When it come to transplant Lycopersicon esculentum in Zone 5 , timing is crucial . geographical zone 5 is known for its insensate winter and short growing time of year , so it ’s important to wait until the risk of frost has passed before transplanting your tomato seedlings . In ecumenical , it ’s safe to transpose tomatoes in Zone 5 when the nighttime temperature systematically quell above 50 ° degree Fahrenheit ( 10 ° 100 ) and the territory has warmed up .
One way to determine when it ’s dependable to graft tomatoes is by break the average last frost date for your specific orbit . This date can vary depending on your location within Zone 5 , so it ’s of import to do some research or consult with local horticulture resources to find the most accurate information . In my own experience , I ’ve find that waiting until at least two calendar week after the fair last Robert Frost particular date offer a salutary buffer and helps ensure that the plant wo n’t be damage by any belated - time of year cold snaps .
Another authoritative factor to regard when transplanting tomatoes is the size and wellness of your seedlings . Ideally , your tomato seedlings should have developed a secure root arrangement and be at least 6 - 8 in tall before transplant . This usually takes about 6 - 8 workweek from the sentence of sowing the seeds . It ’s important to give your seedling enough time to grow and produce before subjecting them to the stresses of transplantation .
Before transplanting , it ’s a good idea to harden off your tomato seedling . This mental process involves gradually acclimating them to outside conditions by exposing them to increasing sum of sunlight and outside temperature over a period of 7 - 10 days . This helps prepare them for the passage from the controlled surround of your plate or glasshouse to the potentially abrasive condition of the garden .
When it ’s time to graft your tomato seedling , opt a cheery fix in your garden with well - draining soil . Tomatoes thrive in full sun and require at least 6 - 8 hour of direct sunlight each day to raise a bountiful harvest . get up the soil by removing any weeds or debris and incorporate organic subject , such as compost or well - rotted manure , to improve fertility and drainage .
grind a hollow that is mysterious enough to accommodate the total root system of the seedling , but leave the top few sets of leave above the soil line . Gently remove the seedling from its container , being careful not to damage the origin , and place it in the hole . sate in the hole with soil , firming it softly around the Qaeda of the plant to provide support . water supply the newly transplanted seedling thoroughly to help fall the soil and ensure good root - to - soil contact lens .
After transplanting , it ’s significant to provide your love apple with adequate piss and unconstipated care . Water deeply but infrequently , calculate to keep the soil evenly moist without becoming waterlogged . Mulching around the infrastructure of the works can help maintain wet and suppress weeds . to boot , render support for your tomato plants , such as stakes or cages , will aid keep them upright as they grow and forestall damage from inviolable winds or heavy fruit .
Transplanting tomatoes in Zone 5 should be done after the danger of Robert Frost has passed and the stain has warm up . look until at least two weeks after the average last frost appointment is a good guidepost . Ensuring that your seedlings are sizeable and have developed a impregnable root word system is also important . opt a sunny fix with well - draining soil , and provide steady care and documentation for your transplanted tomatoes to assist them thrive throughout the growing season .
Caroline Bates
