Ohio is well suited for tomato production, and was once ranked second in the nation for processing tomatoes. In addition, tomatoes are widely grown for fresh market by Ohio farmers and gardeners. Tomatoes are warm-season plants and should be planted only after danger of frost has passed unless you are prepared to protect them in the event of a frost.
Typically, that date for central Ohio is May 20 or after. The planting time for southern Ohio can be one to two weeks earlier, while the planting time for northern Ohio is one week later. The date does not necessarily mean it is the date when there is no danger of frost
at all. There is still a 50 percent or less chance of frost on this
date. The odds of a frost event will typically drop an additional 10 percent for each week past this date.
Air temperature is an important factor in the production of tomatoes, which are particularly sensitive to low night temperatures and extremely high temperatures. Blossom drop can occur in early spring when daytime temperatures are warm, but night temperatures fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
This phenomenon will occur during the summer as well, when daytime temperatures are above 90 F and night temperatures are above 75 F. So the best advice is to keep those tomatoes in their pots tomatoes where they can easily be moved if a cold front comes through.
Looking for some locally grown plants..don’t forget to check out the Fairfield County Master Gardeners Plant Sale slated for Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. The Sale begins at 9:00 a.m. and we have over 125 tomato plants for sale. Come, check it out!! All proceeds support the Fairfield County Master Gardener Educational programs.