When to Plant Tomatoes Outside Montreal

Montreal's weather is influenced by its location, which is close to the Saint Laurent River, making it a humid continental climate. This means that the city experiences four distinct seasons, with long, cold winters and hot summers. As a gardener, it's essential to know when to plant your tomatoes outside in Montreal for optimal growth and harvest. The best time to plant tomatoes in Montreal is between late May and early June, when the last frost date has passed.

Preparing Your Garden Beds

To ensure that your tomatoes thrive, you need to prepare your garden beds. Begin by removing any weeds and debris from the planting area. Then add organic matter to the soil, such as compost or aged manure, to enrich it with nutrients. Mix the organic matter into the soil to a depth of about 8 inches (20 cm). This will improve the soil's structure, drainage, and aeration, allowing your tomatoes to grow deep, healthy roots.

Choosing Tomato Varieties

When selecting tomato varieties to grow in Montreal, consider factors such as days to maturity, disease resistance, and flavor. In Montreal's short growing season, it's essential to choose early-maturing or determinate varieties, such as 'Early Girl' or 'Yellow Pear,' which produce ripe fruit within 60 to 70 days. Additionally, select varieties that are resistant to common tomato diseases like Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, and Late Blight. As for flavor, it's personal, but some great tasting varieties include 'Cherokee Purple,' 'Brandywine,' and 'Sun Gold.'

Planting Tomatoes

Plant your tomatoes in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Dig planting holes that are at least twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your tomato plant. Space your tomato plants about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to give them plenty of room to grow. Then, place your tomato plants in the holes and fill them with soil up to the plant's base. Water the plants thoroughly, and mulch the soil around the plants with straw, compost, or grass clippings. This will help retain moisture and suppress weed growth while also keeping the soil cooler during hot summer days.

Caring for Your Tomato Plants

Once your tomato plants are in the ground, it's crucial to care for them properly. Water your plants consistently and evenly, aiming to give them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to diseases, and instead, use drip irrigation or a soaker hose. Additionally, prune your tomato plants regularly by removing the suckers (the small shoots that grow between the main stem and the side branches), which redirects the plant's energy to fruit production. Finally, stake or cage your tomato plants to keep them upright and support heavy fruit loads.

Harvesting Tomatoes

Depending on the variety, you should be able to harvest your tomatoes between 60 and 100 days after planting. You will know your tomatoes are ready when they are bright, firm, and fully colored. Simply twist or cut the fruit off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant or any neighboring fruit.

In conclusion, planting tomatoes outside in Montreal requires careful consideration of planting times, soil preparation, tomato variety, planting and care techniques, and harvest methods. If done right, however, you'll be rewarded with succulent, juicy tomatoes throughout the summer and into the fall.