When to Put Tomato Plants Outside

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable to grow in home gardens. But before planting your tomato seeds, it’s important to understand when the weather is warm enough to move them outside. In this article, we’ll discuss the best time to put tomato plants outside for successful growth.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Before tomato plants can be put outside, most people choose to start their seeds indoors. This allows for more control over the initial growing environment and can give your plants a head start in the growing season. If you plan to start your seeds indoors, it’s important to begin about 6-8 weeks before the expected last frost date in your area.

After your seeds have grown into seedlings and are about 6-10 inches tall, they can be transplanted into outdoor pots or garden beds. However, it’s important to wait until the weather is consistently warm enough to avoid any damage to the young plants.

Avoiding Frost Damage

One of the biggest risks associated with putting tomato plants outside too early is exposing them to frost. Tomato plants are very sensitive to chilly weather and can easily become damaged or die from exposure to frost. To avoid this, it’s important to wait until the chance of frost has passed in your area.

For most areas, the last frost date occurs in March, April or May. By taking the time to research when the last frost date is for your area, you can ensure that your plants are protected and will thrive once they are outside.

Optimal Soil Temperatures

In addition to avoiding frost damage, it’s important to consider soil temperature when deciding when to put tomato plants outside. Tomato plants are warm-weather plants and thrive in soil temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the soil is too cool, the plants may not grow well or become susceptible to disease.

To determine soil temperature, use a soil thermometer to take a reading about 2-3 inches below the surface of the soil. If the soil temperature is not yet at the optimal range, it’s best to wait before transplanting your seedlings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best time to put tomato plants outside is after the chance of frost has passed and the soil temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your tomato plants will thrive in their outdoor environment and produce a bountiful harvest.