When to Plant Tomatoes in Zone 5
In USDA zone 5a, start seeds indoors around March 24, transplant or plant outdoors May 19 to August 5, and expect your first harvest around August 5. (5a shown here — see 5a and 5b dates separately below.)
Tomatoes planting calendar for USDA Zone 5a
Average last spring frost
May 5
Average first fall frost
October 1
Start seeds indoors
Mar 24
Transplant outdoors
May 19
Projected first harvest
Aug 5
Most tomatoes mature in about 55 to 85 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 149 frost-free days in zone 5a.
Tomatoes planting calendar for USDA Zone 5b
Average last spring frost
April 30
Average first fall frost
October 5
Start seeds indoors
Mar 19
Transplant outdoors
May 14
Projected first harvest
Jul 31
Most tomatoes mature in about 55 to 85 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 158 frost-free days in zone 5b.
Not sure whether you're in 5a or 5b? Set your ZIP in HomeSown for dates tuned to your exact location.
Varieties to grow
30 varieties of tomatoes in the HomeSown library. Tap any for its full grow guide.
Common problems with tomatoes
What to watch for, with identification and treatment for each
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