When to Plant Tomatoes in Caribou County, ID
Caribou County, Idaho gardeners: here's your May plan
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Caribou County, Idaho.
Looking ahead to June
- Transplants going out: tomatoes
- Direct-sowing: 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.
Caribou County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 30 and the first fall frost is September 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 109 days.
At an elevation of 6,562 feet, Caribou County receives approximately 15.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatoes to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tomatoes successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Caribou County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Caribou County
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.1) is more alkaline than Tomatoes prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Caribou County is excellent for Tomatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatoes.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 23 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 5.2" | 1.6" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 1.5" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 5.2" | 1.4" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 1.2" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Caribou 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 — Caribou County, ID
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jun 27 |
| Direct Sow | June 6 | Jun 6 – Jun 27 |
| Harvest | August 15 | Aug 15 – Oct 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
109 days in Caribou County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Caribou County
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after May 30 in Caribou County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Tomatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Caribou County receives only 15" 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 Caribou County
Choose determinate, early-maturing varieties for your short season
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 Caribou County, ID?
Caribou County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 30. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Caribou County, ID?
Caribou County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 30 and first fall frost is September 16.
Your Caribou County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Caribou County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.