When to Plant Tomatoes in Tennessee: A Guide for Gardeners

When to Plant Tomatoes in TN

Tomatoes are a delicious and versatile summer crop that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But before you can enjoy your homegrown tomatoes, you need to know when to plant them.

The best time to plant tomatoes in Tennessee depends on the variety of tomato you’re growing. Early-season tomatoes can be planted as early as April, while late-season tomatoes should be planted in May or June.

To help you determine the best time to plant tomatoes in your area, consult the following planting guide:

• Early-season tomatoes: April
• Mid-season tomatoes: May
• Late-season tomatoes: June

Once you’ve chosen the right time to plant your tomatoes, you can start preparing your garden.

Here are a few tips for planting tomatoes in TN:

• Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Tomatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce fruit.
• Amend your soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content.
• Plant your tomatoes in hills spaced 2-3 feet apart.
• Water your tomatoes regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize your tomatoes monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

With a little care, you’ll be enjoying homegrown tomatoes in no time!

Month	Soil Temperature	Days to Maturity
March	60-65F	60-70 days
April	65-70F	60-70 days
May	70-75F	60-70 days

When to Plant Tomatoes in Tennessee?

Tomatoes are a popular summer crop in Tennessee, and they can be grown successfully in most parts of the state. However, the best time to plant tomatoes depends on a few factors, including your location, the climate, and the variety of tomato you are growing.

1. When to Start Seedlings

The best time to start seedlings indoors in Tennessee is 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. The last frost date in Tennessee typically occurs in mid-April. To determine the last frost date in your area, you can consult the USDA Hardiness Zone Map or a local gardening resource.

Once the seedlings have sprouted, they can be transplanted outdoors 2-3 weeks after the last frost date. However, it is important to harden off the seedlings before transplanting them outdoors. Hardening off is the process of gradually acclimating the seedlings to outdoor conditions by exposing them to more sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures.

To harden off your seedlings, start by placing them outdoors in a sheltered location for a few hours each day. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors over the course of a week or two. Once the seedlings are fully hardened off, they can be transplanted into the garden.

2. When to Plant Tomatoes in the Ground

The best time to plant tomatoes in the ground in Tennessee is after the danger of frost has passed. In most parts of Tennessee, this is typically in late April or early May. However, the specific planting date will vary depending on your location and the weather conditions.

To be safe, it is best to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting tomatoes. You can check the soil temperature by inserting a soil thermometer into the ground.

When planting tomatoes, it is important to choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so it is also important to fertilize them regularly.

3. Varieties of Tomatoes

There are many different varieties of tomatoes to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties for growing in Tennessee include:

• Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet tomatoes that are perfect for snacking on. They are also very easy to grow.
• Beefsteak tomatoes: Beefsteak tomatoes are large, juicy tomatoes that are perfect for salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. They are also relatively easy to grow.
• Roma tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are small, firm tomatoes that are perfect for canning and making sauces. They are also very easy to grow.

When choosing a variety of tomato to grow, it is important to consider your climate, the amount of space you have, and your personal preferences.

Tomatoes are a delicious and versatile summer crop that can be grown successfully in most parts of Tennessee. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes all season long.

Additional Tips for Growing Tomatoes in Tennessee

• Water your tomatoes regularly. Tomatoes need a lot of water, especially during the hot summer months. Water your tomatoes deeply at least once a week, and more often if the weather is hot and dry.
• Fertilize your tomatoes regularly. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so they need to be fertilized regularly to produce a good crop. Fertilize your tomatoes every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
• Pest-proof your tomatoes. Tomatoes are susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, tomato hornworms, and tomato blight. To protect your tomatoes from pests, you can use a variety of methods, such as:
• Spraying your tomatoes with a water and soap solution.
• Covering your tomatoes with a floating row cover.
• Hand-picking pests off of your tomatoes.
• Harvesting your tomatoes at the right time. Tomatoes are ripe when they are red, firm, and have a slight give when you squeeze them. To harvest your tomatoes, cut them off the vine with a sharp knife.

By following these tips, you can grow delicious, homegrown tomatoes all season long in Tennessee.

When To Plant Tomatoes In TN?

The best time to plant tomatoes in Tennessee is in late April or early May. This will give the plants enough time to grow and mature before the first frost in late fall.

However, you can also plant tomatoes earlier or later, depending on your climate. If you live in a warmer climate, you can start planting tomatoes in early March. If you live in a cooler climate, you may need to wait until mid-May to plant tomatoes.

Here are some tips for planting tomatoes in Tennessee:

• Choose a sunny spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• The soil should be well-drained and fertile. If your soil is sandy, you may need to add compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
• Dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the roots of the tomato plant. The hole should be about twice the width of the root ball.
• Place the tomato plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
• Firm the soil around the plant and water well.

Once you have planted your tomatoes, you will need to care for them by watering them regularly, fertilizing them, and protecting them from pests and diseases.

How to Plant Tomatoes

Tomatoes can be planted in either raised beds or in the ground. If you are planting in the ground, dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the roots of the tomato plant. The hole should be about twice the width of the root ball.

Place the tomato plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the plant and water well.

If you are planting in a raised bed, fill the bed with a mixture of compost, potting soil, and perlite. Make sure the bed is well-drained.

Place the tomato plant in the bed and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the plant and water well.

How to Care for Tomatoes

Tomatoes need full sun, water, and fertilizer to grow well. Water your tomatoes deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Fertilize your tomatoes monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

To prevent pests and diseases, practice good garden sanitation and rotate your crops.

Pests and Diseases

Tomatoes are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, tomato hornworms, and powdery mildew. To prevent pests and diseases, practice good garden sanitation and rotate your crops.

Here are some tips for preventing pests and diseases:

• Keep your garden free of weeds. Weeds can harbor pests and diseases.
• Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases.
• If you see pests or diseases, treat them immediately with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
• Rotate your crops. This will help to prevent pests and diseases from building up in your soil.

Harvesting Tomatoes

You can start harvesting tomatoes when they are ripe. Ripe tomatoes are red, firm, and have a sweet flavor. To harvest a tomato, gently twist it off the stem.

You can store tomatoes at room temperature for a few days. To store tomatoes for longer, you can place them in a paper bag and store them in the refrigerator.

Tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious summer crop. By following these tips, you can successfully grow tomatoes in Tennessee.

When is the best time to plant tomatoes in TN?

The best time to plant tomatoes in Tennessee is from April to May. However, you can also start them indoors in early March.

What type of soil do tomatoes need?

Tomatoes need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.8.

How much sun do tomatoes need?

Tomatoes need full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

How much water do tomatoes need?

Tomatoes need regular watering, but they should not be overwatered. Water them deeply once or twice a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

What fertilizers do tomatoes need?

Tomatoes need a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can use a commercial fertilizer or make your own compost tea.

How do you prevent tomato diseases?

There are a number of ways to prevent tomato diseases, including:

• Growing resistant varieties
• Rotating crops
• Pruning to improve air circulation
• Watering at the base of the plants
• Applying mulch
• Staking plants to prevent them from touching the ground

What are the most common tomato pests?

The most common tomato pests include:

• Aphids
• Tomato hornworms
• Tomato worms
• Spider mites
• Whiteflies

How do you control tomato pests?

There are a number of ways to control tomato pests, including:

• Hand-picking pests
• Using insecticidal soap
• Applying neem oil
• Releasing beneficial insects
• Using traps

  When it comes to growing tomatoes in Tennessee, the best time to plant them is in late spring or early summer. This will give them plenty of time to grow and mature before the first frost of fall. However, you can also start your tomatoes indoors a few weeks before the last frost date. When planting tomatoes, it is important to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. You should also make sure to water your tomatoes regularly, especially during dry spells. To help prevent pests and diseases, you can also mulch around your plants. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes all summer long.