When to plant Tomatoes in Weldon, CA
Tomatoes planted in Weldon between February 28 and March 21 matures in 85 days — well before the November 29 first frost.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Weldon, CA
Your June game plan for Kern County, California
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Kern County, California.
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Start harvesting tomatoes
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Weldon, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.
At an elevation of 389 feet, Kern County receives approximately 16.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Tomatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tomatoes successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Weldon Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.7
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 Weldon
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.7) overlaps with Tomatoes's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kern County is excellent for Tomatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tomatoes.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatoes.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 05 to harvest before frost.
Tomatoes Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 5.2" | 3.4" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 5.2" | 2.4" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 5.2" | 1.2" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 5.2" | 0.5" | 4.7" | 🚿 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" | 0.2" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 0.7" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 1.7" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Kern 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 — Weldon, CA
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Harvest | May 9 | May 9 – Jul 18 |
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
274 days in Kern County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Weldon
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after February 28 in Kern County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Kern County, provide afternoon shade for Tomatoes and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Tomatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Kern County receives only 17" of rain annually. Tomatoes needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Weldon
Heat-set varieties that pollinate reliably above 90°F
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 Weldon, CA?
In Weldon, CA, plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around February 28) and before the first frost (around November 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Weldon, CA for Tomatoes?
Weldon sits in USDA Zone 9b. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Weldon's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Weldon's temperate climate. Weldon averages a 275-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 28 and first frost around November 29.
Your Kern County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kern 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.