Table of Contents
Growing tomatoes in Zone 6 can be a rewarding experience for gardeners. With the right planning and timing, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest from late spring to early fall. This month-by-month guide will help you understand what to do each month to ensure healthy plants and delicious tomatoes.
January: Planning and Preparation
Use this quiet month to plan your garden layout. Choose the tomato varieties that suit your taste and growing season. Prepare seed trays and purchase your seeds early to ensure availability. Consider soil testing to determine if any amendments are needed for optimal growth.
February: Starting Seeds Indoors
Begin sowing tomato seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, which typically falls around late April or early May in Zone 6. Use seed-starting mix and keep the trays in a warm, bright location. Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering.
March: Continue Indoor Care and Prepare Outdoors
Continue caring for your seedlings, ensuring they get plenty of light. Harden off your young plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions during the day. Prepare your garden beds by adding compost and organic matter to improve soil fertility.
April: Transplanting and Early Planting
By mid to late April, transplant your tomato seedlings outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, well-drained location. Space plants about 24-36 inches apart. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
May: Growing and Supporting Plants
Ensure consistent watering and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer. Use stakes or cages to support your tomato plants as they grow. Watch for pests and diseases, and address issues promptly to keep plants healthy.
June: Monitoring and Maintenance
This is a crucial month for pest control and disease prevention. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble. Continue watering deeply and consistently. Consider adding side-dressing of fertilizer to promote fruit development.
July: Peak Harvest Time
Tomatoes will start ripening in July. Harvest ripe tomatoes frequently to encourage continued production. Maintain consistent watering and fertilization. Keep an eye out for pests such as tomato hornworms and treat as necessary.
August: Harvest and Maintenance
This is the height of tomato harvest. Pick ripe fruits regularly to prevent overripening and pest attraction. Continue watering, mulching, and monitoring for diseases. Consider planting a second round of quick-maturing varieties for a late-season harvest.
September: Final Harvest and Preparing for Fall
As temperatures begin to cool, harvest remaining ripe tomatoes. Remove any diseased or dead plants to prevent overwintering pests. Prepare your garden beds for fall by adding compost and cover crops if desired.
October: Cleanup and Winter Prep
Clean up plant debris to reduce pest and disease carryover. Mulch beds to protect soil over winter. If you want to grow tomatoes again next year, start planning and ordering seeds early for the next planting season.
November & December: Rest and Reflection
Use these months to reflect on your gardening successes and challenges. Maintain tools and prepare your garden for winter. Read about new tomato varieties or techniques to improve your next growing season.