When to Plant Tomatoes

Timing is everything with tomatoes. Plant outdoors after your last frost date when soil temperature reaches 60°F.

By Climate Zone

Zone 9-10 (California, Florida): February–March. Zone 7-8 (Mid-Atlantic, Pacific NW): April–May. Zone 5-6 (Midwest, Northeast): May–June. Zone 3-4 (Northern states, Canada): June.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Use a heat mat to maintain 75-85°F soil temperature for germination.

Signs Soil Is Ready

• Soil temperature above 60°F at 2-inch depth
• No frost forecast for 2+ weeks
• Nights consistently above 50°F