skip to main content

Growing Tomatoes

When to plant out tomatoes in Zone 9a?

edweather USDA 9a, HZ 9, Sunset 28

7 years ago

Just moved to Southeast Georgia from Northern New York. When can I plant out tomatoes here?

Featured Answer

andy99mich

7 years ago

Hi edweather, it depends on the year. The best time to plant tomatoes in general is (if you are starting the seeds indoors) 6 weeks before the last Spring frost. If you're planting them outside with no protection, right after the last frost is perfect. If you give frost protection, you can start them outside earlier (provided they stay warm and get light) (You may already know this, as you lived in a pretty cold pace earlier). I do not live in Georgia, so I'm not sure how often it frosts... If it doesn't, you should plant in late spring or early summer to be sure of a crop of tomatoes.

If that wasn't much help, here are some links:

http://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates/GA

Hope that gives you an idea for planting! :)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

edweather USDA 9a, HZ 9, Sunset 28
Original Author
7 years ago
Ok, thanks. That puts me in the ballpark. Looks like my last frost is around March 15, so I can start seeds indoors around Feb 1.
Related Discussions
Zone 8b/9a - too early to plant tulips in pots?
Q
Comments (2)
If one of them has already sprouted in the refrigerator, it's probably ok to plant it now, although it might grow really soon. But I'd hold off planting the others until December. On the other hand, you might want to check with a plant shop in your area more familiar with your warm climate.
...See More
growing tomatoes in containers zone 9a
Q
Comments (3)
david, lots of conversations about tomatoes going on now. clearly, people are fed up with salmonella-flavored overpriced tomatoes from the grocer. are you planning on growing in containers, or in the ground? i'm confused, since you mention both. if you are planning to grow in pots, DO NOT USE the soil from your garden. the BEST mix i have ever found is al's mix -- in the search field (top of page) type "talpa container" and read that long, but very informative post. the gist of it is -- well drained, low-organic soil is best. i agree. if you can find a pine-fine based mix, use it. otherwise, you're best off mixing your own (equal parts perlite, pine fines, and peat). i have great results from sungold (cherry size) and matt's wild (currant sized). both are highly resistant to diseases, produce much of the summer, and are vigorous, forgiving plants with great flavor. one of either will produce enough tomatoes to snack on every day of the summer.
...See More
When do you plant tomatoes in Zone 5?
Q
Comments (17)
enjoy : your question begs a subjective answer. Where in zone 5 is the first variable, and the types of annuals is the second. Here in the center of the country, the weather at a particular time will be far different then , say, the east coast. Our last average frost date shows April 15th. You have to be well aware of the weather patterns in your neck of the woods. It MAY not frost after April 15th, here but it well could until about the end of April. Your annuals may coinside with the tomato planting calander only to that end. I would find out the best soil temperature for your flowers and or plant them out a couple of weeks after the last average frost date for your area. Be aware that many weather factors affect success, but planting at the correct time may only be a concern with freezing and soil conditions. Remember we are only stewerds and the planet has been doing this for a long time, plants, especially native to your area, are extremely able by design to survive the ebb and flow of the different climate and micro-climate changes, such as the natural ones we are going thru presently. Tom
...See More
Plant ID for Houston/Zone 9a9b
Q
Comments (7)
I vote for horseherb, has pretty yellow flowers, ground hugging growth pattern. I treat it as a weed and it is easy to pull when soil is soft. But you must keep a watchful eye as a tiny bit of leftover root will regrow.
...See More
Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7
7 years ago
Ed, as Killand mentioned , you need to know your average Last Frost Date by zip code. Sometimes you can plant even couple of weeks early by checking 15 days forecast when the LFD is coming soon. But the weather can change unexpectedly so you have to protect your plants if you get frost or temps in low 30s.

I have gardened in zone 7b in Georgia ( North Atlanta). LFD over there was April 11. But in zone 9a probably you can plant a month early.

Another thing to consider is the summer heat. Probably in zone 9a your spring season tomatoes will be dead by mid July. Then you can have a fall planting.

I also recently (in September) moved to zone 8a in NC. I will try to get my plants out as soon as possible and I will also grow more early and mid season. And also there are varieties that can tolerate heat better.

Good luck with your new location.

Sey
annzetta
7 years ago
I am in central NY and can't imagine planting anything unprotected outside in March! Or even protected.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years ago
It is not the average last frost date you should be looking at but soil temperatures. Tomatoes need warm soil to grow and that usually takes some time - like weeks - after last frost to achieve. A good rule of thumb is when nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 55F.

My average last frost date is March 31st, however ambient and soil temperatures are not high enough to plant out tomatoes until at least Mother's Day, although June 1st is generally considered the fallback date.
Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7
7 years ago
Gardengal, I have grown tomatoes for the last 3 season in your zone ( North of Seattle) . If I wanted for night lows to get and stay at 55F and higher that would be like in July. But I used to get few ripe tomatoes by mid July.

Speaking of soil temperature I agree. I used plant when it was 47F and higher. I made that happen by covering my raised beds with black plastic around early February. But down south is different. Spring arrives with much warmer temperatures and much early and soil temps are high too. I have also gardened in Ga (zone 7b) I had no issue with warming up the soil. . Where Ed is going to Garden probably there is practically no winter and the soil stays warm.

Sey
andy99mich
7 years ago
Well, frost dates generally tell you when the soil is beginning to loosen up and become workable in the ground. In your area you should not need to worry about soil temperatures too much, as Sey said. Ed, if you plant just a week or two after your last frost, you may be able to have a 2nd entire crop, as you are prolonging the season. I've heard that's possible on Georgia, but I'm from the North, so I'm not positive. Hope all goes well with your garden. :)
andy99mich
7 years ago
Annz398, well, I agree. Where we live there's still ice and snow on the ground in March. The Southerners have it luckier in that sense.
annz3
7 years ago
Oh I see. I didn't realize ed had moved to Georgia!!

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

LIFE Kitchen Traditions: Tomato Season Meets a Family Legacy

By Tiffany Carboni

Somewhere a Sicilian great-great-grandmother is smiling at a bowl of American-made sauce

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

ARCHITECTURE Houzz Tour: Fresh Ideas in a Former Tomato Packing Shed

A formerly metal-clad structure is now a beautiful wood home designed to capture the light and preserve open space

COLOR 10 Reasons to Make a Splash With Tomato Red

By Laura Gaskill

You won’t duck at these tomatoes. See how bold red shades can play up architecture, light up a dark spot and add drama

GARDENING GUIDES When and How to Plant a Tree, and Why You Should

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Trees add beauty while benefiting the environment. Learn the right way to plant one

CONTRACTOR TIPS Building Permits: When a Permit Is Required and When It's Not

By Matt Clawson

In this article, the first in a series exploring permit processes and requirements, learn why and when you might need one

GARDENING GUIDES Got Frost-Damaged Plants? How It Happens, and When and How to Prune

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Crispy brown leaves are a sure sign that Jack Frost has been to your neighborhood

COLOR Time to Step Out of Your Color Comfort Zone?

By Laura Gaskill

If you always seem to pick warm tones, or you stick to the cool ones, bucking your natural inclination could bring new energy to a room

CONTAINER GARDENS Container Garden Basics: How and When to Water Potted Plants

Confused about soil moisture, the best time to water and what watering device to use? This guide can help

Sponsored

MCR ROMERO WORK LLC

Innovative & Creative General Contractors Servicing Franklin County

More Discussions

Has anyone heard of a storage tomato? Looking at Giallorosso di Crispi

4

"Purple" tomatoes?

4