When to Plant Tomatoes: Night Time Temperature

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables (or fruits, depending on how you classify them) to grow in a backyard garden. But before you start planting your tomato seedlings, it's important to consider the night time temperature. Tomatoes thrive in warm weather, but if the temperature drops too low at night, your plants may not grow as well as you'd like. So, when is the best time to plant tomatoes based on night time temperature?

Understanding Ideal Temperature Range for Tomatoes

To better understand when to plant tomatoes based on night time temperature, it's important to know the ideal temperature range for tomato plants to thrive. Generally speaking, tomato plants prefer nighttime temperatures that range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when the temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it can cause the plant to stall out or even stop growing altogether.

Timing Your Tomato Planting

Given the ideal temperature range for tomato plants to thrive, it's best to start planting them outdoors when the threat of frost has passed and the temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This generally means that you should wait until the soil has warmed up and the weather is consistently mild before transplanting your tomato seedlings into the garden. To get a head start, you can start your tomato seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date.

Protecting Your Tomatoes from Cold Nights

Unfortunately, even if you wait to plant your tomato seedlings until the nighttime temperature is consistently above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, there's still a chance that the temperature could drop lower than the ideal range. This is especially true if you live in an area with unpredictable weather or if you plant your tomatoes earlier than recommended. To protect your tomato plants from cold nights, you can cover them with a frost blanket or row cover, which will help to trap warm air around the plant and prevent frost damage.

Conclusion

Tomatoes are a great choice for a backyard garden, but ensuring the night time temperature is appropriate is crucial for their success. Remember that tomato plants thrive when nighttime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's best to start planting them when the threat of frost has passed and the temperature is consistently above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're concerned about cold nights, be sure to protect your tomato plants with a frost blanket or row cover to help them thrive.