When to Plant Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a common and delicious vegetable to grow in a home garden. But, when is the best time to plant tomato plants? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your location and climate.

Determining your Planting Date

The first step in determining when to plant your tomato plants is to determine your last expected frost date. This date will vary depending on where you live, with earlier dates in northern regions and later dates in southern regions.

Once you know your last expected frost date, you can count backwards to determine your ideal planting date. For example, if your last frost date is April 15th and you want to start your tomato plants from seed indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, you would want to start your seeds around March 4th.

Planting Directly in the Garden

If you're planning to plant your tomato plants directly in the garden, you'll want to wait until the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold soil can lead to slow growth and damage to the plants.

In cooler climates, you may need to wait until mid to late May to plant your tomato plants in the garden. In warmer climates, you may be able to plant earlier, as long as the soil temperature is warm enough.

Transplanting Seedlings

If you're planning to start your tomato plants from seed indoors, you'll need to transplant them into the garden once they've grown large enough. But, when is the best time to do this?

Generally, you should wait until your tomato seedlings are at least 6-8 weeks old and have several sets of true leaves before transplanting them. You'll also want to wait until after the last expected frost date to prevent any damage to the young plants.

Final Thoughts

When to plant tomato plants can vary depending on a variety of factors. Whether you're planting directly in the garden or starting your seeds indoors, it's important to wait until your last expected frost date and for the soil temperature to warm up to ensure the best growth for your plants.

With a little patience and attention to your local weather conditions, you'll soon have delicious home-grown tomatoes to enjoy all summer long.