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Are you wondering when to plant tomatoes? The answer is not that simple. There are many other factors to consider about the tomato. Here are some of the things to take into account.

The location

Which zone do you live in? Your average temperature is very important for some types of crops. In some zones, you may be able to grow the entire year. In tropical climates, you can decide when you wish to start your garden. This gives you a very long growing season.

The United States growing zones stretch from number two through number ten. The warmest is number ten, Two is the coolest. Each zone is separated by ten degree Fahrenheit. For example, the average low temperature in zone ten is 40F. In zone two, it is -40F.

Do you know your zone? If not, you can easily find it online. Search for growing or frost zones. While online, check for the recommendations for planting in your zone. You may live in zone 5. That is the upper Midwest. Memorial Day is a common time to start tomato plants. Yet, many people feel that mid May is also a good time.

Additional factors

There are more things to look at, also. Growing seasons vary a great deal. Always look into the long range weather before you start your crops. If you are not sure, consider waiting a week or two. Your harvest will be delayed. Yet, you will still have one. You do not want to risk losing everything.

Do not forget maturity time frames. Do you know how many days your tomato will take to produce fruit? There are some that will need one hundred days or more. There are early ones too. They may be ready in as little as sixty days. These early harvest features are good for gardens in cooler climates. You can set your crops out late, and still have a good harvest.

It is a good idea to check with experienced people in your zone. Visit your local garden center. Someone there may have extensive experience. Talk to neighbors that have their own gardens. They may be able to give you valuable information.

Seeds

You may wish to start your tomato crop from seeds. This usually means starting them inside your home. They should be at least six weeks old when you set them out. It may take up to two weeks for the seeds to germinate. This is a total of eight weeks. Do you want to start your garden on Memorial Day? You better start your seeds by late March.

Early crops

Would you like an early tomato harvest? It is fine to take the risk. Use a few extra plants. Set them out very early. You can cover them, if the weather cools. If you lose them to the cold, you still have the others.

Final thoughts

When do you set out your tomato plants? Consider which growing zone you live in. Consider how long it will take for them to harvest. You may get a nice tomato crop in sixty days. It may take as long as one hundred days. Some people in your hometown may know a great deal. Ask neighbors and friends. Check with your local garden center. Do you wish to have some early harvests? Raise some extra plants and set them out weeks ahead of time. You risk very little, this way.