to plant them. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to determine when to plant tomatoes in Delaware.

Understanding Delaware's Climate and Growing Season

Delaware has a humid subtropical climate, with long, hot summers and mild winters. The state's growing season typically runs from early May to late September, with frost-free days between 165 and 200, depending on your specific location within the state. Knowing your frost-free dates will help you plan your tomato planting schedule.

Choosing Tomato Varieties for Delaware

When it comes to growing tomatoes in Delaware, it is crucial to choose varieties that are adapted to the state's climate and growing conditions. Some of the best tomato varieties for Delaware include Brandywine, Mortgage Lifter, and Rutgers. These cultivars are sturdy and will produce a good yield of large, flavorful fruit.

Starting Tomatoes from Seed

If you want to start your tomatoes from seed, it is best to begin by sowing them indoors in early to mid-March. This will give the seedlings plenty of time to grow and develop before being transplanted to your garden. Make sure to plant the seeds in a sterile potting mix, at a depth of about a quarter-inch. Keep the soil moist and warm, and provide plenty of light to encourage healthy growth.

Transplanting Tomatoes to Your Garden

Once your tomato seedlings are six to eight weeks old, they should be ready to be transplanted into your garden. Make sure the threat of frost has passed and that your soil temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant your seedlings at least 2 feet apart, and make sure to bury them deep, up to the first set of leaves. This will encourage strong root growth and give your plants better stability.

Planting Tomatoes from Starts

If you prefer to skip the seed-starting process, you can purchase tomato starts from your local nursery or garden center. The ideal time to plant starts in Delaware is from late April to early May, once the soil has warmed up sufficiently. Make sure to choose healthy, sturdy plants, and transplant them to your garden using the same techniques described above.

Caring for Your Tomato Plants

Once your tomato plants are established in your garden, it is important to provide them with proper care to ensure a good yield. Make sure to water your plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Fertilize your plants every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, and pinch off any suckers that appear between the main stem and branches to encourage strong growth.

Harvesting Your Tomatoes

The best time to harvest your ripe tomatoes in Delaware is in late July to early August. Check your plants regularly for fruit that is ripe but still firm, and pick it gently to avoid damaging the stems or fruit. Harvesting your tomatoes regularly will encourage your plants to keep producing throughout the growing season, giving you a delicious, homegrown supply well into the fall.

With the right timing, care, and selection of tomato varieties, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of delicious, homegrown tomatoes in Delaware. By following the tips provided in this guide, you can be sure to plant and grow tomatoes that are adapted to Delaware's climate and growing season, and will provide you with juicy, flavorful fruit throughout the summer and fall months.