When should I plant tomatoes?

To determine when to plant your tomatoes, you need to look at the last average frost date for your specific area. Tomatoes are a warm-weather crop and will be damaged or killed by frost.

Here is the general guide for timing your planting:

• Wait for the frost to pass: For most temperate climates, the standard rule is to plant your tomatoes outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your last expected frost date [1, 3]. The soil needs to be warm for the plants to thrive, and planting too early—even if there isn't a hard frost—can stunt their growth.
• Planning ahead: If you are planning to grow your tomatoes from seed, you should start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before that same last frost date [2]. This gives them enough time to become sturdy seedlings before they move outside.

How to find your specific date: Because frost dates vary wildly depending on your geography, you should check your local agricultural extension office or use a garden planting calendar. Most online gardening tools will allow you to enter your zip code to get a much more accurate estimate for your specific region than a general calendar [2].

A quick tip: If you aren't sure if the soil is warm enough, try to wait until the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C). If you plant while the ground is still cold, the plants will likely sit there without growing or may even become susceptible to disease.