When to plant Tomatoes in Bodega, CA
In Bodega, plant Tomatoes in spring between February 26 and March 19, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Bodega's last frost averages February 26, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 60–85 days before the first frost on November 26.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Bodega, CA
Your June planting checklist for Sonoma County, California
Your garden in Sonoma County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Bring in the tomatoes
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: tomatoes
Tomatoes are the most popular home garden crop, available in thousands of varieties from tiny cherries to massive beefsteaks. They are warm-season plants needing full sun.
Bodega, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 91 feet, Sonoma County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Tomatoes during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tomatoes will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Bodega Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Tomatoes Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Bodega
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Tomatoes's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Sonoma County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Tomatoes will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tomatoes.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatoes.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
Tomatoes Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatoes
Tomatoes needs approximately 1.2 inches of water per week (5.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tomatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 5.2" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 5.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 5.2" | 2.3" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 5.2" | 0.8" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 0.1" | 5.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 0" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 5.2" | 0" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 0.4" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 1.3" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 2.7" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Sonoma County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatoes Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Bodega, CA
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jul 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Sonoma County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Bodega
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after February 26 in Sonoma County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Sonoma County dries quickly — mulch Tomatoes with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Tomatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Bury transplants deep to encourage rooting along the stem. Provide consistent moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking.
Recommended Tomatoes Varieties for Bodega
Your long season supports large indeterminate heirloom types
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.
Tomatoes in Other Locations
When should I plant Tomatoes in Bodega, CA?
In Bodega, CA, plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around February 26) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bodega, CA for Tomatoes?
Bodega sits in USDA Zone 9b. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Bodega's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Bodega's temperate climate. Bodega averages a 274-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 26 and first frost around November 26.
Your Sonoma County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sonoma County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.