When to plant tomatoes

Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable in the world. They're also one of the easiest plants to grow, and they can be used in a wide variety of dishes. However, growing tomatoes isn't always easy. The key to success is knowing when and where to plant tomatoes as well as how much sun they need. This article will give you all the information you need on when and how long it takes for your tomatoes to grow from seedlings into full-sized fruit ready for harvest!

Know your variety

Before you set out to buy seeds or plants, it's important to check the label on your tomato variety.

Look for a label that reads "hybrid" or "heirloom." As a general rule of thumb, heirloom varieties are older than hybrids and are typically more flavorful than their newer counterparts.

Check if it is an early, mid, or late season variety. Some varieties can be planted as soon as March while others may not be ready until June. If you live in areas that experience cold winters—like Minnesota—be sure to stick with later-season tomato plants!

Tomatoes and frost

The best time to plant tomatoes is when frost is unlikely. If you live in a region that has a short growing season, it's important to make sure that your tomato plants are not damaged by frost.

A good way to protect your tomato plants from frost is by covering them with sheets or blankets. You'll also want to cover the ground around their base with a layer of mulch or soil so that the cold doesn't reach them as easily. Another option is planting early-maturing varieties so that they can grow and produce fruit before winter hits.

If you're growing tomatoes in an area where there's likely to be some risk from late frosts, make sure that you have a plan for protecting them if necessary!

Which zone do you farm in?

If you're starting to plan your market garden, the first question to ask yourself is: what zone do I farm in? There isn't a simple answer. All zones are based on different factors and use different criteria for determining your planting schedule. Some farmers plant their tomatoes according to the average minimum temperature for their region (growing degree days), while others base their tomato planting schedule on frost-free days or growing season length.

Will they be germinated indoors?

Germination is the process of growing a seed into a plant. A germinated seed has more chance of surviving the transplanting process and growing into healthy plants than an ungerminated one.

The factors that influence whether or not you should use this method are:

How much space do you have? You will need enough room to spread out your trays when they're filled with soil. If you don't have room for them all on benches or shelves, or if your indoor area isn't well lit, then it might be better to sow seeds directly outdoors instead of indoors.

How many people are involved in caring for the plants? The more people involved, the less likely everyone will remember whose tray is whose. If there's only one person who tends to care for their own tomatoes throughout their growth cycle (and doesn't mind getting up early), then germinating them indoors works well!

When to plant outdoors

If you have a green thumb and live in a warm climate, you can start your tomatoes outside as early as February. Otherwise, wait until the soil temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit—50 degrees is better. If you live in the North or on an island and have some extra time on your hands, it's possible to get away with starting them even later (but don't count on it). Here are some guidelines for when to plant tomatoes outdoors:

If your garden is more than one hundred miles from the equator and faces east or west, sow seeds directly into the ground once temperatures reach 50 degrees F. This will allow them plenty of time to grow before summer heat arrives. You'll get better results if you choose breeds that were bred for warmer climates.

In most other parts of the country, wait until soil temperatures reach 70 F before planting seeds directly into the ground or containers filled with potting mix (like those used for houseplants).

When do you plan to harvest?

If you’re planning to harvest your tomatoes in mid-August, it may be better to plant them early than late.If you plan to harvest the fruit of your labor in mid-September, then planting later is probably better.

Harvest tomatoes when they’re fully red, but before they begin to soften. If you want to store them for later use, pick the fruit when it’s still firm and cool it down quickly by submerging it in cold water or placing it in a bowl of ice water. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! We hope this has been a helpful guide on when to plant tomatoes. With the right planning and care, your plants will be ready to harvest in just a few short months. The most important thing is to start with healthy seeds or transplants that have been well cared for by their growers. Once you've acquired these, all that's left is some sunshine and water! Happy growing!