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When to plant Tomatoes in Conception,

Conception's climate puts the Tomatoes spring window between April 29 and May 20. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Tomatoes in Conception, MO

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.

Conception, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 950 feet, Nodaway County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatoes to ensure they mature before fall.

Conception, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13
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Conception Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Tomatoes to Grow

10-15 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 tomatoes plants in about 24 sq ft. In Nodaway County's 174-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatoes

Tomatoes needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Tomatoes Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Nodaway County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Conception, MO

Tomatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 – Sep 16

Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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
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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

174 days in Nodaway County

Growing Tips for Conception

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

  • Cabbage
  • Fennel
  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Tomatoes Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Scoop seeds from ripe fruit; ferment 2-3 days to remove gel coating.
Storage Store airtight; viable 4-6 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.

When should I plant Tomatoes in Conception, ?

In Conception, , plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Conception, for Tomatoes?

Conception sits in USDA Zone 5b. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Tomatoes grow in Conception's climate?

Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Conception's temperate climate. Conception averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 13.

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Your Nodaway County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nodaway 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Nodaway County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.