When to plant Tomatoes in Henry County, IA
The best window to plant Tomatoes in Henry County, is April 28–May 19, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 21; first frost October 14.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Henry 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.
Henry County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 879 feet, Henry County receives approximately 40.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Tomatoes during the growing season.
Henry 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 Henry County's 176-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Henry County, IA
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| 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
176 days in Henry County
Growing Tips for Henry 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 Henry County, IA?
Henry County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Henry County, IA?
Henry County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Tomatoes in Henry County, IA?
In Henry County, IA, plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Henry County, IA for Tomatoes?
Henry 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 Henry County's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Henry County's temperate climate. Henry County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 14.
Your Henry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Henry 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.