Planting tomatoes too early may not speed your harvest

Tomatoes are tropical plants that prefer warm soil, so the article reports planting is usually recommended about one to two weeks after the last average frost and when soil temperature is around 18–21°C.

Growing tomatoes is a common warm‑season activity and the article explains why timing matters. Tomatoes evolved in coastal Peru and Chile and are not well suited to chilly, wet conditions, which can increase disease risk. The piece reports that many gardeners wait about one to two weeks after the last average frost before planting. It also notes that soil temperature, cited as about 18°C to 21°C by an expert, is a key factor for transplanting success. Key points: - Tomatoes are tropical in origin and tend to dislike cold, damp weather. - The article reports a common recommendation to plant about one to two weeks after the last average frost. - An expert quoted in the article says ideal soil temperature for setting transplants is roughly 18°C–21°C. - Planting before soils warm often results in little growth until conditions improve, and later plantings frequently catch up. - The article describes measures reported as ways to reduce risk or warm soil, including watching short‑term forecasts, covering plants against frost, and using black plastic mulch to warm soil. Summary: The article conveys that planting tomatoes too early provides little advantage because cold soil limits root and top growth, and plants set out when the soil is warm tend to catch up. It reports recommended timing is after the last average frost and when soil reaches about 18°C–21°C, and it describes protective options such as frost cloths, cloches, and plastic mulch. The information is presented as guidance reported from growers and gardening experts.