When Do You Plant Tomatoes in Washington State?

Tomatoes are a staple of home gardens across the United States. In Washington State, tomato plants can thrive in the warm summer months. But when is the best time to plant tomatoes in Washington, and what should you know before you get started? Let's take a look.

The Best Time to Plant Tomatoes in Washington

The optimal time to plant tomatoes in Washington State is between late April and early June. This is when the temperature is consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no risk of frost. If you plant your tomatoes too early or too late, they may not germinate, and if they do, they could succumb to disease or pests.

Choosing the Right Tomato Variety

When it comes to choosing the right tomato variety for your Washington garden, you have plenty of options. Indeterminate varieties, or those that continue to grow throughout the summer, tend to perform well in the relatively mild Washington climate.

Some popular indeterminate tomato varieties for Washington gardeners include:

Cherokee Purple

Black Krim

Sungold

Green Zebra

Determinate tomato varieties, which stop growing after reaching a certain size and tend to ripen their fruit all at once, can also do well in Washington. Popular determinate varieties for Washington gardeners include:

Roma

Early Girl

San Marzano

Preparing Your Soil

Good soil is key to growing healthy tomato plants. Before planting, make sure your soil is rich in nutrients and drains well. Washington soil tends to be slightly acidic, so you may need to amend your soil to raise its pH level if it is too low.

You can add organic matter like compost, aged manure, or shredded leaves to your soil to improve its quality. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you may need to amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Planting Your Tomatoes

When planting your tomato seedlings, dig a hole deep enough so that the soil level is even with the first set of leaves. Place the seedling in the hole and gently tamp down the soil. Water the plant well and add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Be sure to space your tomato plants about 2-3 feet apart to give them plenty of room to grow. Planting too closely together can lead to overcrowding, which can increase the risk of disease.

Caring for Your Tomato Plants

Once your tomato plants are in the ground, there are a few things you can do to help them thrive:

Water regularly: Tomato plants need about one inch of water per week. Be sure to give them a deep watering about once a week, rather than light watering more frequently.

Fertilize: Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. You can use a balanced fertilizer or compost tea to give your plants a boost.

Prune: Removing the suckers (small branches that grow between the main stem and the branches) can help your tomato plant put more energy into producing fruit.

Harvesting Your Tomatoes

Your tomatoes will typically be ready to harvest about 70-80 days after planting. Look for tomatoes that are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. If you pick them too early, they may not ripen properly. If you leave them on the vine too long, they may become overripe and fall off.

Now that you know when to plant, how to care for, and when to harvest your tomato plants, it's time to get started! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or new to the hobby, growing tomatoes in Washington can be a rewarding experience.