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When to plant Tomatoes in Franklin County County,

In Franklin County County, plant Tomatoes in spring between February 25 and March 18, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Franklin County County's last frost averages February 25, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 85 days before the first frost on November 28.

When to Plant Tomatoes in Franklin County, FL

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.

Franklin County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 25 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.

At an elevation of 487 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 59.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Tomatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tomatoes will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatoes root diseases.

Franklin County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
276 days
Last Spring Frost February 25
276 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Franklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Tomatoes to Grow

10-15 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 tomatoes plants in about 24 sq ft. In Franklin County's 276-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 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 10" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Franklin County, FL

Tomatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 14 Jan 14 – Jan 28
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Direct Sow February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 18
Harvest May 6 May 6 – Jul 15

Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–85 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

276 days in Franklin County

Growing Tips for Franklin 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

  • Cabbage
  • Fennel
  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Tomatoes Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Scoop seeds from ripe fruit; ferment 2-3 days to remove gel coating.
Storage Store airtight; viable 4-6 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatoes in Franklin County, FL?

Franklin County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 25. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin County, FL?

Franklin County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 25 and first fall frost is November 28.

When should I plant Tomatoes in Franklin County County, ?

In Franklin County County, , plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around February 25) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Franklin County County, for Tomatoes?

Franklin County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Tomatoes grow in Franklin County County's climate?

Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Franklin County County's temperate climate. Franklin County County averages a 277-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 25 and first frost around November 28.

🌱

Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Franklin County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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