When to Plant Tomatoes in Oklahoma 2017

Tomatoes are one of the most commonly grown vegetables in home gardens across the United States, including Oklahoma. Knowing the best time to plant tomatoes is crucial to ensure a bountiful harvest. In 2017, the optimal planting time for Oklahoma gardeners was affected by several factors, including the weather and the specific variety of tomato being grown.

Weather Considerations

The climate in Oklahoma can be unpredictable, with early spring frosts and extreme summer temperatures. In 2017, gardeners in Oklahoma experienced a mild winter and early spring, with temperatures staying above freezing in most areas well into late March.

However, a late-season cool snap in April caused some concern among gardeners. Tomatoes are extremely sensitive to frost, and even a short exposure to below-freezing temperatures can stunt or kill young plants. To avoid damage from spring frosts, Oklahoma gardeners should wait until the last frost date for their area before planting tomatoes.

Tomato Variety and Seedlings vs. Seeds

Another factor that determines when to plant tomatoes is the specific variety being grown. Some varieties, such as Early Girl and Roma, have shorter growing seasons and are better suited for areas with shorter summers, while others, such as Beefsteak and Brandywine, have longer growing seasons and require a longer time to mature.

Additionally, the choice between seedlings or seeds can affect planting times. Starting with seedlings can shorten the growing season and lead to an earlier harvest, while planting from seed takes longer but allows more control over the growing process.

Planting Dates for Oklahoma Gardeners

In general, gardeners in Oklahoma should aim to plant tomatoes in mid-April to early May, after the last frost date for their area. This timing allows for adequate growth before the hot summer temperatures set in, which can cause the blossoms to drop and the fruit to fail to set properly.

If starting with seedlings, they should be planted outside after they have been gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions for several days, known as hardening off. Seedlings should be planted in well-draining soil in a spot with full sun exposure.

For those planting from seed, seeds should be started indoors several weeks before the last frost date, and the seedlings should be transplanted outside after the threat of frost has passed.

Care and Maintenance

Once planted, tomatoes require consistent care and maintenance to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Regular watering and fertilization are essential, as is pruning to remove suckers and promote healthy growth.

Insects and disease can also pose a threat to tomato plants, so regular monitoring and troubleshooting are necessary to catch any issues before they become too severe.

Conclusion

In 2017, Oklahoma gardeners faced several challenges when it came to planting tomatoes, including a mild winter, late-season frost, and specific tomato varieties being grown. However, with proper planning and care, gardeners successfully navigated these challenges and enjoyed a bountiful harvest of delicious, home-grown tomatoes.