When to Plant Tomatoes in NJ 2019

If you live in the Garden State, you're no stranger to the love of fresh produce. With Jersey tomato season coming up, you may be wondering when the best time is to plant your own tomato plants to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Timing is key when it comes to planting tomatoes in New Jersey, and here is everything you need to know about it:

Climate Realities in NJ

Before you start planting tomato seeds, it's important to consider that New Jersey's climate varies widely within its borders. The state experiences a humid continental climate which brings cold winters and hot summers, but its coastal regions tend to be warmer and more humid than the inland areas.

For this reason, it's crucial to be mindful of when you should plant tomatoes according to where you live in NJ. The average date for the last frost in the spring is usually around April 20th in Southern NJ and May 5th in Northern NJ. However, some years may bring late frosts all the way into May, so it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast for your specific location before planting anything.

When to Start Seeds?

If you plan to start your tomato plants indoors from seed, you should aim for 6-8 weeks before you plan to move them outside. This means that you should start your tomato seedlings around early March to early April, depending on your location. Make sure to give your tomato seeds enough time to germinate and mature into healthy plants before being transplanted.

When to Transplant Seedlings?

Once your tomato seedlings have reached the appropriate size, you can transplant them outdoors. The ideal time for this is 2-3 weeks after the last frost date for your area, which typically falls in mid to late May for most parts of NJ.

However, if you're eager to get started on planting your garden, you can also use season extenders like cold frames or cloths to protect your plants from possible late frosts. Keep in mind that these extenders can only do so much, and you should still avoid transplanting your seedlings until the threat of frost has passed.

Conclusion

Tomatoes are a quintessential part of summer in NJ, and by following the guidelines above, you can grow your own tomatoes and enjoy them fresh on your table. By timing your planting and transplanting based on your location and the last frost date, you can ensure that your tomato plants grow and ripen properly to give you a delicious summer bounty.