When to plant Tomatoes in Yolo County, CA
Spring Tomatoes in Yolo County goes in February 9–March 2, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Yolo 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.
Yolo County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 163 feet, Yolo County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Tomatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Yolo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Tomatoes to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 tomatoes plants in about 24 sq ft. In Yolo County's 297-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 | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Yolo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Yolo County, CA
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 29 | Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 20 | Apr 20 – Jun 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
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
297 days in Yolo County
Growing Tips for Yolo 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 Yolo County, CA?
Yolo County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yolo County, CA?
Yolo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 3.
When should I plant Tomatoes in Yolo County, CA?
In Yolo County, CA, plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Yolo County, CA for Tomatoes?
Yolo 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 Yolo County's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Yolo County's temperate climate. Yolo County averages a 298-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 3.
Your Yolo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Yolo 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.