Growing tomatoes in South Carolina is pretty easy, with a long growing season and a warm, humid climate that is well-suited to tomato growth. Summers are hot and humid, with occasional periods of drought, while winters are mild with little to no frost.
With proper care and attention, such as selecting disease-resistant varieties, providing adequate water and nutrients, and using techniques such as staking and pruning, it is possible to have a bountiful tomato harvest in South Carolina. Time planting, using protective measures such as mulch and row covers, and providing regular maintenance can also help optimize growth and yield.
Tomatoes in South Carolina’s Climate
South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters. The state experiences moderate to high precipitation throughout the year, with the highest amounts of rainfall occurring during the summer months.
High temperatures and humidity can increase the risk of fungal diseases such as blight, while excessive rainfall can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases, such as Fusarium and Verticillium wilt. Planting in well-drained soil and using raised beds or companion plants to improve drainage can help to prevent waterlogged roots. Proper spacing, staking, and pruning can also promote good air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Pests come with every humid climate, inspect your plants thoroughly to keep top of any potential pest problems. Look out, especially for aphids, spider mites, and white flies.
When to start tomatoes indoors in South Carolina
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. Depending on where you are in South Carolina, start sowing tomato seeds indoors around February 28th.
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:
- Select a planting container. Choose a container at least 6-8 inches deep, with holes in the bottom for drainage.
- Fill with a seed starter potting soil.
- Plant 2-3 tomato seeds ⅛ inch deep in the soil and cover.
- Water the soil until it is moist but not soggy.
- Place the container in a warm, sunny spot indoors and keep the soil moist.
- 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 South Carolina
Growing early harvest tomatoes is a great way to ensure success in South Carolina. With a moderate to the long growing season, you can grow a wide variety of tomatoes. Some varieties of tomatoes are ready to harvest in under 60 days others in 100 days. With the proper planning, and an early start you are guaranteed to have a choice in your crops. I recommend one of the following varieties:
- ‘Aunt Gertie’s Gold’ Tomato – 75-80 Days to Harvest
- ‘Heidi’ Tomato – 90 Days to Harvest
- ‘Opalka’ Tomato – 90 Days to Harvest
- ‘Martino’s Roma’ Tomato – 70-80 Days to Harvest
- ‘Fourth of July’ Tomato – 49 Days to Harvest
- ‘Sweet Million’ Tomato – 45 Days to Harvest
- ‘Oregon Spring’ Tomato – 50 Days to Harvest
- ‘Celebrity’ Tomato – 70 Days to Harvest
- ‘Yellow Pear’ Tomato – 60 Days to Harvest
- ‘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 South Carolina
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 South Carolina, your final freeze date is expected:
But be mindful of your weather forecast. If it seems like you’re in for a late freeze, wait to plant your tomatoes!
Additional Resource: Find Your South Carolina Hardiness Zone
When to harvest tomatoes in South Carolina
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.
