When to plant Tomatoes in Carrabelle, FL
In Zone 9a (Carrabelle), direct-sow Tomatoes between February 25 and March 18 for spring, after the February 25 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Carrabelle, FL
Your July gardening checklist
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Franklin County, Florida.
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Bring in the tomatoes
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Carrabelle, 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.
Carrabelle Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6
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 Carrabelle
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.0) is more acidic than Tomatoes prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Franklin 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 low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tomatoes.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.
Tomatoes Water Budget
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 5.2" | 2.8" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 5.2" | 3.2" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.2" | 2.6" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 5.2" | 4" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 5.2" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 5.2" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 5.2" | 4.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 2.9" | 2.3" | 💧 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 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 — Carrabelle, 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
| 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
276 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Carrabelle
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after February 25 in Franklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Franklin County dries quickly — mulch Tomatoes with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Franklin 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.
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 Carrabelle
Heat-set varieties that pollinate reliably above 90°F
Your long season supports large indeterminate heirloom types
Disease-resistant varieties for your humid climate
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 Carrabelle, FL?
In Carrabelle, FL, 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 Carrabelle, FL for Tomatoes?
Carrabelle sits in USDA Zone 9a. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Carrabelle's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Carrabelle's temperate climate. Carrabelle 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.