When Can I Move Tomato Plants Outside

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and rewarding vegetables to grow in your garden. To ensure that your tomato plants flourish, it is important to plant them at the right time. So, when can you move tomato plants outside?

Starting Tomatoes Indoors

The first step to growing tomatoes is to start them indoors. Typically, you should start your tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This will give your plants the best chance to establish before the outdoor growing season begins.

The Ideal Outdoor Temperature for Tomatoes

Tomatoes thrive in warm conditions, with temperatures between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit being optimal. If you live in a region with a short growing season, it's important to wait until the soil and air temperatures reach this range before moving your tomato plants outside.

Hardening Off Tomato Plants

Before you move your tomato plants outside permanently, you need to harden them off first. Hardening off refers to the process of gradually acclimating your plants to outdoor conditions. This involves gradually increasing the amount of time your plants spend outside each day, starting with a few hours and gradually increasing to a full day over the course of a week.

Avoiding Cold Snaps and Frost Damage

Even after being hardened off and moved outside, tomatoes are still sensitive to cold weather. You should avoid planting your tomato plants outside until the threat of frost has passed. This means waiting until the nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Conclusion

Moving your tomato plants outside at the right time is critical to their overall health and success. By starting them indoors, waiting until the soil and air temperatures are warm enough, hardening them off, and avoiding cold snaps and frost damage, you can help ensure that your plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.