The Best Time to Plant Tomatoes in Southeast Georgia

Georgia's warm, humid climate is perfect for growing tomatoes.

Georgia is fortunate to have long, hot, humid summers and mild winters, which is perfect for tomato growing. In fact, according to the Earlham College Biology Department's website, Georgia is the third-largest tomato producer in the United States.

Planting

Start your tomato plants indoors in the late winter, and gradually harden them off so they can be transplanted outdoors by spring. Some southeast Georgia tomato growers have found that planting in late July yields two crops per season.

Sun/Soil

Tomatoes need at least eight hours of full sun per day, and a well-drained soil with added organic matter. To bear the most flavorful fruit, tomatoes need soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. A soil test kit will help you determine your soil's pH. A layer of mulch keeps the soil moist and cool, and can even control some pests.

Fertilizer

Work a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting, then again when the first fruit buds appear. Fertilize the base of each plant every month or so until the plant quits producing fruit for the season.

References

• University of Georgia Center for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Georgia Home Grown Tomatoes
• Earlham College: Biology Department--Biological Diversity 2003--Tantalizing Tomatoes