How to grow tomato
Plant deep: stems buried in soil grow roots. Stake or cage at planting, not after.
Your tomato dates
Companions
AsparagusBasilCarrotChivesCilantroGarlicLettuceMarigoldOnionParsleyPepper
Keep apart from
BroccoliCabbageCauliflowerDillFennelKaleKohlrabiPotatoSweet corn
Rotation and family
Tomato belongs to the nightshades (Solanaceae). Heavy feeders that share early blight, late blight and soil-borne wilts.
In a four-bed crop rotation it goes in the fruiting-crop bed. Avoid growing it where any nightshades grew in the last three years.
When to plant tomato by zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow / plant out |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| 4 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| 5 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| 6 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 4 – May 25 |
| 7 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| 8 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| 9 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| 10 | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Feb 15 – Mar 8 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Tomato questions
When should I plant tomato?
Plant tomato outdoors 2 weeks after your last spring frost. Start seeds indoors about 7 weeks before your last frost.
How far apart should I plant tomato?
About 24 inches apart, or 1 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with tomato?
Traditional companions include asparagus, basil, carrot, chives, cilantro, garlic, lettuce, marigold, onion, parsley, pepper. Keep it away from broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, dill, fennel, kale, kohlrabi, potato, sweet corn.
How long does tomato take to grow?
Typically 60–85 days from transplanting to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.