Zone 7
Zone 7’s moderate winters allow earlier indoor starts and earlier outdoor planting, while season extenders push harvests earlier and later.
Begin sowing seeds indoors late January to early February, giving 6–7 weeks for robust transplants before setting them out. Last frost dates vary widely here—from early spring in the south to mid-spring in mountainous pockets—so check local resources. Maintain consistent moisture and 70–80°F soil temps. Thin crowded seedlings and rotate trays for even light. Prick out into 4-inch pots once true leaves appear to avoid root binding.
Transplant between early and mid-April, targeting the window after the average last frost but before heat spikes. Use cold frames or high tunnels for earliest plantings, and apply floating row covers for frost protection into mid-April. Choose determinate types for limited space; indeterminates need trellising and longer seasons. Mulch heavily with straw to conserve moisture and suppress weeds as temps rise.
Harvest starts late spring for early varieties, peaking summer. Extend your season by planting a second batch in early July for a fall crop—some heirlooms will fruit until first frost. Monitor for aphids and hornworms as temperatures climb. Pick tomatoes before they fully soften if rain is expected to reduce splitting and rot.
