When to plant Tomatoes in Stevens County, MN
Plant Tomatoes in Stevens County after May 2; the prime window is May 16–June 6.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Stevens County, MN
Stevens County, Minnesota gardeners: here's your August plan
Each item below is timed to Stevens County, Minnesota's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start harvesting tomatoes
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Looking ahead to September
- 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.
Stevens County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 1,259 feet, Stevens County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatoes to ensure they mature before fall.
Stevens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
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 Stevens County
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Tomatoes's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Stevens County is excellent for Tomatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Tomatoes will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 13 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 5.2" | 4.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 4.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 3.6" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.2" | 3.5" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 2.9" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 2.8" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Stevens 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 — Stevens County, MN
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Oct 3 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Stevens County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Stevens County
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after May 02 in Stevens 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 Stevens County, MN?
Stevens County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stevens County, MN?
Stevens County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Tomatoes in Stevens County, MN?
In Stevens County, MN, plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stevens County, MN for Tomatoes?
Stevens County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Stevens County's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Stevens County's temperate climate. Stevens County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 6.
Your Stevens County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stevens County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.