We sow our first round of tomatoes the first week of March and they are USUALLY ready for sale 5-7 weeks later. The recommended time for planting tomatoes in this area is between May 15 and June 10. Even then, late frosts can still occur and can be avoided with a protective cover placed over the plants. Many people prefer to get their tomatoes early and nurture them until time for planting.

     Tomatoes will grow in many soil types, but the best is deep loamy well-drained soil with a pH between 6.2-6.8. When planting tomatoes, it’s best to plant them deeper than they were in their containers. If the tomatoes are tall, they can be planted as deep as the second set of true leaves. A liquid starter solution may be added before the hole is filled. After planting, water the tomato plant in thoroughly. Protect the transplants from the sun for 3-4 days. Many people use newspaper, buckets or baskets.