When to plant Tomatoes in Greene County County,
In Greene County County, plant Tomatoes in spring between April 20 and May 11, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Greene County County's last frost averages April 13, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 85 days before the first frost on October 21.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Greene County, IL
What to do in June
Your garden in Greene County, Illinois is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Sow tomatoes in trays indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Bring in the tomatoes
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: 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.
Greene County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 1,248 feet, Greene County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Tomatoes during the growing season.
Greene County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.7
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 Greene County
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.7) is within Tomatoes's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Greene County is excellent for Tomatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tomatoes.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Tomatoes will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
Tomatoes Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 5.2" | 3.2" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 3.9" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 4.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 3.9" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.2" | 4.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 3.3" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Greene 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 — Greene County, IL
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Sep 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Greene County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Greene County
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after April 13 in Greene 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.
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.
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 Greene County, IL?
Greene County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Greene County, IL?
Greene County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Tomatoes in Greene County County, ?
In Greene County County, , plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Greene County County, for Tomatoes?
Greene County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Greene County County's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Greene County County's temperate climate. Greene County County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 21.
Your Greene County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Greene County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.