| Question | What’s the best time of year to plant tomatoes in Maryland? |
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| Answer | After the last frost, usually late April to early May. |
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Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in home gardens, and for good reason. They are relatively easy to care for and can provide a plentiful harvest. You may be wondering, ‘When to plant tomatoes in Maryland?’
If you’re thinking about growing tomatoes in Maryland, there are a few things you need to know in order to have a successful crop.
What do tomatoes need to grow in Maryland?
Tomatoes need full sun, which means they should get the maximum number of sunlight hours available in a day. They also need well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (6.0- 6.8) and rich in organic matter. Since they thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, tomatoes should do well in most parts of Maryland.
If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you may want to consider amending it before planting your tomatoes. Adding compost or other organic matter will help to improve drainage and increase the number of nutrients available to your plants.
And even in cases where you think that your soil is perfect, it’s still recommended that you perform a soil analysis of the piece of land that you’ll be planting on. This will give you a better idea of what nutrients are lacking and how much needs to be added.
Since tomatoes require enough moisture to grow in the best way possible and produce juicy fruits, you may have to water them quite often. You’ll have to pay close attention to ensure that the soil is evenly moist so that it doesn’t become too dry or soggy.
It’s advisable that you always water them when the soil dries out to a depth of about 1-2 inches. You can also spread a 1-inch deep mulch layer around your plants so that you can lower the probability of encountering weeds while also retaining soil moisture.
When is the best time to plant tomatoes in Maryland?
The best time to plant tomatoes outside in Maryland is in late April through May. However, if you plant your tomatoes outside in June, you should still have enough time to get a decent harvest. If you’re planting the seeds in readiness for transplanting, you should start doing so in March so that the seedlings can be ready at the earliest possible time in the spring.
Be sure to look out for the indications that it’s time to plant. The first and most important is when nighttime temperatures go over 50 degrees Fahrenheit consistently. Keep in mind that tomato plants will not produce fruit until the temperatures at night reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
For this reason, planting when the temperature hits 50 degrees is the best option. This way, the plants will be able to establish themselves and produce fruit as soon as the temperature is high enough.
How long do tomatoes take to grow in Maryland?
The time it takes for tomatoes to mature and be ready for harvesting can vary depending on the type of tomato plant. In most cases, tomato seeds will require an average of 15 days to start germinating.
The seedlings, once established, will then require two to four months before producing fruit. This is, however, dependent on environmental conditions and a farmer’s expertise.
Since tomato plants will be most vulnerable during their first days of life, it’s essential that you give them the best care possible during this time. That way, you will have accelerated their growth rate, so you should be able to enjoy a bountiful harvest in no time.
You can use the following time guidelines to make a rough estimation of the time it will take your plants to grow from seeds to full-fledged plants, as well as when they are most likely to produce fruits.
- Growing to seedlings from seeds: 5 to 12 days
- From seedlings to flower-producing plants: 30 to 45 days
- Developing a bulge from flowers: 9 to 14 days
- Developing a ripe fruit from a bulge: 20 to 30 days
It’s good to bear in mind that the above timelines are just averages and shouldn’t be taken as gospel. Different tomato plant varieties will have different timelines as well as life stages.
The greatest differences are seen in determinate vs indeterminate tomato varieties. Determinate tomatoes also referred to as bush tomatoes, are varieties that have a pre-determined size. They grow to a certain height, produce flowers and fruits all at once, and then die.
On the other hand, indeterminate tomatoes, also called vining tomatoes or cordon tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruits throughout their lifetime.
What are the best varieties of tomatoes to grow in Maryland?
There are a few tomato varieties that do really well in the state of Maryland. Some of these include:
1. Early Girl tomatoes
These are one of the most popular varieties as they mature quite quickly, usually between 50 and 60 days. They are also disease resistant and have a good flavor.
2. Grape tomatoes
As the name suggests, these tomatoes are grape-shaped and have a sweet flavor. They mature in about 60 to 70 days.
3. Beefsteak tomatoes
As one of the largest varieties, these tomatoes can weigh up to 2 pounds each! They have a slightly longer maturity period of 70 to 80 days.
4. Green Zebra tomatoes
These tomatoes are unique in that they have a green and yellow striped appearance. They are also quite tart and have a longer maturity period of 80 to 90 days.
5. Roma tomatoes
These are another popular variety that is often used in cooking as they have lower water content. They mature in about 50 days.
6. Brandywine tomatoes
These heirloom tomatoes are some of the oldest varieties around. They have a unique flavor and take 80 to 90 days to mature.
7. Celebrity tomatoes
As one of the most popular hybrid varieties, these tomatoes are known for their high yield and disease resistance. They mature in about 70 days.
8. Cherry tomatoes
These are a small variety of tomatoes that are often used in salads. They mature quite quickly, usually within 60 days.
9. Sun Gold tomatoes
As one of the sweetest varieties, these tomatoes are a favorite among many. They mature in about 60 to 70 days.
10. Cherokee purple tomatoes
These are another heirloom variety that is quite popular. They have a deep purple color and take 80 to 90 days to mature.
When to plant tomatoes in Maryland: To sum it up
Maryland is a great state for growing tomatoes. There are quite a number of varieties that do well in the state, and with a little bit of care, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest in no time.
Just make sure to choose the right planting time and variety for your needs and you’ll be sure to have a successful tomato-growing experience.
Related article: Should You Put Mulch Around Tomato Plants
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API