When to plant Tomatoes in Clarke County, IA
Plant Tomatoes in Clarke County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 1. Continue planting through May 22 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Clarke County, IA
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.
Clarke County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 1,182 feet, Clarke County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Tomatoes during the growing season.
Clarke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Tomatoes to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 tomatoes plants in about 24 sq ft. In Clarke County's 170-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Clarke County, IA
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Clarke County
Growing Tips for Clarke 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 Clarke County, IA?
Clarke County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clarke County, IA?
Clarke County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Tomatoes in Clarke County, IA?
In Clarke County, IA, plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clarke County, IA for Tomatoes?
Clarke County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Clarke County's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Clarke County's temperate climate. Clarke County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Clarke County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clarke County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.