When to Plant Tomatoes in Connecticut

Growing tomatoes in Connecticut is a great experience. The state enjoys warm summers with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the upper-80s, with cool winters with occasional snowfall. The state has plentiful sunshine and adequate rainfall, while the soil is well-suited for cultivating an array of tomato varieties. With proper care, even novice gardeners can enjoy an abundant harvest of fresh, delicious tomatoes.

Tomatoes in Connecticut’s Climate

Connecticut has a humid continental climate, with warm and humid summers, and cold and snowy winters. The state is located in the northeastern United States, so the temperatures tend to be milder in the winter and more extreme in the summer. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with the heaviest rain usually in the summer months. Snowfall is common and varies from year to year, with coastal areas receiving less than inland areas.

The warm and humid summers are ideal for tomato growth, as they provide the right amount of heat and moisture for the plants. However, the cold and snowy winters can cause problems for tomatoes, as the cold temperatures can damage the roots and kill the plants. Solutions to this problem include using row covers to protect the plants from cold temperatures, mulching the soil to insulate the roots, and planting in raised beds to provide better drainage. To take advantage of the short growing season, it is highly recommended to start your seeds early indoors. The season can also be extended through greenhouses and cover cloths.

When to Start Tomatoes Indoors in Connecticut

If you want to get an early start on cultivating tomatoes, begin growing the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the final spring frost in your area, regardless of the tomato variety you’re growing. In Connecticut, start sowing your tomato seeds indoors from February 21st to March 19th.

You may want to get them going even earlier than that and plant them in a large pot ahead of producing them outdoors, just to give them even more of a head start. To start tomato seeds indoors:

1. Select a planting container. Choose a container at least 6-8 inches deep, with holes in the bottom for drainage.
2. Fill with a seed starter potting soil.
3. Plant 2-3 tomato seeds ⅛ inch deep in the soil and cover.
4. Water the soil until it is moist but not soggy.
5. Place the container in a warm, sunny spot indoors and keep the soil moist.
6. When the seedlings reach 2-3 inches tall, thin them out so there is only one seedling per container.

Tomato Varieties That do Well in Connecticut

Growing early-harvest tomatoes is essential in Connecticut, due to the shortened growing season. Some varieties of tomatoes are ready to harvest in under 60 days, which is ideal in the short growing season of Connecticut. I recommend one of the following varieties: 

1. ‘Early Girl’ Tomato – 55 Days to Harvest
2. ‘Sun Gold’ Tomato – 55 Days to Harvest
3. ‘Sungold’ Tomato – 50 Days to Harvest
4. ‘Stupice’ Tomato – 52 Days to Harvest
5. ‘Fourth of July’ Tomato – 49 Days to Harvest
6. ‘Sweet Million’ Tomato – 45 Days to Harvest
7. ‘Oregon Spring’ Tomato – 50 Days to Harvest
8. ‘Celebrity’ Tomato – 70 Days to Harvest
9. ‘Yellow Pear’ Tomato – 60 Days to Harvest
10. ‘Gardener’s Delight Tomato – 52 Days to Harvests

Hardening Off Your Tomatoes

Hardening off tomatoes that you’ve started indoors before planting outdoors is essential to ensure they can thrive in the outdoor environment. When tomatoes are started indoors, they become accustomed to the warm and more stable environment. When planted outdoors, they are exposed to more extreme temperatures, wind, and sun. Hardening off tomatoes helps them slowly adjust to their new environment by exposing them to these elements for an extended period.

The process of hardening off tomatoes begins by slowly introducing them to the outdoors. Start by placing them in a sheltered spot, such as a porch or a partially shaded area, for a few hours each day. Over a week, gradually increase the amount of time they are kept outdoors and the amount of sun they are exposed to. After a week of hardening off, the tomatoes should be ready to move to their final outdoor planting location.

When to Plant Tomatoes in Connecticut

It’s generally safe to plant tomatoes outdoors when there is no risk of frost or freezing temperatures. In most climates, this means waiting until at least late spring or early summer. In Connecticut, the final freeze date is expected around April 3rd to April 30th, depending on where you live. Still, be mindful of your weather forecast. If it seems like you’re in for a late freeze, wait to plant your tomatoes! 

When to Harvest Tomatoes in Connecticut

When tomatoes have turned a deep red (or the ripe color of their particular variety) and have no green spots visible, they are ripe and ready to be picked. If there are still green patches on the tomato, it has not yet ripened and should remain on the vine. The ideal way to pick ripe tomatoes is to cup the tomato in your hand and give it a gentle twist- it should come off the vine with ease. When in doubt, you can leave it on the vine an extra couple of days, or harvest the entire branch of tomatoes and allow it to ripen on the vine on your window sill.