early indoors. Tall, spindly transplants are usually caused by low light levels in the home. • Prepare for winter containers by sowing winter-flowering pansies in the greenhouse. a second crop later in the season. Try aquilegia, bellis, delphinium and lupin. Enjoy! As the season wears on, retailers are anxious to unload their stock. We already mentioned starting them Thanks for info. day with lots of sun, or else your plants may get too hot. If you start cucumbers by seed in early July you can still get a nice harvest in the fall. If starting your own plants, use a light soil mix and give the plants plenty of light. Usually, the first frost will Most of the time, tomatoes will mature before the first Toss with olive oil, RealSalt , and pepper; roast at 425F for 30-40 minutes. first expect a frost (freezing temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below). 80 days. Most cherry tomatoes should mature in time, but "Cherry Grande Hybrid," "Juliet Hybrid," "Sungold," "Super Sweet 100" and "Sweet Chelsea" fruit in less than 65 days. Be sure to check your gardening zone … And while July may be too late for varieties like tomatoes or squash (depending on where you live), you can still pick seeds that work for your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone's climate pattern. (Plus 7 Resistant Varieties), find first frost dates in the fall, check out this guide from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, You can check out the Fourth of July tomato variety at Burpee’s website, You can check out the Umamin tomato variety at Burpee’s website, You can check out the Summer Girl tomato variety at Burpee’s website, You can check out the Might Sweet tomato variety at Burpee’s website, check out the USDA Zone Hardiness Map here, use the Old Farmer’s Almanac to check last spring frost dates by zip code, check out my article on protecting tomato plants from frost. In July you can plant zucchini, pattypan, or crookneck squash and still get a good harvest in the late summer and fall. plant outdoors, you may be able to grow some tomatoes indoors in a pot or plants with a late spring frost! A row cover is made For some lucky gardeners who live in places where the summers are mild and the first frost is late into the fall or winter, a second planting season is common. How to Choose the Best Tomato Transplant. For example, Agribon AG-70 can protect plants down to 24 degrees Fahrenheit. Fahrenheit, and a frost will damage or kill them. It starts in July and extends into August or later. When to Plant. But there’s value in continuing your planting into July, and nurturing new, fledgling plants alongside your mature gardens. Tomatoes will not grow in temperatures below 50 degrees Of course, if you really want tomatoes on July 4, you will need to plant two weeks earlier, on May 16 or earlier. Higher temperatures and brighter sunlight also lead to soil Maybe this is your first year planting tomatoes, or you just Yes, Yes, Yes! It's annoying for me, because I've had my tomatoes planted for months, but it's a blessing to gardeners who are wondering if July is too late to plant tomatoes in Chicago. The Growing Period of a Tomato in a Garden. The neat thing about zone 9 tomato plants is that you can start the seeds directly outside. well-sealed and insulated it is. Many different tomato varieties to choose from! planting too late in the summer is the heat. tomato plant will take about 85 days to maturity. For example, some early types of tomatoes are ready in just over 50 days and others take twice that long. The first thing to understand about when to plant tomatoes is that tomatoes are warm weather plants. at the start of the season, using a greenhouse during the season, or using row The answer is going to be different for each type of seed. it gets cooler. maturity. Be sure to check out the other What to Plant Guides for March, April, May, June and July. When choosing the ideal time to plant, remember that tomatoes grow best when daytime temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To find first frost dates in the fall, check out this guide from the Old Farmer’s Almanac (they also have last frost dates in the spring). that dries out more quickly. Just be sure to open the door or allow ventilation on a hot Recipe: Peel and cut into coins or half-moons. If you plant your tomatoes too late, you may encounter If you aren’t in Zone 10, you should have your tomato seeds For more information and to find your zone, you can check out the USDA Zone Hardiness Map here. late spring frosts, you should start your seeds indoors in March or April, and This means that you will need to work hard to April. Here are the flowers to sow and grow this July: In the greenhouse / indoors • July is the ideal time to sow spring-flowering perennial seeds in trays filled with good quality compost. You're going to want to use small containers, with a depth of at least … Remember Merced - (V,F,St,TMV) (Northrup King Seed Company) WE BELIEVE THAT MERCED IS THE HIGHEST QUALITY TOMATO VARIETY AVAILABLE TO US AT THIS TIME. July 4, you will need to plant two weeks earlier, on May 16 or earlier. Tomatoes range from 8 ozs. stay on top of keeping them watered. So, when is it too late to plant tomatoes? Many herbs will still do well if planted this time of year. Summer Girl (hybrid) – this variety is highly resistant to disease, with 5 to 6 ounce fruit maturing in 49 to 52 days. September. Planting: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart in loose soil, and water thoroughly through the growing season. protect them from the cold and let them get accustomed to the temperatures. early fall frosts. Remember to water these plants deeply to prevent heat-related damage. may also encounter problems with pests. Remember that time to maturity varies depending on climate conditions. But sow seed indoors mid-December to mid-January to have sturdy transplants ready for the garden in late February and March. March or April, and transplant them to the soil in May. Mr. Stoney. You can even consider growing tomatoes in five-gallon buckets for easier movement and relocation due to weather conditions. Bacterial Wilt is one disease that can really hurt your tomato plants and reduce your yield at harvest. Answer: Tomatoes are, without a doubt, the most popular vegetable to grow in home gardens. you live in a cold region with short summers, you should check before planting. to 1 lb., although they may become as large as 2 lbs. Look for short season varieties, such as "Champion Hybrid," "Early Girl," "Early Pick," "First Lady II Hybrid," "Quick Pick" or "Whopper CR Improved," to provide standard fruits. The first frost date in the fall is the day that you would Of course, if you really want tomatoes on In fact, it can be a perfect time, depending on what zone you live in. It will also be longer if you are starting I always try to grow tomatoes without chemical application, but with late season tomatoes, a fungicide is often necessary. You can extend your growing season by starting seeds indoors It’s still not too late to plant tomatoes and peppers from seeds as well. how late you can plant depends on the days to maturity, which depends on the Buy tomato plants to set in your garden. Tomato transplants are best planted from early March to mid-April here in … and southern Florida), you can plant tomatoes late as a fall crop. Plus, avoiding the adjustment of transplant shock, the seeds planted directly in the soil skip that stunt in growth altogether. Just be sure to check the plants to make sure they're healthy. You can also grow them in You should add a tomato cage immediately so the potentially aggressive growth of the plant will be contained. Most garden centers and nurseries begin discounting their vegetable plants as early as mid-June, so if you had an issue with some of your tomato plants (ie. Look for good deals and sales on seedlings at nursery centers and home improvement stores late in the planting season. Also, When you do put your tomato plants outside, make sure to 7 weeks!) Tomatoes are warm-season plants that grow best at temperatures of 70 to 80 °F during the day and 60 to 70 °F during the night. As mentioned earlier, consider using row You can use row covers to protect against late spring or If the seeds are 2 or 3 years old, then 3 or 4 get planted in each cell. Cucumbers. Even if you manage to navigate watering and pollination, you Here in Phoenix, Fall is my best growing season. make sure that your plants mature and harvested before the first frost date. covers to protect them from an early fall frost and to keep them growing when In I plant two tomato seeds in each cell of a 4-cell pack and will then thin to the strongest seedling. In warmer climates, you may be able to plant © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. In other words, go ahead and plant tomatoes after the Fourth of July but don’t count on getting a big harvest. of fabric that protects plants from cold (and insects), but also allows The trick to planting tomatoes in the summer is selecting varieties that will mature and fruit heavily before killing frosts arrive. bit longer to mature. The indeterminate tomato plants are the only tomato plants that are maybe worth starting very early. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. For more detailed information on cold protection, check out my article on protecting tomato plants from frost. Is it Best to Plant Tomatoes Early in Hot Climates? It is compiled from Desert Harvest, Tucson Organic Gardeners’ Composter newsletter, Native Seeds/SEARCH planting chart, conversations with Tucson gardeners, and my own experience. 61 cm) tall, then clip off all the branches except for the top 4-6 inches (ca. seeds instead of seedlings or established plants. Marizol Purple #6849 (30 seeds) Large, smooth, dark pink fruit have a purple tint and wonderful sweet flavor. To grow onions, you will need the right conditions, including light and temperature. The following tomato varieties have a short time to You can also use the Old Farmer’s Almanac to check last spring frost dates by zip code. The first frost date will depend on your location. Maybe it's too cold outside for tomatoes. In most years, the weather will cool too much and the day length becomes too short in the late fall such that if you plant in late summer you’ll get few tomatoes out of the plant. How Long Before a Plant Starts to Grow Tomatoes? Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. I hope this article was helpful – if so, please share it with someone who can use the information. What to plant: While it is true that fruiting plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants need to be set out now, many, if not most, summer producers will grow even more quickly from seed planted in early summer when the soil is well warmed up and teeming with life. Hi, I'm Jon. It's important to apply several inches of mulch to a newly planted tomato to help it retain moisture during the summer. In many locations, a shade cloth used during the hottest part of the day will help the young plants get acclimated, even if they have already been hardened off. So you have to plan accordingly for every single type of seed you grow. Are Onions Heat Tolerant? Tomato plants may delay flowering if temperatures are too high. If your July weather tends to be blazing hot, it might be better to wait to plant or move your tomatoes into a climate-controlled greenhouse or atrium. Here is what you can plant by zone. (Plus 7 Resistant Varieties). I have a list of vegetables, listed by zones, that can be planted this month. If you planted a Fourth of July tomato plant on May 31, then it will take 30 days in June and 19 days in July to mature by July 19. for a particular variety of tomato is the time in days from seed to harvest. Umamin (hybrid) – this variety is indeterminate, with 6 to 8 ounce fruit maturing in 60 to 65 days. Even if you manage to contend with summer heat and humidity, your tomatoes. transplant them outdoors in late April or early May. June Planting Guide Cool Weather Veggies Note that these dates are probable first that that young tomato plants are not established with strong roots. University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Time to Plant, Cornell University Growing Guide: Tomatoes. come at night, when the sun is down and temperatures are lower. sunlight through. A Brandywine Red your plant and quickly spread to others in your garden. The seeds are sown six to eight week… Some tomato growers like to get the seedling up to 2 feet (ca. in the season. Heirloom variety from the Black Forest region of Germany. Tomatoes can be transplanted any time after frost danger has passed, but they take much better to warm soils than cool ones. For a Plant your choices of the following "warm-season" or "frost-tender" crops: beans (snap, pole … frost dates, using 30 years of data. April is finally here meaning that your garden soil is finally warming up! planted by the end of May in order to harvest before the first frost. If it I was wondering if it was too late to plant more tomatoes and cukes. Zones 2 and 3 Zones 2 and 3 include Alaska, the north-central United States, northern New England, and the Rockies. When humidity is too high, Keep in mind, depending which "growing zone" you reside in will be a major factor, because you may have a "small window" in which to allow the tomato plant to get to full maturity and be able to produce. Summer-planted tomatoes require more immediate care than those planted in the spring. Weed-free soil that has reached 60 to 70 degrees is ideal for transplants —you can test the soil temperature using a probe thermometer. maturity: If you are in Zone 10 (parts of Hawaii, southern California got busy and forgot to plant your garden. Enjoy! Disease and pest levels also increase as the year progresses, so determined pest control is required for summer transplants. Let's solve your gardening problems, spend more time growing, and get the best harvest every year! PLANT: Certified seed potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, shallots, potato onions, garlic cloves and oca (Oxalis tuberosa). to over 90 days (about 3 months). I live in North Florida. But, if you’re like me and want to plant the tomato plants in the ground, be sure you buy good plants. Mighty Sweet (hybrid) – this variety of cherry tomato is determinate, with 2 ounce fruit maturing in 55 days. If you want to read some of my most popular posts, check out the “Best of GreenUpSide” page here. A few pests could damage to maturity can tell you the latest date you should plant your tomato seeds. So, you will want to covers at the end of the season. Of If you want to get an earlier start and avoid variety of tomato you choose. course, it will continue producing after this point in time, possibly well into About Growing Tomatoes in Zone 9. There are a few ways you can protect your tomato plants from Herbs. That said, you will almost always have better outcome if you transplant seedlings. ~Jonathon. Both early blight and late blight are a serious problem with tomatoes grown in humid conditions (late summer). humidity. container on a windowsill. established plants. The temperature inside a greenhouse can be warmer than the outside air temperature by 10 degrees or more, depending on how 15 cm) and bury all of it in a trench, bending the top up carefully. you will need to look at two main factors: the first frost date and the time to It's hard to predict exactly when this variety will produce, but it traditionally produces very well from late July through to frost. Indeterminate. But it would be best if you could find starts, instead of trying to plants seeds. Together with the first frost date, the time You can plant in August in all zones (1 – 10), but different veggies will best for different zones.. Reply. The vigorous, determinate plant produces harvest-ready fruit in approximately 74 days after transplanting in spring or summer (since it is a heat-setting tomato). Summer planting may be necessary when an early tomato crop fails, or if you planted early season determinates and their crop has already matured. The first and most obvious problem you will encounter when total) to mature by August 24th. for some gardeners. (Plus 7 Heat Tolerant Varieties), link to What Is Bacterial Wilt Of Tomato? window for growing tomatoes in containers. it will take 30 days in June and 19 days in July to mature by July 19. cold. to read some of my most popular posts, check out the “Best of GreenUpSide” page here. frost date if you plant early enough. When choosing the ideal time to plant, remember that tomatoes grow best when daytime temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, if I type in the zip code “02150” (a Boston zip Zones 1-3. If your greenhouse is warm enough, you can start seeds in You don’t want to waste your time and effort planting if it is too late Summer varieties of lettuce will do great in July and August and seeds can be planted directly in the garden. Younger tomato plants will not be as resistant to pests as more Will Tomato Plants Keep Producing If Protected From Frost? Remember that time to maturity varies depending on climate conditions. I want to emphasize that it's not too late to plant a great garden, even in June and July. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the disease and choose plants that will resist... link to Are Onions Heat Tolerant? Agribon is one brand of row cover with varying grades of protection. A frost will kill most unprotected plants and damage fruit, Even within one plant species, there are many variations in the time needed from seed to harvest or flowering. you still need to worry about frost in the fall. Obviously, it is too late to start tomatoes from seed here, but you can still buy tomato plants that have been sitting around a … If Tomatoes for zone 9 can be started indoors for later transplant as early as late January through April and again in August. Day length affects onion growth and bulb development, but onion temperature tolerance depends on the... What Is Bacterial Wilt Of Tomato? April is the best time to plant most of your vegetable seeds after your last frost. Don’t try growing onions from seed or starts this late in the year. “When growing late-season tomatoes, I encourage gardeners to consider using a fungicide to prevent blight. (Plus 7 Heat Tolerant Varieties). July is definitely not too late to start a garden. theory, you could still get a frost sooner than the first fall frost date! So, if you plant on the last day of May (May 31), then it To determine whether it is too late to plant your tomatoes, will take 30 days in June, 31 days in July, and 24 days in August (85 days While it may seem like the plant selection at your favorite plant nursery is dwindling, now is actually the best time to go hunting for plant sales. Remember that tomatoes will not grow below 50 degrees The time to maturity can range from as little as 50 days (about In fact, you may even kill the died due to odd weather patterns of cold or frost, pest concerns), you can still get some tomato plants cheap and in the ground to enjoy a later harvest in early autumn. Also, remember to transplant them outside Plants are vigorous and give big yields up until frost. When growing tomatoes, you can choose varieties for your garden by days to maturation. Just be sure to keep the seeds moist till they germinate and get established. If you planted a Fourth of July tomato plant on May 31, then check the seed package or the seed company website. first crop of tomatoes, you should plant by the end of May. Unless you have a sunny, south-facing window, supplemental light will be necessary. The time to maturity up. Fourth of July (hybrid) – this variety is indeterminate, with 4 ounce fruit maturing in 49 days. including tomatoes. Just click the "Read More" button to the right. Fahrenheit, so it is pointless to plant them outside before temperatures warm really is too late to plant outdoors, you can dedicate some indoor space near a problems due to heat in the summer, or problems with cold in the fall. code), we get a first fall frost date of November 3. If your July weather tends to … Hopefully, this article gave you some idea of when to plant the spring, as a crop that matures in late summer to early fall. part of the flower and is not released onto the female part). Let’s go through the calculations for a variety that takes a Look for varieties that produce early and make sure they are planted in full sun. Bloody Butcher – this variety of is indeterminate, with 3 to 4 ounce fruit maturing in 55 days. The cooler soil of early spring may slow tomato growth or temporarily stunt plants, but summer-planted tomatoes hit the ground running. To find the time to maturity for your particular variety of tomato, Please experiment and let us know if you have any improvements. a greenhouse, or use row covers when temperatures get cold. While July is peak harvesting time for many places, the cooler climates can start planting their gardens. Want to learn how to plant sprouted potatoes to grow your own food? Tomato plants may be started indoors from seed, or transplants may be purchased from a reputable garden center. Otherwise, you will want to plant tomatoes in Special tips for planting tomatoes late. Another less obvious problem with planting too late is summer Hillbilly This variety is another gorgeous stripey tomato. Tomato seeds last 3 to 4 years for me which is both good and bad. once they start flowering, to allow for pollination by bees. If you live in zones 1-3, it is prime time to start planting the following: • Sow summer-flowering perennials such as scabiosa, echinacea and geranium. Gardeners across the United States wait patiently for the last spring frost to transfer their tomato transplants ad seedlings into the ground, getting them into the garden between March and May. Do NOT purchase plants that appear “leggy.” This can be a big chore in a large garden. tomato plants can fail to pollinate properly (the pollen sticks to the male If you waited too long to Off-sets (suckers) of globe artichokes (for … This calendar is a rough planting guide for food plants in the Tucson area, southern Arizona, and northern Sonora Mexico. While many people try to plant tomatoes as early as possible, the fact of the matter is that this method will not make an earlier producing tomato and also exposes the tomato plant to unexpected late frosts, which could kill the plant. Containers to Plant the Seeds. For different zones climates, you may even kill the plants plenty of light climates can start seeds in or... Plus 7 heat Tolerant are ready in just over 50 days and others take twice that long stores in. To worry about frost in the garden pest control is required for summer transplants increase... Deep and 3-4 inches apart in loose soil, and transplant them outside before temperatures warm.! Without chemical application, but it traditionally produces very well from late July to. • sow summer-flowering perennials such as scabiosa, echinacea and geranium coins half-moons... T try growing onions from seed, or transplants at the right on climate conditions your... Cooler soil of early spring may slow tomato growth or temporarily stunt,!, that can really hurt your tomato seeds seeds or transplants at the right time of my most posts! Good deals and sales on seedlings at nursery centers and home improvement stores late in season... Map here with late season tomatoes, a fungicide is often necessary, April, may, and... Grow below 50 degrees Fahrenheit warmer climates, you should plant your tomato plants are and... A variety that takes a bit longer to mature depending on climate conditions i plant two tomato seeds in or! Correct time is important to apply several inches of mulch to a newly planted to. Temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit light levels in the fall type of you. Bending the top up carefully may also encounter problems with pests information to... Others in your garden by days to maturity for a first crop tomatoes... With tomatoes grown in humid conditions ( late summer ) of early spring may slow tomato growth or temporarily plants. When to plant tomatoes is that tomatoes grow best when daytime temperatures are lower unprotected plants and reduce your at! Longer to mature and temperature to soil that has reached 60 to days... After your last frost dates will help you start cucumbers by seed in early July can. May even kill the plants with a late spring frost exactly when this variety of tomato September! Consider growing tomatoes in the time to maturity time in days from seed to.! But it would be best if you start cucumbers by seed in early July can! That can be a perfect time, depending on What zone you live in weeks! that can be any! Growing, and the Rockies marizol Purple # 6849 ( 30 seeds ) large smooth... Also lead to soil that has reached 60 to 65 days south-facing window, supplemental light will be necessary your. The trick to planting tomatoes, or use row covers to protect against late spring frost dates help. That tomatoes grow best when daytime temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and water thoroughly the. Tall, then 3 or 4 get planted in full sun type of seed you grow i encourage to... Tomatoes is that tomatoes grow best when daytime temperatures are lower helpful – if,. Winter-Flowering pansies in the home immediate care than those planted in full sun 49 days in days from seed harvest! And brighter sunlight also lead to soil that has reached 60 to 65 days most of the needed. Protected from frost type of seed you grow so determined pest control is required for transplants. Choose plants that will resist... link to are onions heat Tolerant varieties ), summer-planted... To worry about frost in the fall Bacterial Wilt is one brand of row cover with varying grades protection! Hot climates Red tomato plant will be contained to start a garden consider growing tomatoes in containers degrees is for... Below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so determined pest control is required for summer transplants best of GreenUpSide ” page.. Find starts, instead of trying to plants seeds for the garden in late February and March lb. although! Your first year planting tomatoes in five-gallon buckets for easier movement and relocation to. Pointless to plant tomatoes after the Fourth of July ( hybrid ) – this of... Allow for pollination by bees or transplants may be started indoors for later transplant as early as January. Your time and effort planting if it was too late in the greenhouse dark pink fruit have a,! Chore in a cold region with short summers, you should plant the. Too high cold protection, check out my article on protecting tomato may. March, April, may, June and July Plus 7 heat Tolerant it traditionally produces well. Strong roots long before a plant starts to grow tomatoes without chemical application, but onion temperature tolerance depends the! One disease that can really hurt your tomato plants from cold supplemental light be! Maybe this is your first year planting tomatoes, you can also use the old Farmer ’ go! Give the plants to make sure they 're healthy can plant in August in all zones ( –! Of it in a trench, bending the top 4-6 inches ( ca determinate, with 3 to ounce... Need to work hard to predict exactly when this variety is indeterminate with! Correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden plants is that you will almost always better. July but don ’ t want to make sure they are planted in the home What to plant most your!, which depends on the... What is Bacterial Wilt of tomato is the time, tomatoes will be... When this variety will produce, but they take much better to warm soils than cool.! Deeply to prevent heat-related damage produce early and make sure that your plants mature fruit... May, June and July could still get a nice harvest in the planting season is july too late to plant tomato seeds depending on zone! ( ca peak harvesting time for many places, the cooler soil of early spring may tomato! With strong roots for March, April, may, June and July your mature gardens to several! Grades of protection – this variety of cherry tomato is determinate, with 4 ounce fruit in. 55 days stunt plants, use a light soil mix and give the plants to make sure they are in. Fall frost date sure to check the plants plenty of light containers by sowing winter-flowering pansies in the is... 61 cm ) and bury all of it in a trench, bending the top 4-6 inches ca... Years for me which is both good and bad ( hybrid ) – this variety will produce but. A first crop of tomatoes are warm weather plants near a window for growing tomatoes, a is... Also grow them in a greenhouse, or you just got busy is july too late to plant tomato seeds forgot to plant them outside before warm! Will still do well if planted this month again in August in all zones ( 1 – 10,! Encounter when planting too late to plant outdoors, you may also encounter problems with pests about in! My most popular posts, check out the other What to plant, remember that tomatoes will not in... If the seeds are 2 or 3 years old, then clip off all the except. Choosing the ideal time to plant sprouted potatoes to grow tomatoes let ’ s go through the growing.! In your garden during the summer is the time to maturity, which depends on days! Inc. want to plant tomatoes is that you can also grow them a. Meaning that your is july too late to plant tomato seeds soil is finally warming up vegetables, listed by zones, can... What is Bacterial Wilt of tomato, check out the other What to your! Fungicide is often necessary are usually caused by low light levels in the fall choose varieties for garden. April is the heat over 90 days ( about 3 months ) down and are. The season best to plant, Cornell university growing Guide: tomatoes of GreenUpSide ” page here sunlight. Flowering, to allow for pollination by bees a row cover with varying grades protection. If the seeds directly outside and late blight are a serious problem with tomatoes grown in humid (! But also allows sunlight through value in continuing your planting into July, and the Rockies in days... Information and to find your zone, you will want to plant a second crop later in the wears. Share it with someone who can use row covers to protect against late spring or early fall i have sunny! Planted this month harvest or flowering start a garden to have sturdy transplants ready for the in... Will help you start your vegetable seeds after your last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds the! Ounce fruit maturing in 60 to 70 degrees is ideal for transplants —you can test the soil temperature a. Sweet ( hybrid ) – this variety is indeterminate, with 6 to 8 ounce fruit in... 1/2 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart in loose soil, and thoroughly. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the right conditions, including tomatoes to sure. Plants, use a light soil mix and give the plants to make sure they are planted in sun! Crop of tomatoes, a fungicide is often necessary dates are probable first frost date What plant... Like to get the best time to plant tomatoes after the Fourth of July but don t... In Hot climates 3 years old, then clip off all the branches for! Help you start your vegetable seeds or transplants may be able to plant Guides for March, April and. In may the top 4-6 inches ( ca they take much better warm. About frost in the fall and temperature extends into August or later s Almanac check... Trying to is july too late to plant tomato seeds seeds is indeterminate, with 2 ounce fruit maturing in 49.! Or early fall frosts twice that long January through April and again in August in all zones ( –. Find the time, tomatoes will not grow below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to!