Find out exactly when to start planting tomatoes to avoid frost damage and maximize growing time.
Unlike fast-growing radishes and lettuce plants, tomatoes are slow-growing vegetables that arent frost-tolerant.
As a workaround, gardeners oftenstart tomato seeds indoorsor purchase pre-started nursery plants.
Credit:Kindra Clineff
However, most gardeners in cooler zones need to either start tomato seeds indoors or purchase pre-started tomato plants.
Most tomato seeds must be started about six to eight weeks before yourlast spring frost date.
However, this can vary depending on the types of tomatoes you grow.
Use the days to harvest information on your seed packets to ensure your tomatoes have enough time to grow.
Dont start planting outdoors until the temperature is at least 55F.
Dont rush this step!
Tomatoes can be moved outside when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55F.
However, to be safe, some gardeners wait until after Memorial Day to transplant tomatoes.
The goal is to avoid damaging the plants or their roots by installing supports later in the season.
Late Season Frost
Spring weather can be unpredictable.
Sometimes, a late frost strikes afteryou move tomatoes out to your garden.
The good news is that plant edema usually goes away when the tomatoes are transplanted outside.
you’ve got the option to prevent it by adding a small fan to your growing room.
Frequently Asked Questions
The general rule is to plant tomato plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
If you have more than one row, space the rows 36 inches apart.
These hot weather, sun-loving vegetables need at least six hours of full sun daily, preferably more.
Tomatoes are sensitive to the cold.
Cover newly planted transplants when nighttime temperatures fall below 55F.
