The most popular home garden crop. Warm-season fruiting plant producing red, yellow, or heirloom varieties. Thrives in full sun with consistent watering and support.
Planting calendar
Start seeds indoors
6 weeks before your last spring frost.
Direct sow / transplant
2 weeks after your last spring frost.
Transplant when nighttime temps stay above 50°F
Spacing & harvest
Plant spacing: 24-36 inches
Row spacing: 36-48 inches
Days to harvest: 60-85 days
Ready when: Firm, fully colored fruit that gives slightly when gently squeezed and detaches easily from the vine
Companion planting
Plant near
Basil — Repels aphids, improves flavor, and attracts pollinators
Cabbage — Both are heavy feeders competing for nutrients
Corn — Both attract the same pest (corn earworm/tomato fruitworm)
Get tomato planting dates for your exact zone
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.