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Tomato Growing Guide
Solanaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Vegetative Growth
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | May 29 | — | Aug 2 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 9 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | May 29 | — | Aug 2 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | May 19 | — | Jul 23 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | May 15 | — | Jul 19 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 3 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 3 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 28 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Apr 19 | — | Jun 23 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | — | Jun 9 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 7 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Mar 24 | — | May 28 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Mar 6 | — | May 10 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 4 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Tomato?
Tomato takes approximately 75 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Tomato need?
Tomato requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Tomato?
Plant Tomato at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Tomato survive frost?
Tomato is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Tomato?
Good companion plants for Tomato include Garlic, Asparagus, Basil, Carrots, Marigolds, Peppers, Onions. Avoid planting near Potatoes, Fennel, Corn, Kohlrabi.
How long does Tomato take to germinate?
Tomato seeds germinate in 6-14 days at an optimal temperature of 80°F.
When should I start Tomato seeds indoors?
Start Tomato seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Start seeds 6-8 weeks before last frost indoors
- Bury stems deep when transplanting; roots form along buried stems
- Stake or cage indeterminate types; prune suckers for larger fruit
Common Pests & Diseases
- Tomato hornworm
- Early blight
- Late blight
- Blossom end rot
Harvest Notes
Pick when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Vine-ripened flavor is unmatched. Harvest before frost; green tomatoes can ripen indoors.
Plan Your Tomato Garden
Track Tomato from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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