Tomato Planting Guide
Classic garden tomato, perfect for slicing and salads
Flavor notes: Balanced classic tomato flavor for fresh eating.
Variety notes: General-purpose tomato for salads, sandwiches, and everyday harvests.
Best Time and Place to Plant Tomato
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Tomato in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 85F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Varies |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | August 1 to September 15 |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | September 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 24 inches apart, 36 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 85F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Water deeply 2-3 times per week, keep soil consistently moist
- Days to harvest: 75
Fertilization
- 10-10-10 Balanced synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 2-3 inches worked into soil before planting
- Fish Emulsion organic: Every 2 weeks, diluted per label
Companion Plants
- Basil
- Carrots
- Onions
- Parsley
Avoid Planting Near
- Cabbage
- Corn
- Potatoes
Harvest Signs
- Fruit is fully colored (red, yellow, or variety color)
- Slightly soft when gently squeezed
- Separates easily from vine with light twist
- Has glossy appearance
Major Varieties
- Cherry Tomato: Best for containers, snacking, and steady harvests.
- Yellow Pear Tomato: Small heirloom type for salads and fresh eating.
- Roma Tomato: Choose for sauces, paste, drying, and canning.
- Beefsteak Tomato: Choose for large slicers; allow extra support and time.
- Brandywine Heirloom Tomato: Heirloom slicer; exceptional flavor but less forgiving.
FAQs
When should I plant Tomato?
Tomato planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Tomato?
The best time of year to plant Tomato is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 85F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Tomato?
Plant Tomato in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 85F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Tomato?
Plant Tomato about 24 inches apart, with rows around 36 inches apart.
What grows well with Tomato?
Tomato is commonly paired with Basil, Carrots, Onions, Parsley.