Tomatoes found their way from the sun-drenched regions of South America to cool Central Europe. In the home garden, the apples of paradise only thrive in summer temperatures. The range for the best planting time is therefore narrowly limited. We reveal the optimal dates.

Tomatoes can be planted outdoors from mid-May

Earlier start of the planting season in the greenhouse

For lucky greenhouse owners, the planting season begins as early as mid/late April. In the sheltered environment under glass, delayed ground frosts have little chance of damaging the tomatoes. Provided that the cultivation took place indoors at a constant 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. If you want to be on the safe side, set up a natural ‘manure heater’ before planting. This trick works like this:

  • dig the soil in the greenhouse about 70 centimeters deep
  • put a manure pack in it, ideally made of horse manure, and tamp it down well
  • spread a 20-30 centimeter thick layer of compost over it

As the manure rots, a pleasant warmth develops. This is delivered to the greenhouse so that the room remains frost-free without any additional energy supply.

Out into the open from mid-May

For generations, the departure of the ice saints has heralded the beginning of the planting season in the vegetable patch. From mid-May, no more ground frosts are expected, which could seriously damage the young tomato plants. In particularly rough locations, it is still advisable to protect the bed with garden fleece overnight. A foil tunnel (€11.46) that is closed during the night hours is particularly effective in protecting tomato plants from frostbite.

Individual plants on the balcony will find effective protection from the cold under special tomato hoods. These are made of weatherproof foil and have air holes to prevent mold from forming. Important to note is that spacers keep the hood away from the leaves and buds. At the same time, these mini tomato houses keep the rain out and minimize the risk of late blight infection.

Appointment not as sole criterion

Experienced hobby gardeners know that the calendar alone is not sufficient as a basis for deciding when to start planting. Only the strongest tomato plants can withstand the stresses of being outdoors, on the balcony and in an unheated greenhouse. Only the interaction of the following factors signals the final start of the season in the open air:

  • the temperature minimum of 13 degrees Celsius is permanently exceeded
  • the perfect tomato plant is 30 to 40 centimeters high
  • ideally, a first umbel of flowers has formed
  • a week's hardening took place, during the day in a partially shaded place in the garden or on the balcony
  • the plant has not or only minimally wilted

tips

An unheated greenhouse without a 'manure heater' can be protected from frost at night with a simple trick. Simply set up several grave lights. These burn off safely and give off enough heat to act as a frost guard.

Category:

Vegetable garden