When to plant Tomatoes in Tehama County, CA
Plant Tomatoes in Tehama County after March 6; the prime window is March 6–March 27.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Tehama County, CA
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.
Tehama County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 78 feet, Tehama County receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatoes to ensure they mature before fall.
Tehama County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Tomatoes to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 tomatoes plants in about 24 sq ft. In Tehama County's 267-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatoes
Tomatoes needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tomatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 10.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 8.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tehama County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Tehama County, CA
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Tehama County
Growing Tips for Tehama County
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatoes in Tehama County, CA?
Tehama County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tehama County, CA?
Tehama County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 28.
When should I plant Tomatoes in Tehama County, CA?
In Tehama County, CA, plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Tehama County, CA for Tomatoes?
Tehama County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Tehama County's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Tehama County's temperate climate. Tehama County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 28.
Your Tehama County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Tehama 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.